Neil Sahota (萨冠军) is the CEO of ACSI Labs, United Nations (UN) AI Advisor, IBM Master Inventor, Professor at UC Irvine, and author of best-seller, Own the A.I. Revolution. With 20+ years of business experience, he works with organizations to create their core business strategy, enter new markets, and develop next generation products/solutions powered by emerging technology. His work experience spans multiple industries including legal services, healthcare, life sciences, retail, travel and transportation, energy and utilities, automotive, telecommunications, media/communication, and government. Moreover, Neil is one of the few people selected for IBM's Corporate Service Corps leadership program that pairs leaders with NGOs to perform community-driven economic development projects. For his assignment, Neil lived and worked in Ningbo, China where he partnered with Chinese corporate CEOs to create a leadership development program.

In addition, Neil partners with entrepreneurs to define their products, establish their target markets, and structure their companies. He is a member of several investor groups like the Tech Coast Angels, advises venture capital funds like Miramar and CerraCap, and helped create the UN’s Innovation Factory, a global program for social impact entrepreneurs. Neil also serves as a judge in various startup competitions and mentor in several incubator/accelerator programs.

Neil currently co-hosts AI for All podcast with Ryan Chacon where you’ll hear from AI companies, experts, researchers, academics and industry leaders on the latest advancements in all things AI, machine learning, data science, and robotics.

Why Neil?‍

• Directly aligned with your theme – Neil’s talks focus on the practical, tactical side of GenAI—precisely what your audience of CTOs, CIOs, and tech leaders seeks.
• Expert in enterprise AI transformation – With experience across industries and a deep understanding of implementation pitfalls, Neil addresses the “how,” not just the “what.”
• Proven thought leader – Advisor to the UN, author, and recognized voice in publications like Forbes and Wilmington Trust on AI strategy and innovation.
• Engaging and actionable – Delivers sessions rich with real-world examples, high-level clarity, and frameworks your audience can immediately apply.
• Ideal keynote tone – Delivers compelling, no-fluff insights in a clear, engaging way—perfect for a mid-agenda session focused on inspiring action.

Recommended Keynote:

1) AI or Fall Behind: Why You're Failing to Unlock Value from AI

In today’s cutthroat market, AI is the edge that separates the disruptors from the disrupted. Yet, many companies stumble into the same traps, pouring resources into AI initiatives only to see little to no ROI. Sound familiar?

In AI or Fall Behind, I reveal the five critical pitfalls that sabotage AI success. You’ll discover why your competitors are thriving while your projects stall. However, I’ll show you the path to course correct, not only catch up but leapfrog past your competitors. This isn’t just a wake-up call. It’s your blueprint for meaningful AI transformation.

Plus, as a parting gift, I’ll give you a taste of the "secret sauce" to supercharge your company and ignite exponential growth. By the end, you won’t just be ready for AI. You’ll be leading the charge.

2) AI Failure to Fortune: Why Your Organization is Struggling… And How to Fix It

Despite the buzz and investment surrounding AI, many organizations struggle to realize meaningful value from their initiatives. Why do some companies thrive with AI while others stagnate, failing to move beyond pilot projects and proof-of-concept exercises? In this session, we’ll uncover the critical missteps organizations make, which silently sabotage progress and drain resources.

Join us as we break down the common roadblocks, some which plague us even at ideation. More importantly, we’ll dive into actionable solutions that will put your organization on the path to AI success. You'll gain insights into how to determine what you should do with AI and harness the right technologies to drive real impact.

This isn’t just another AI talk. It’s your opportunity to learn what it truly takes to transform AI hype into measurable business value. Whether you're leading AI initiatives or supporting them, this presentation will provide the clarity, direction, and tactical actions needed to avoid costly mistakes and position your organization as a true AI leader.

Come prepared to challenge your assumptions, rethink your approach, and walk away with a blueprint for AI success.

^{"Your deep understanding of AI and its potential applications within our work provided us with a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The clarity with which you articulated complex concepts and your ability to connect them to real-world scenarios was particularly impressive and greatly appreciated by all in attendance." - Darrell Johnson, CEO, Orange County Transportation Authority}

^{"The presentation was great. Neil was able to take examples of what is happening in other industries and bring it back to what we should be looking at in our industry." - Kristin Keller, SVP Real Estate Lending, Amplify Credit Union}

Jay Kiew is a change innovation strategist and world-renowned keynote speaker with more than 15 years of strategy and human capital experience. He has created more than $2B of impact for 400+ executives by designing, developing, and delivering organizational transformation, but his story extends far beyond the professional arena. Kiew is a half-blind cancer survivor, whose life is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. His remarkable blend of professional expertise and personal resilience equips leaders to hack through the thick of change and disruption.

Kiew spent his corporate career working at Deloitte, TELUS, and ADP, where he led mission-critical strategic transformations. This included a $150-million primary care health policy reform, $13-million tech transformations, doubling app users from 1 to 2 million, and scaling 15 product lines to $35 million in 12 months. As the CEO at Citizencentric, he now invests his time in growing organizations for the greater good.

At the age of 19, Kiew became the world's youngest Distinguished Toastmaster. He has since been featured in the Financial Times, Globe and Mail, Financial Post, Ivey Business Journal, Change Leadership, and more. In 2024, the Project Management Institute inducted Jay as a Future50 honoree for his work on enabling organizations with AI Fluency and Agentic AI adoption.

Kiew holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School and lives in Vancouver with his wife, two daughters, and a stubborn Shiba Inu named Brooklyn.

Why Jay Kiew?

• Delivers practical and strategic content, aligned with Venon’s goal of offering actionable GenAI insights to CTOs, CIOs, and innovation leaders
• Brings a transformation-first mindset, equipping attendees with frameworks to drive lasting change beyond the hype
• Known for his engaging, workshop-style keynotes that prioritize interactivity and leave attendees with clear next steps
• His “Compass” methodology complements the AI integration and change navigation challenges tech leaders face today

Recommended Keynote:

EVOLVE: Driving Disruption in the Age of AI

As artificial intelligence becomes ubiquitous, differentiation becomes harder. If every organization has access to the same groundbreaking tools, how can they set themselves apart?

In this engaging and experiential keynote, Jay Kiew explores the future of work beyond ChatGPT, revealing how high-performing organizations are positioning themselves to lead—not follow—through AI disruption. He introduces Compass, a change navigation playbook designed to help leaders confidently evolve their teams, strategy, and execution in the age of AI.

Key Takeaways:

• Simplify the complex AI ecosystem to identify high-impact opportunities
• Build AI fluency that empowers teams to disrupt—not be disrupted
• Apply Compass to drive organizational transformation with clarity and confidence‍

‍Ideal For:

• Learners curious about where AI is headed
• Leaders looking to embed GenAI and automation into daily workflows
• Executives aiming to understand where top companies are applying AI for strategic advantage

^{"Insightful keynote that allowed us to gain practical knowledge of how to leverage AI in our daily operations " - DELL Global Project Management Forum}

^{“During our keynote, Jay gave us key instructions on how to navigate change and harness the power of generative AI for a more human-centric workplace. Change can be a bumpy road, but with Jay’s insights, we’re confident you can navigate it smoothly." - Tech Talent North}

Sharon Gai is a globally recognized keynote speaker and expert in retail innovation, and artificial intelligence. With extensive experience at Alibaba, Sharon played a pivotal role in helping brands grow through consumer-to-manufacturer (C2M) strategies, leveraging AI and big data to inform product design and optimize supply chains via Cainiao, Alibaba's logistics platform. Her expertise spans digital transformation, cultural commerce, and retail technology, making her a sought-after thought leader.

Sharon speaks about AI, eCommerce, and innovation at renowned events and organizations, including TEDx, Singularity University, UBS, Deloitte, Nestlé, Walmart, and Alibaba. She is the author of Ecommerce Reimagined: What We Can Learn in Retail and Ecommerce from China, a book that offers cutting-edge insights into the rapidly evolving global retail landscape. In the book, she documented innovative business practices on RedNote, Tik Tok, Douyin and other major Chinese apps and social media strategies.

When she's not delivering impactful presentations, Sharon travels the world (with her speaking engagements conveniently fueling her wanderlust!) and interviews inspiring entrepreneurs for Alibaba’s podcast, B2B Breakthrough. Combining her technical expertise with a personal touch, Sharon helps organizations navigate the future of retail and business in an AI-driven world.

Why Sharon Gai is a Great Fit

• Brings a global AI and digital transformation lens, ideal for Venon’s audience of senior tech leaders
• Offers firsthand experience with enterprise-level AI deployment at Alibaba, directly aligning with the event’s tactical focus
• Delivers cross-cultural strategy and case studies that expose attendees to innovative models beyond Western markets
• Known for her clear, engaging storytelling that resonates with executive audiences navigating change
• Adds valuable perspective to a GenAI event by connecting AI with consumer behavior, digital platforms, and brand-building

Recommended Keynotes:

How To Do More With Less

With two ongoing wars, collapse of big companies, and inflation, the economy today is going through a turbulent time. How do you survive? How can you have a turnaround as a business? Companies no longer have the luxury to spend money on low return projects. In this keynote, Sharon will teach businesses how to do more with less. We'll dive deep into the transformative effects of AI on business and explore the tremendous opportunities and challenges it presents. You'll discover how businesses of all sizes can leverage AI to gain a competitive edge, streamline processes, automate tasks, and make data-driven decisions that drive growth and profitability. Those who listen to this keynote will come out ahead.

Session takeaways:

• Understand the difference between hype and reality when it comes to AI and its potential for business.
• Learn about practical and impactful use cases of AI in various industries and business functions.
• Gain insights into how AI is being used to streamline processes, optimize operations, and drive revenue growth.
• Discover the key challenges of AI adoption in business and how to overcome them, such as data quality, privacy concerns, and organizational change management
• Learn about the skills and competencies needed to succeed in the age of AI, and how to cultivate them in yourself and your team.

AI Agents: The Future of Intelligent Automation and Business Transformation

​Artificial intelligence is moving beyond simple automation to create intelligent AI agents capable of reasoning, decision-making, and autonomous action. These agents are redefining industries, from customer service to supply chain management, by enhancing efficiency, personalization, and innovation. Acclaimed speaker and author Sharon Gai explores how AI agents will reshape business strategies, streamline operations, and elevate customer experiences. Leaders who harness AI-driven automation will gain a competitive edge in an increasingly digital and dynamic marketplace.

Keynote Takeaways:

• Understand the evolution of AI agents and their impact on business processes
• Explore how autonomous AI can enhance decision-making and reduce operational bottlenecks
• Learn how AI agents are transforming customer service, marketing, and enterprise automation
• Identify ethical considerations and risks in deploying AI-driven agents
• Discover strategies for integrating AI agents into your business for long-term growth

^{“Learned so much about the different types of AI that I will definitely utilize to increase my productivity, personally and professionally. Can’t wait to learn more!” - Texas Economic Development Council}

^{“It’s great for all levels in the ai lifecycle. From skeptic, curious, active user, and maven. Highly suggest locking in with your content very insightful and enlightening.” - Deloitte}

Dona believes that you are one experiment away from being your most powerful self at work. And yes, in life!  

Currently at her day job, she’s running 100 experiments as the Chief Troublemaker of the Microsoft AI and Copilot Extensibility Program. Her goal is that people all over the world can use Microsoft’s AI and Copilot programs to reason over their OWN data and truly make AI useful for their business.

Previously, Dona led the Accessibility tech program at Microsoft, implementing Generative AI in her products in an inclusive way. She also led the #WindowsInsiders program (20 million people globally) and worked on advocacy for the Metaverse via HoloLens and low-code development via Microsoft’s Power Platform.

Dona is also a keynote speaker (fave audience is corporate leaders like YOU), a multi-published author (it turns out fiction writing is useful in software!),  the owner of the ethical luxury fashion brand called Prima Dona Studios, and she has recently become a wine bar co-owner and is studying to be a sommelier.  

A few years ago, she was named one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Productive People and Cosmopolitan magazine's Businessperson of the Year for her multi-faceted (aka weird) life.  And yes, she is always ready to get on a plane and come see YOU.

Why Dona?

• Brings a hands-on, enterprise-tested lens to GenAI adoption—ideal for Venon’s tech leader audience
• Shares real-world case studies from Fortune 500s adopting AI across roles and departments
• Clearly breaks down what AI is and what it isn’t, removing hype and focusing on impact
• Known for her engaging and inclusive delivery, empowering even non-technical audiences to take action
• Perfect fit for an event focused on practical GenAI use cases and implementation strategies

Recommended Keynote:

We Understood The Assignment: How to Leverage AI in Your Enterprise

Yes, we know—there’s been a lot of AI talk over the past 18 months. But here’s the reality: enterprises are now actively using AI to do real work and generate real results.

In this highly practical and hands-on keynote (or workshop), Dona Sarkar breaks down the how of AI integration—how it actually works, where it’s delivering ROI, and how teams can skill up and drive adoption internally.

Key Topics Covered:

• What exactly is AI, what is Generative AI, and how does it work?
• How organizations are defining business scenarios for AI
• The most common cross-industry AI use cases
• How teams are skilling up for the AI era
• Building successful enterprise AI adoption programs
• Assistants and Agents—what’s coming next in the AI-verse
  

This session is ideal for technology and transformation leaders who want to move from curiosity to implementation, and make AI a functional part of day-to-day operations.

^{“If you’re looking for a speaker who’s 100% authentic, not afraid to engage in uncomfortable but highly necessary #RealTalk to get your audience thinking, Dona Sarkar is your answer. A powerhouse of a speaker, Dona always comes prepared with fresh ideas and actionable plans (read: homework!) to continue investing in themselves long after the event is over. Get ready to be volunTOLD, get out of your comfort zone, and discover how you can become a better human.” - Shona Bang,  Global Head of Microsoft's Human of IT Program}

^{"When Dona Sarkar speaks, something exceptional happens. She is a passionate presenter and changemaker who is making a remarkable impression globally. Single-handed, Dona is lifting up Everyone in the room and instilling in them the belief that they can and will do more. Her brave, no-nonsense approach is infectious and making a world of difference." - Tracy O'Connell, Director of European Sharepoint Conference ESPC}

Why Neil?

As The Near Futurist, Neil Redding helps business leaders bridge emerging technological possibilities with immediate, practical business value. He delivers this through visionary keynotes, executive partnerships, C-suite advisory, workshops, and custom engagements tailored to enterprise needs.

In today’s moment of rapid technological acceleration—particularly as AI emerges as an active, participatory force—Neil’s work enables organizations to evolve from rigid, mechanistic systems into adaptive, thriving ecosystems. His approach centers on integrating AI thoughtfully and responsibly, grounded in trust, identity, and strategic alignment.

Relevant Experience:

• Delivered private keynotes for leadership teams at Microsoft, Meta, Edelman, and Omnicom
• Featured speaker at major global events including SXSW, Dubai Future Forum, Universo TOTVS, Building the Future, and IAB Summit
• Recent keynote to Edelman’s leadership team on The Near Future of Trust received highly enthusiastic feedback
• Former Innovation Architect at Mediacom, Gensler, and Thoughtworks—leading future-focused strategy and transformation
• Founder of Redding Futures, advising world-class brands including Visa, Nike, Apple, and Verizon
• Creator of the Near Future Framework, which translates emerging tech into practical business impact through ecosystem-centered design
• Brings a future-focused yet practical lens to AI strategy, aligning with Venon’s innovation positioning
• Introduces advanced but accessible concepts like AI agents and adaptive ecosystems—ideal for senior leaders
• Helps audiences bridge the gap between current implementation and what’s coming next in GenAI‍
• Known for delivering visionary yet actionable frameworks, helping tech execs position for sustainable growth
• Strong fit for a mid-agenda keynote, offering both inspiration and strategic grounding

Recommended Keynote:

The Near Future of Business With AI Agents

The world is shifting at an exponential pace — AI is no longer just a tool but an active participant in the evolution of business. We are entering the Agentic Era, where businesses will automatically adapt in real time to changes in supply chains, markets, geopolitics, and technology itself. In this transformative keynote, Near Futurist Neil Redding demonstrates how businesses can shift from static machines to living, self-adjusting ecosystems. AI agents will play an essential role — co-creating business realities, shaping strategy, automating decisions, and executing increasingly complex agendas. Attendees will leave with a new, actionable paradigm: AI as an active participant in our teams, workflows, and businesses. The near future of business is not merely efficient but continuously evolving — leveraging AI to drive sustainable growth and a resilient, thriving business.

Key Outcomes:

• Key mindsets and strategic clarity for leveraging the Agentic Era's enormous opportunity
• Practical tools and techniques executives can put into action immediately to lead the AI transformation of their businesses
• A blueprint for sustainable, symbiotic business growth

^{"Neil brings an exciting new lens to business model evolution and to solving humanity-scale challenges." - Karel Golta, CEO,  Indeed Innovation}

^{“Neil Redding's session on spatial computing offered a profound philosophical journey into the nature of reality, suggesting that our perceptions are more malleable than we might think. By comparing augmented reality (AR) to lucid dreaming, Redding proposed that AR allows us to construct and experience our own realities, blending the digital and physical worlds in unprecedented ways.” - Justin Westcott, Edelman}

Alison McCauley is a best-selling author, social scientist, and digital transformation strategist focused on advancing human potential through technology. Launching her career at the leading edge of change management as the discipline took shape, she helped develop approaches still in use today. For nearly thirty years, she has guided business leaders in harnessing emerging technology to advance performance, including a decade of collaboration with AI pioneers. The CEO and founder of UnblockedFuture, Alison is a frequent keynote speaker at global innovation forums, her insights have appeared in Harvard Business Review andForbes, and her executive education course has reached over 100,000 learners.

Why Alison McCauley?

• Delivers strategic clarity on how to actually adopt and integrate GenAI into the enterprise
• Speaks the language of C-suite leaders, aligning with Venon’s target audience of CTOs, CIOs, and Innovation Directors
• Focuses on translating hype into impact, making AI accessible without oversimplifying
• Offers frameworks for building internal capability, not just understanding the technology
• A strong fit for mid-agenda positioning with a tone that blends vision, realism, and action

Recommended Keynote:

Reimagine Your Business with AI: From Hype to Strategy

While artificial intelligence dominates headlines, most organizations are still grappling with how to transform AI's promise into practical business value. In this illuminating talk, Alison cuts through the noise to deliver a strategic framework for building genuine AI capabilities.Drawing from extensive experience guiding organizations through digital transformation, Alison reveals why AI represents a fundamentally different kind of change from previous technological shifts. She explores how AI is already reshaping industry dynamics across sectors and sharesconcrete examples of how leading organizations are tackling today's AI challenges and opportunities.

Audiences will gain essential insights on navigating the critical organizational shifts needed to leverage AI, identifying high-impact opportunities within their business context, and building the strategic "AI muscle" that drives cultural transformation. Through engaging stories, examples, and case studies, participants will learn how to think about the human dimensions needed to leverage AI as a true competitive advantage.

Perfect for organizations ready to move beyond AI hype, this talk provides the strategic grounding and practical guidance leaders need to begin their journey to navigate the AI era.

^{“Alison gave one of the mostengaging, well received talks atour two-day conference. Ouraudience loved her energy.” - Roger Magoulas, O’Reilly Media, Inc.}

^{“Alison warmly welcomes heraudience into an intimidatingtopic and makes it not onlyenjoyable, but inspires them tolearn more.” - Gopi Rangan, INSEAD}

Alex Goryachev is a globally recognized expert in AI-driven workplace transformation and an influential keynote speaker on innovation. With a leadership track record at iconic brands like Cisco, IBM, Dell, and Pfizer, Alex is renowned for helping organizations harness the power of AI to achieve strategic growth.

As the former Managing Director and Global Head of Innovation Strategy at Cisco, he established Innovation Centers across five continents and led the launch of Cisco’s groundbreaking AI innovation program. His leadership earned Cisco the #1 Best Place to Work for Innovators by Forbes, cementing his role as a catalyst for large-scale organizational change.

Throughout his career, Alex has spearheaded transformational initiatives such as Smart City strategies in seven countries, innovation tracks for three Olympic Games, and innovation learning programs for nearly 300,000 students. He is also a key force behind the development of global ISO Standards on Innovation.

A Wall Street Journal bestselling author, frequent contributor to Fast Company, Forbes, and Entrepreneur, and Executive-in-Residence at Tulane University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Alex has delivered over 250 presentations to Fortune 500s, startups, non-profits, and governments worldwide. His keynotes are candid, thought-provoking, and packed with actionable insight for navigating AI and innovation at scale.

Why Alex Goryachev?

• Brings enterprise-proven AI leadership from global brands, directly relevant to Venon’s audience of senior tech leaders
• A strong match for events seeking forward-looking, strategic AI insight with operational grounding
• Combines innovation expertise with a clear focus on organizational culture, transformation, and scale
• Has led innovation across industries—including tech, healthcare, government, and education

Recommended Keynote:

How to prepare for and take advantage of AI Revolution

The role of IT is undergoing a dramatic transformation, moving from a back-office support function to a critical strategic partner at the heart of business innovation. As digital transformation accelerates, IT is no longer just about maintaining systems—it’s about driving growth, enabling data-driven decision-making, and unlocking new opportunities through emerging technologies. By 2025, 75% of IT organizations will be key players in business strategy, according to Gartner. But this evolution raises important questions: How can IT balance the need for operational stability with the push for innovation? Are IT leaders prepared to lead this shift, or will they remain stuck in reactive roles? The future of IT is not just about supporting the business—it’s about becoming the engine that powers its success.

AI 2.0: The Next Wave of Digital Transformation

What's ahead in AI? Digital agents, quantum breakthroughs, and machine learning are advancing at light speed, reshaping industries in ways we've never seen before. Explore AI 2.0 and uncover how these innovations are driving the next wave of digital transformation.

^{"Alex has a rare ability to challenge how leaders think — and do it in a way that inspires alignment, not defensiveness. Our executive team left with clarity, urgency, and a shared vision for how to lead in the age of AI." - Disney}

^{"Alex’s keynote was the highlight of the event. He cut through the noise with substance, challenged assumptions, and left the audience buzzing with ideas they could actually use. Insightful, grounded, and refreshingly human." - AWS}