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New Speakers Focused on IT Excellence and Strategic Innovation Announced for Info-Tech LIVE 2024 in Las Vegas

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Info-Tech Research Group has expanded its lineup of expert speakers for the firm’s upcoming Info-Tech LIVE 2024 conference. These industry leaders will share innovative strategies, transformational leadership practices, and advanced technology trends to help technology leaders drive business success over the coming year. Scheduled for September 17-19, 2024, at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, the event will equip IT professionals with the tools and knowledge to excel in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

TORONTO, Aug. 7, 2024 /CNW/ – Info-Tech Research Group, a leading global IT research and advisory firm, has announced the next set of speakers for the upcoming Info-Tech LIVE 2024 conference. Set to take place at the Bellagio in Las Vegas from September 17 to 19, 2024, this year’s event will bring together IT professionals to explore the latest strategies for achieving operational excellence and effective organizational transformation, particularly as it pertains to Exponential IT. The five newly announced speakers will join an already impressive lineup, including the Founder & Executive Director of the Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR), Dr. Timnit Gebru, President of the Signal Foundation, Meredith Whittaker, bestselling author Daniel Pink, and AWS Director Rory Richardson. Together, these thought leaders will provide valuable insights and strategies to drive innovation and leadership excellence.

“At Info-Tech LIVE 2024, our experts will address critical topics such as data governance, AI integration, IT strategy, and the transformative concept of Exponential IT, which are essential to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving tech landscape,” says Gord Harrison, chief research officer at Info-Tech Research Group. “These areas are vital for ensuring data integrity, fostering innovation, and enabling rapid adaptation to technological advancements. Our speakers will provide actionable insights and practical strategies, empowering IT leaders to drive operational excellence and achieve strategic goals. This event offers a unique opportunity to learn from industry pioneers and equip themselves with the knowledge needed for sustained success in modern IT.”

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

Claudia Mamros, Workshop Director
As a seasoned workshop facilitator and dynamic speaker, Claudia Mamros brings over 35 years of experience to the table. Her passion lies in creating order out of chaos, transforming complex challenges into practical solutions. With impeccable integrity and a tireless work ethic, she’s managed significant change, optimized processes, and delivered high-value services across diverse industries. Whether aligning effective workgroups, standardizing systems, or identifying untapped potential, Mamros thrives on enriching lives through continuous improvement.

Mamros will deliver a technology keynote titled “Give Your Enterprise Content the Retail Experience: Use Retail Marketing Concepts to Design Intuitive ECM.”

Crystal Singh, Research Director, Data & Analytics
Crystal Singh coaches data leaders on building data practices, platforms, and cultures that unlock the value of their data. She brings a diverse and global perspective, drawing from her wealth of professional experience. Singh has led advisory services to a broad client base, both in the public and private sectors. This includes federal and state agencies, clients in the aeronautics, higher education, financial, sporting, and oil and gas industries, as well as non-profit organizations. She has industry experience leading enterprise data services, business intelligence and analytics in various fields, including telecom, financial, retail, and energy. Singh holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business, York University.

Singh will participate in multiple breakout sessions and expert panels, including:

“Data Strategy: Beyond Insights to Impact” for the Value-Driven IT track.”Data Governance: We Dislike It, but It’s Foundational to Trusted Data” for the Data & Analytics track.

Geoff Nielson, SVP, Brand Reach & Influence
Geoff Nielson brings over 15 years of service to Info-Tech, during which time he has held a number of pivotal roles. He currently leads Info-Tech’s Brand & Content team, which is responsible for crystalizing the organization’s research insights and sharing them with technology leaders. Previously, he led the Executive Services and Consulting organizations responsible for providing strategic guidance to thousands of CIOs and senior technology leaders globally. As Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, he led the organization’s digital transformation. His team brought over a dozen SaaS products to market, mandated to disrupt traditional technology and strategy consulting using data-driven management software. Nielson received his Honours Business Administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario.

Nielson will give a featured mainstage keynote entitled “Systematically Improve IT: The Seven Secrets of Successful CIOs.”

Mark Roman, Managing Partner, Education
Mark Roman is responsible for the delivery of Info-Tech services to members throughout the higher education and K-12 sectors and for the alignment of research with the education sector’s needs. Prior to Info-Tech, Roman was an accomplished higher education CIO with extensive experience leading large-scale information systems departments and has a consistent record of implementing significant and innovative digital transformations. He is an inspiring leader who has transformed IT departments to deliver leading-edge solutions and elevate the value of IT for the entire organization. Roman has also served as a CEO, worked on several boards in education, and ran an IT strategy consulting firm specializing in education.

Roman will deliver the technology keynote entitled “Exponential IT: Gauge Your Exponential IT Readiness,” as well as the following sessions:

“Local IT: ‘Cylinders of Excellence or Splendid Silos of Isolation’?” lightning talk.”Priorities for Adopting an Exponential IT Mindset in Education,” an industry panel and roundtable for the Exponential IT track.”Should the CIO Be the Only Technology Leader?” client panel for the Value-Driven IT track.

Robert Garmaise, VP, AI Research
Robert Garmaise was most recently the Chief Innovation Officer at Fasken, where he was responsible for transforming firm operations by pinpointing the products, process improvements, and business model changes that would best position Fasken for future success. Garmaise has led major business transformation projects and held senior positions at McKinsey, Microsoft, Workbrain Corporation, Blockbuster Canada, and TheGuarantors. Robert holds an undergraduate degree in Mathematics from Harvard University and an MBA from Northwestern University.

Garmaise will be presenting the technology keynotes “AI Marketplace Insights: Explore the Value of Off-the-Shelf AI” and ” Build or Buy? The AI Vendor Landscape in IT,” along with:

“Build Your AI Strategy and Roadmap” workshop.”How to Select Your AI Vendors” breakout session for the AI Marketplace track.

Vince Mirabelli, Principal Research Director, Applications
Vince Mirabelli brings a background in strategic business analysis and continuous improvement gained over nearly 20 years in the public and private sectors. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®), Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®), a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and has certifications in Design Thinking and Innovation, Change Management, Cybersecurity, and Lego Serious Play Methods. A highly sought-after keynote speaker, Mirabelli has been named a top 10 thought leader on culture, change, and business management by Thinkers360 and is an instructor on the LinkedIn Learning platform. Mirabelli has a degree from York University in Law & Society and Political Science, with a focus on International Relations and Political Economies.

Mirabelli will participate in the following roundtables and breakout sessions:

“Ask an Agilist: Share Your Agile Challenges With Our Panel of Experts” roundtable for the Value-Driven IT track.”Get Started With AI in Requirements Management” breakout session for the AI marketplace track.”Leverage Gen AI to Improve Your Test Automation Strategy” breakout session for the AI marketplace track.

For full agenda details and to register for Info-Tech Research Group’s annual IT conference, visit the Info-Tech LIVE 2024 landing page.

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 TransformationInfo-Tech Research Group Announces New Speakers to Share Transformative Strategies and Leadership Insights at Info-Tech LIVE 2024 ConferenceAWS’s Rory Richardson to Explore Generative AI and Cloud Innovations at Info-Tech LIVE 2024

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. Media passes are available for both digital and in-person attendance, ensuring broad access to its invaluable sessions and insights. 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.

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SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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Most Users Are NOT Using AI Companion as Their AI Girlfriend – Insights from Muah AI User Survey

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LOS ANGELES, Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Muah AI/

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly intertwined with daily life, the idea of having an AI companion or even an AI “girlfriend” has gained significant attention. While this concept has sparked curiosity, excitement, and even controversy, a recent survey by Muah AI has shed light on the reality of how users are actually engaging with these AI companions. According to the survey results, fewer than 2% of users consider themselves to be in a serious romantic relationship with their AI companion, with the overwhelming majority regarding it as a source of entertainment and roleplaying.

This revelation presents an interesting twist to the popular narrative surrounding AI and human relationships. Many assumed that, with the rise of sophisticated AI that can mimic human emotions and responses, people would begin forming deep emotional bonds with these digital entities. However, the survey data from Muah AI shows that, at least for now, the vast majority of users are not taking these AI relationships as seriously as some might have thought.

The Emergence of AI Companions

AI companions, or “AI girlfriends” as some platforms market them, have become a hot topic over the past few years. Platforms like Replika, Anima, and Muah AI offer users the chance to interact with a personalized AI, which can carry on conversations, offer emotional support, and even engage in roleplaying scenarios that resemble a relationship. The premise is simple: using advanced machine learning algorithms and natural language processing, these AI companions can learn from their users, creating the illusion of intimacy and personalization.

The potential appeal is obvious. For those who are lonely, socially anxious, or seeking comfort, the idea of having an AI that is always available, non-judgmental, and designed to cater to their emotional needs can be incredibly attractive. In fact, there are numerous reports and anecdotes from individuals who claim to have developed genuine emotional connections with their AI companions. But as the Muah AI survey shows, these instances may be far rarer than media headlines suggest.

Survey Results: Entertainment Over Emotional Investment

Muah AI‘s survey provides a comprehensive look at how its users interact with their AI companions, and the results challenge the notion that most users are looking for a serious relationship with AI. According to the data:

Less than 2% of users consider themselves to be “seriously dating” their AI companion.A significant majority view their interactions with the AI as a form of entertainment or roleplaying rather than a meaningful romantic or emotional connection.Many users engage with AI companions out of curiosity or as a way to pass the time, often treating the interactions as light-hearted and fun rather than a substitute for a real-life relationship.A notable portion of users also expressed that they enjoy using AI companions for creative roleplaying scenarios, where they can explore fictional or fantasy-based interactions without any real-world implications.

This data suggests that while the idea of an “AI girlfriend” may be intriguing, most users are not approaching it with the intention of forming a serious romantic bond. Instead, they are treating it more like a game or simulation, where they can experiment with different types of interactions and relationships in a low-stakes environment.

Why Are Users Hesitant to Commit to AI Companions?

There are several reasons why users may be hesitant to view their AI companion as a genuine romantic partner. First and foremost is the awareness of the artificial nature of the interaction. While AI can simulate human conversation and emotions, most users are well aware that these responses are pre-programmed and algorithmically generated. The knowledge that their “partner” is ultimately a machine can create a barrier to forming a deep emotional connection.

Moreover, many users view AI companions as a tool for escapism or fantasy rather than a replacement for real-life relationships. In the same way that people may enjoy playing video games or engaging in fictional roleplaying, interacting with an AI companion can offer a similar outlet for creativity and entertainment. These users are not seeking emotional fulfillment from the AI but rather a way to explore different scenarios and personalities without the complexities of real-world dynamics.

Additionally, there are ethical and philosophical concerns that may prevent users from seriously considering a relationship with AI. The idea of forming a romantic connection with a machine raises questions about authenticity, consent, and the nature of love. Many users may feel uncomfortable with the idea of developing feelings for an entity that lacks true emotions or consciousness, no matter how convincing the simulation may be.

The Future of AI Companions: Entertainment or Emotional Support?

While the Muah AI survey indicates that most users are not taking their AI companions seriously as romantic partners, that does not mean that AI companions are without value. For many, these AI entities serve as a valuable source of emotional support and companionship. Users who are isolated, dealing with mental health challenges, or simply looking for someone to talk to may find comfort in the consistent and non-judgmental nature of an AI companion.

Furthermore, the role of AI in human relationships may evolve as the technology continues to improve. As AI becomes more advanced, it is possible that future iterations of AI companions could offer even more realistic and emotionally engaging interactions. This could blur the line between entertainment and emotional connection even further, leading to more users considering AI as a legitimate relationship option.

However, the survey data suggests that for now, AI companions are primarily being used for fun and fantasy rather than serious emotional investment. Whether this changes in the future will depend not only on advancements in AI technology but also on shifting societal attitudes towards AI-human relationships.

Conclusion

The concept of an “AI girlfriend” may have captured the imagination of many, but Muah AI‘s survey reveals that most users are not taking their AI companions seriously as romantic partners. With fewer than 2% of users considering themselves to be in a serious relationship with their AI, it’s clear that the majority view these interactions as a form of entertainment or roleplaying rather than a meaningful emotional connection.

As AI technology continues to develop, it will be fascinating to see how users’ relationships with AI companions evolve. For now, however, it seems that the allure of AI companionship lies more in its ability to entertain and provide creative outlets than in offering a substitute for real-life romantic relationships.

Ultimately, the future of AI-human relationships is still in its early stages, and as AI becomes more capable, the way people engage with these digital companions may change. But as of now, it’s clear that most users are enjoying the novelty of AI companionship without taking it too seriously—at least not yet.

Media/Business Contact Information:
Muah AI 

PR Director:
Ashley

Contact Number:
+1 626-677-6013

Company Website:
https://muah.ai 

Company email:
love@muah.ai

Feel free to reach out if you are interested in writing a dedicated piece about Muah AI!

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SOURCE Muah AI

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Internet Society Report Highlights Challenges and Recommendations for Internet Connectivity in the Middle East

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Internet Society (ISOC), a global charitable organization advocating for an open, globally connected, and secure Internet, released a comprehensive report on the state of Internet connectivity across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The report underscores Internet connectivity as a catalyst for economic growth and social development and how an increase in fixed broadband access has a direct impact on growing gross domestic product (GDP).

Key Findings:

Growth in Mobile and Fixed Broadband: Both mobile and fixed broadband connections have grown substantially from 2015 to 2021, particularly in Gulf States with advanced fiber-optic and 5G networks. However, deployment has been slower in other parts of the region, primarily due to infrastructure challenges and affordability issues.

Mobile Internet users increased from 130M to over 180M between 2016 and 2021, with Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco showing the highest growth rates. Fixed broadband users rose from 17M to 29M in the same period, with Egypt leading the way. The Arab region lags behind other regions in fiber optic deployment, with stagnation in investment since 2018.

High-Income Countries: Significant progress in broadband infrastructure, especially in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries due to 5G rollout. High-income countries improved their Internet availability from 77.34 to 79.37, surpassing global averages.Low-Middle-Income Countries: Broadband has improved modestly, but challenges persist. Despite overall progress, a significant digital divide remains between high-income and low-middle-income countries, partly due to political and economic instability in some regions, such as Tunisia and Syria.

Infrastructure Challenges: There is a heavy reliance on European Internet Exchange Points for international Internet traffic, which results in slower speeds due to additional data hops.

Emerging Technologies: The report emphasizes the role of emerging technologies such as High-Throughput Satellites (HTS) and Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites in bridging the connectivity gap. These technologies are crucial for expanding access to underserved rural areas.

Impact of COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected network performance and digital transformation plans, causing delays and disruptions in connectivity improvements.

Recommendations:

Policy and Regulation: The Internet Society advocates revising regulatory frameworks to accelerate infrastructure deployment. Key recommendations include enhancing spectrum policies, removing regulatory barriers, and fostering public-private partnerships to drive investment, competition, and support for small and medium enterprises.

Spectrum Availability: North African countries have limited spectrum compared to global averages, impacting network capacity and costs.Regulatory Frameworks: Enhance regulatory frameworks to foster investment, encourage spectrum and infrastructure sharing, and support new technologies like HTS and LEO satellites.

Collaboration and Investment: Promote public-private partnerships and update national broadband plans to improve infrastructure and connectivity.

Digital Skills and Literacy: Addressing digital skills and literacy is crucial for maximizing the benefits of Internet connectivity. The report calls for more affordable, relevant, and inclusive education and training programs to build a digital workforce.

Local Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): The report stresses the importance of establishing and upgrading IXPs to enhance local Internet traffic, reduce costs, and improve service quality. Governments are encouraged to support IXPs by providing resources and facilitating network interconnections.

“The Internet has become indispensable for many people, and its role in connecting people, fostering economic opportunities, and driving innovation is undeniable. The Arab region has made big leaps in the availability and adoption of the Internet in recent years; however, adoption rates are still low. We hope that governments will use our report to learn about the improvements that can be made in infrastructure deployment, affordability of service, market structure, and regulatory frameworks,” explains Nermine El Saadany, Regional Vice President for the Middle East for the Internet Society.

About the Internet Society
Founded by Internet pioneers, the Internet Society (ISOC) is a global charitable organization dedicated to ensuring the open development, evolution, and use of the Internet. Through a global community of chapters and members, the Internet Society collaborates with a wide range of groups to promote the technologies that keep the Internet safe and secure and advocates for policies that enable universal access. The Internet Society is also the organizational home of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).

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Representatives from 57 countries, regions and 6 international organizations, are gathering in Suzhou.

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What important topics are they discussing about? Let’s find out!

BEIJING, Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — I’m Xiao Lin from National Immigration Administration. On September 9th, the first Sub-Forum on Migration Management Cooperation was successfully held. Representatives from all parties expressed their insights and appeals around the development and innovation of migration governance.

It was truly a content-rich event!

Why does the international community focus on the topic of “Migration Governance” so much?

At present, changes unseen in a century is unfolding at a faster pace. The situation in the wider world remains complex and fluid. However, peace, development, cooperation and win-win results are still an unstoppable historical trend. Migration governance is critical to economic development of individual countries, global security governance and international cultural and people-to-people exchanges. It has increasingly become a key issue in global governance.

Here are the key points:
At the forum, NIA made three commitments: implementing more open policies for the cross-border flow of people, more effective actions in the governance of transnational crimes and more extensive global cooperation in migration governance, injecting new impetus to opening up and development; At the same time, three initiatives have been put forward, [Original scene of the initiative] contributing China’s wisdom and solutions to global migration governance and further showcasing its image as an open, confident, secure, and thriving major power.

Representatives also made keynote speeches, sharing their migration governance policies, measures and experience, and providing their perspectives on regional and international migration governance.

Pooling wisdom for win-win results.

In a changing era, National Immigration Administration of China stands ready to work with all parties to promote global migration governance to a higher level and contribute more wisdom to world peace, development, prosperity and stability!

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SOURCE National Immigration Administration

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