Connect with us

Technology

Info-Tech Research Group Announces New Speakers to Share Transformative Strategies and Leadership Insights at Info-Tech LIVE 2024 Conference

Published

on

The upcoming Info-Tech LIVE 2024 conference is set to deliver transformative insights and strategies for today’s IT leaders. The expanded lineup of expert speakers for the September event in Las Vegas sets the stage for groundbreaking discussions on Exponential IT, leadership, and organizational transformation. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on managing technological change, cultivating next-gen IT leaders, and driving innovation to stay competitive in the digital age.

TORONTO, July 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – Info-Tech Research Group, a leading global IT research and advisory firm, has unveiled the next round of featured speakers for its upcoming Info-Tech LIVE 2024 conference. Taking place from September 17 to 19, 2024, at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, the highly anticipated annual industry event will bring together IT executives and professionals from around the world to explore the latest trends in technology and strategies for effective organizational transformation in the era of Exponential IT. The five newly announced speakers will join an already impressive lineup, including Founder & Executive Director of the Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR), Dr. Timnit Gebru, President of the Signal Foundation, Meredith Whittaker, and bestselling author Daniel Pink. Together, these thought leaders will provide valuable insights and strategies to drive innovation and leadership excellence.

“At Info-Tech LIVE 2024, our featured experts will delve into the transformative power of Exponential IT, providing attendees with actionable insights on driving effective organizational change and leadership,” says Gord Harrison, chief research officer at Info-Tech Research Group. “Our speakers will share strategies on successful transformation management, cultivating future IT leaders, and offering insights on leveraging advanced technologies to navigate the complexities of today’s tech landscape. This event is an unparalleled opportunity for IT leaders to equip themselves with the knowledge and tools needed to foster innovation and sustain growth in an increasingly competitive market.”

The latest featured experts announced for Info-Tech LIVE 2024 include:

Jack Hakimian, SVP, Research & Advisory Services
With over 30 years of experience in technology and management consulting, Jack Hakimian has served multi-billion-dollar organizations in various industries, including financial services, oil & gas, and telecommunications, as well as federal and state government institutions. Prior to joining Info-Tech, Jack worked for leading consulting firms such as Accenture, Deloitte, EY, and IBM. He has led digital business strategy engagements, corporate strategy, and M&A consulting services globally. Hakimian holds a master’s degree in computer engineering and an MBA from the ESCP European Business School.

Hakimian will give a feature keynote on the mainstage, titled “M&G 2.0: The Foundation to Exponential IT.”

He will also present two breakout sessions during the three-day event:

“Manage Mission-Critical Projects” for the Leadership Summit: Systematically Improve Your IT Department track.”M&G 2.0: What Has Changed” for the Exponential IT track.

Brittany Lutes, MSc. Research Director, CIO Practice
Brittany Lutes is a Research Director in the CIO Practice at Info-Tech Research Group. She collaborates with IT executives and functional IT leaders to develop visual representations of how their IT organizations will achieve strategic goals through an IT operating model and organizational structure. With a decade of experience in research, Lutes has contributed to various industry outlets such as CIO, InformationWeek, and Technology Magazine. She holds a Master of Science in Business and Economics from the University of Guelph and emphasizes a people-oriented approach within organizations.

Lutes is expected to present the keynote, “Crack the Code to Successful Transformation Management,” at LIVE 2024. This session will help IT leaders understand the change management process for transformations, the main challenges faced during a transformation, and key factors to succeed and realize the intended value.

She will also present the following breakout sessions:

“Building Strategic Relationships: The CIO’s Most Critical Role” for the Leadership Summit: Systematically Improve Your IT Department track.”Exponential IT: Discover Exponential IT’s Next-Generation Operating Model” for the Exponential IT track.

Carlene McCubbin, AVP, CIO Research
Carlene McCubbin is a skilled facilitator, researcher, and advisor, covering key topics in strategy, transformation, and leadership. She has worked with hundreds of clients across public and private sectors to design and execute effective IT organizational changes. Passionate about workforce development and the interconnectedness of employee, digital, and service experiences, McCubbin leads the research agenda at Info-Tech. She earned her Master of Communications Management from McGill University, focusing on internal and external communications, government relations, and change management.

For this year’s event, McCubbin will be giving two keynotes, including “Cultivating the Next Generation of IT Leaders” and “Build a Data-Driven Workforce Plan.”

She will also present the following sessions:

“Manage and Improve Core IT Capabilities” breakout session for the Exponential IT track.”AI Talent Debate: Should AI Skills Be Built Internally or Bought Externally?” expert panel for the AI Marketplace track.

Allison Straker, Research Advisory Director
Allison Straker brings two decades of experience in aligning business and IT through relationship management, user experience, business analysis, and consulting roles. She assists IT leaders and executives in better connecting IT and business, focusing on business relationship management, organizational design, experience design, and governance. Straker holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Human-Computer Interaction from the University of Toronto and advocates for the importance of understanding people when implementing technology.

Straker will speak on several panels at the conference, including:

“Bridging the Divide: Business Relationship Management for IT Leaders,” a client panel for the Value-Driven IT track.”Leading in Uncertainty: Navigating the Glass Cliff,” a client panel for the Black Professionals in IT track.

Tom Zehren, Chief Executive Officer
Tom Zehren, the chief executive officer of Info-Tech Research Group, initially joined the firm as chief product officer in 2022. Before joining Info-Tech, he spent a decade with McKinsey & Company. Zehren holds a summa cum laude Ph.D. and has served as faculty in Technology Management at the Technical University of Dortmund, Germany. He has also been a pro bono advisor to Ashoka Globalizer Summit Fellows and other fast-growing technology firms and VC funds across the US, Canada, and Germany.

At LIVE 2024, Zehren will present the feature keynote, “Exponential IT in Motion: Transform Your Organization by Transforming IT,” where he will share the firm’s findings on the impact of recent technological change on the IT capability stack and insights on how IT departments can keep pace with the law of accelerating returns.

To view full session descriptions and to register for Info-Tech Research Group’s annual IT conference, visit Info-Tech LIVE 2024.

Updates and new details about speakers, agendas, and exclusive event experiences can also be found via LinkedIn and X over the coming weeks.

Other Recent Speaker Announcements for Info-Tech LIVE 2024

Info-Tech Research Group Reveals Dr. Timnit Gebru and Meredith Whittaker to Be Keynote Speakers at LIVE 2024 IT ConferenceInfo-Tech LIVE 2024: Featured Experts Announced to Unveil Key 2025 AI, Next-Gen IT, and Tech Trends at September Event in Las VegasBestselling Author Daniel Pink to Keynote at Info-Tech LIVE 2024, Highlighting Behavioral Science and Creativity in IT Transformation

Media Passes for Info-Tech LIVE 2024

Taking place September 17 to 19, 2024, at the iconic Bellagio in Las Vegas, this premier event offers journalists, podcasters, and media influencers access to exclusive content, the latest IT research and trends, and the opportunity to interview industry experts, analysts, and speakers. To apply for media passes to cover the insights presented at Info-Tech LIVE or to gain access to research and expert insights on trending topics, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software-buying insights. 

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/info-tech-research-group-announces-new-speakers-to-share-transformative-strategies-and-leadership-insights-at-info-tech-live-2024-conference-302192473.html

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Bank Alfalah Acquires Strategic Stake in UAE Fintech Jingle Pay

Published

on

By

DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bank Alfalah, a leading commercial bank in Pakistan with a network of over 1,000 branches, has announced its acquisition of a 9.9% equity stake in Jingle Pay, one of the fastest growing fintechs in the MENAP region. The Bank’s fintech investment underscores its commitment to driving digital transformation and fostering financial inclusion across key markets.

Jingle Pay has redefined the fintech space with its proprietary AI-powered tech stack already processing over 2 million transactions and facilitating over $1 billion in international money transfers in 2024, saving customers over $6 million in fees. Jingle Pay was recently awarded the top global fintech for remittances into Pakistan.

Jingle Pay has solidified its position as a high-growth fintech leader in the MENAP region, supported by prestigious investors, including MoneyGram, G42-backed Applied AI, and prominent U.S. venture capital firms known for backing global fintech giants like N26 and PayPal, Jingle Pay continues to disrupt the industry. Bank Alfalah’s equity investment and appointment to Jingle Pay’s Board signal a robust partnership aimed at driving growth and innovation. This collaboration leverages Bank Alfalah’s extensive infrastructure to amplify Jingle Pay’s impact on cross-border payments and digital banking, advancing its ambitious vision for the MENAP region.

Jingle Pay provides innovative services, including multi-currency accounts, instant money transfers via the world’s first remittance marketplace, card payments, and last-mile payouts across 150+ corridors in 99+ currencies. Additionally, its Remittance-as-a-Service solution enables banks, FinTech’s, and non-financial institutions to facilitate seamless international money transfers.

Jingle Pay plans to launch its digital banking services in Pakistan in Q1 2025 as a branchless banking mobile app targeting to bring seamless and inclusive financial services to the country’s largely unbanked population. Jingle Pay will leverage Bank Alfalah’s infrastructure to bring seamless banking solutions to millions of customers. The partnership will create synergies in cross-border payments strengthened by shareholder MoneyGram.

As Pakistan’s 5th largest remittance partner, Jingle Pay plays a crucial role in driving global financial flows that contribute significantly to the country’s GDP. Establishing local presence in Pakistan will strengthen its partnership and cross-border capabilities, further cementing Jingle Pay’s position as a leader in the remittance ecosystem.

Leadership Remarks

Farooq A. Khan, Group Head – Corporate, Investment Banking and International Business of Bank Alfalah, emphasized: “This acquisition is a milestone in our journey to lead the digital banking revolution. By combining Jingle Pay’s innovative platform with Bank Alfalah’s resources, we aim to redefine cross-border financial services and deliver exceptional value to millions of users.”

Amir Fardghassemi, Founder and CEO of Jingle Pay, said: “Partnering with Bank Alfalah empowers us to scale our vision of inclusive finance. Together, we aim to enrich the digital economy and create transformative cross-border financial solutions.”

The collaboration also enhances Bank Alfalah’s role in the global Payments ecosystem, strengthening its position as a leader in cross-border financial flows and delivering unparalleled value to customers in the MENAP and beyond.

About Bank Alfalah

Bank Alfalah is a leading commercial bank in Pakistan, with over 1,000 branches across 200 cities and an international presence in the UAE, Bahrain, and Afghanistan. Its heritage and prominence extend over 25 successful years, highlighted by achievements that reflect exponential growth in the country’s financial sector.

The Bank offers various products and services to private-sector institutions and governments, including corporate and investment banking, consumer banking, securities brokerage, commercial, small and medium enterprises, agricultural, Islamic, and asset financing.

The Bank has established itself as a premier digital bank by introducing various features on its banking app, such as Alfamall, Buy Now Pay Later, and Term Deposit Receipts. It has also launched Pakistan’s first digital lifestyle branch. 

About Jingle Pay

Jingle Pay, a UAE born fintech, is the MENAP region’s leading and fastest-growing fintech, specializing in cross-border money transfers licensed by Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Jingle Pay operates in the UAE, Bahrain, and Pakistan, offering cutting-edge financial services. Backed by global financial institutions like MoneyGram, Bank Alfalah, top-tier U.S. and international venture capital firms that have backed PayPal and N26, as well as G42 backed, Applied AI.

The company provides a wide array of solutions, including Remittance-as-a-Service for financial institutions, enabling seamless global payouts across 150+ corridors and 99+ currencies. Additionally, Jingle Pay operates a B2C app for retail customers, facilitating card payments and international money transfers focused on driving financial inclusion and leveraging AI to redefine cross border payments.

CONTACT: Jingle Pay, Media@jinglepay.com, +971 4 547 7778

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2594862/Jingle_Pay.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bank-alfalah-acquires-strategic-stake-in-uae-fintech-jingle-pay-302347236.html

Continue Reading

Technology

Better Business Bureau Serving the Tri-Counties Warns Homeowners About Donation Scams Following Southern California Fires

Published

on

By

BBB Offers Recommendations for Donating to Southern California Wildfire Requests, Warning to Beware of Click-Bait and Phishing Scams, Bogus Crowdfunding Requests

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Better Business Bureau Serving the Tri-Counties issues warning to businesses and consumers tied to donation scams following Southern California Fires. As reported, strong winds fueling a fast-moving fire in Southern California has caused more than 100,000 people to evacuate their homes. For those seeking to help those in need, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips to give thoughtfully.

For those seeking to help those in need, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips to give thoughtfully.

Tips for Donating to Southern California Wildfire Relief Efforts

Make Sure the Charity Is Trustworthy: Before giving, search for the charity’s report on Give.org to find out if the charity meets the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., a BBB Accredited Charity). While disaster fundraising has not yet fully emerged for this tragedy, donors might check with the following BBB Accredited Charities to help start their selection of organizations offering help: American Red Cross, Direct Relief, GlobalGiving and Salvation Army.

Look for Specific Fire Relief Activities in Appeals: Be wary of relief appeals that have vague program descriptions and do not explain what activities your support will assist.

Watch Out for Click-Bait and Phishing Scams: Online giving scams tend to pop up after a disaster to take advantage of public sympathy. Don’t click on email, text, or social media links promising to connect you to a familiar charity. Instead, go directly to the charity’s website on your own.

Review Crowdfunding Requests: Some crowdfunding sites take precautions in carefully screening, vetting, and managing postings after a disaster or tragedy. Others might not. If unsure, review the procedures described on the site and also find out about transaction fees and other specifics.

Verify Charity Registration: About 40 of the 50 states require charities to annually register. Check with your state’s office of the attorney general or secretary of state’s office.

Understand the Phases of Disaster Relief: Most disasters go through three periods of activity: rescue, relief, and recovery. Each phase involves different activities and support. You can familiarize yourself with each phase on our Supporting Disaster Relief and Preparedness page.

Better Business Bureau Serving the Tri-Counties intends for this advice to help donors to give with confidence while avoiding questionable efforts.

For more information
To report a scam, go to BBB Scam Tracker.
To learn how to protect yourself, go to “10 Steps to Avoid Scams.”

Media Contact

Frank Tortorici, Marketing Maven, (908) 875-8908, frank@marketingmaven.com, https://marketingmaven.com/ 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/better-business-bureau-serving-the-tri-counties-warns-homeowners-about-donation-scams-following-southern-california-fires-302347662.html

SOURCE Better Business Bureau

Continue Reading

Technology

Pollo AI Launches Consistent Character Video to Maintain Consistency of Characters, Objects, or Scenes in Generated Videos

Published

on

By

SINGAPORE, Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pollo AI  continues to raise the bar in AI video generation with the addition of its latest feature: Consistent Character Video, which can transform still images into high quality AI videos, while maintaining consistency of characters, objects, or scenes throughout every frame.

Users can upload one or up to three images of a subject to the tool – it could be a person’s face, for example, or image(s) of an inanimate object, like an appliance or piece of clothing, or image(s) of specific scenes. The AI video generator will then use the image(s) as the reference point(s) when generating its video content, ensuring that the original visuals are accurately and consistently portrayed.

This way, users can make multiple videos while keeping the same consistent subjects. They can make themselves the star of numerous clips, for example, or incorporate real-life items into their video creations. While other elements of the videos may change, the core subjects you choose will always remain consistent.

The uses for this are numerous. Brands, for example, could upload images of their latest products and then make various AI-generated videos featuring those products in a range of settings and scenarios. Or creators could make entire feature-length films by generating multiple short-form AI videos with the same consistent subjects in different scenes.

You could even upload an image of a famous landmark or monument, and instruct the tool to use that throughout your video creations. This makes it so much easier to create sequences or series of videos with the same consistent background, environment, or setting – a feat that many AI video generators have historically struggled with.

It’s a huge leap forward for AI video technology. Before the Consistent Character Video Generator, many users had expressed frustration when it came to trying to keep the same characters and subjects in multiple AI-generated videos. But with this new tool, that challenge has been solved.

What’s more, the Consistent Character Video Generator is backed up by Pollo AI’s advanced algorithms and powerful technology. Thanks to that, it’s able to make some of the most visually impressive AI videos, with cinematic levels of quality, fluid motion, realistic physics, and other desirable characteristics.

Plus, just like other AI videos generated with Pollo AI, the user has total control over various aspects, such as the aspect ratio, the length of the video, the resolution, and the camera movement. With this bold new addition, Pollo AI continues to assert itself as one of the leading and most innovative names in the AI video sphere.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pollo-ai-launches-consistent-character-video-to-maintain-consistency-of-characters-objects-or-scenes-in-generated-videos-302347735.html

SOURCE Pollo AI

Continue Reading

Trending