9th Annual Analytics Symposium

Theme: Are you ready to implement the possible with AI?

Additional Information

Sponsorship Registrations Agenda

2025 ANNUAL BUSINESS ANALYTICS SYMPOSIUM

The UTA Center for Innovation and Digital Transformation will hold the 9th annual Business Analytics symposium on Thursday, March 6, 2025. The in-person symposium provides a forum for industry professionals and academics to exchange information and knowledge in the area of analytics and AI. This all-day event will feature tech talks and engaging panels with prominent industry experts, an exciting tech workshop, a student analytics competition and a networking happy hour. Come to learn and to network. Previous symposia were attended by about 150 participants with around 50 companies from various industries represented.

Date/Time: March 6, 2025, 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Happy hour @ 5pm)

Theme: Are you ready to implement the possible with AI?
Venue:
Bluebonnet Ballroom, University Center
University of Texas at Arlington
300 W First St.
Arlington, TX 76010

Registration fee:
$40/person

Parking included: 1 car/attendee.
Link to register your car and direction will be emailed to you.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Happy Hour are provided.

Registrations begin January 15, 2025.

In collaboration with: Accenture, CHRISTUS Health, Ericsson, GM Financial, Lockheed Martin, Staples, Sogeti (part of Capgemini), TrinityRail, and Walmart.

 

Speakers, Panelists, and Round Table Leaders:

Peggy Tsai – BigID- CDO - Keynote
Mike Buob - Sogeti    - VP
Pierre Gustafsson – Ericsson - Head of Global AI Accelerator portfolio
Vivek Gnanavelu- Safe Worker AI (Ericsson) - Founder and Product Owner
Jason Rorie - Triad Cyber Academy - Founder and CEO
Dr. Sridhar Nerur – UTA - Goolsby-Alcon Endowed Chair and Professor of Information Systems
Michael Prokopis - The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center - VP Supply Chain
Ashok Muttin – SupplyCopia - Founder and CEO
Mike Christian – From the Future - CEO
Daniel Windle – TrinityRail - Director
Dr. Jay Samuel – UTA - Associate Professor
Brian White - Ericsson - VP of New Product Introduction

 

Hands-on Microsoft Workshop (1.5 hour)

Microsoft Logo

Transform the way you work with Microsoft Copilot
You're invited to a Microsoft Copilot Event! Enjoy hands-on, in-depth training demonstrating how AI tools like Copilot enhance efficiency and innovation. Participate in a live demo session designed to ensure you leave with the knowledge and skills to effectively apply what you learn directly at your desk. Don't miss this opportunity to see how AI will change the way you work!

Hands-on KNIME Workshop (1.5 hour)

KNIME logo

Codeless, Visual and Explainable Sentiment Analysis with Generative AI and KNIME
In this workshop, we will introduce KNIME Analytics Platform, a free and open-source software (FOSS) for codeless data analytics and AI. You will build a sentiment analysis application to know what customers are really thinking, step by step, with the aid of genertaive AI (GenAI). Next, you will learn how to use explainable AI (xAI) techniques, such as LIME and SHAP, to interpret the results of a machine learning-based, more traditional sentiment predictor.

Gold Sponsor:

Ericsson Logo

 

Student Competition Sponsor:

TripAI Logo

Lunch Sponsor:

Trinity Rail Logo

Happy Hour Sponsor:

BigID Logo

 

Sponsors:

 

ASSURANT LOGO
KNIME logo

 




Keynote Speaker and Round Table Leader

Peggy Tsai
Peggy Tsai
Chief Data Officer
BigID Logo 

Peggy Tsai is the Field Chief Data Officer at BigID, a data intelligence platform that leverages AI/ML for the protection of privacy, security and data governance. She has over 18 years of practitioner experience in data management, stewardship and governance in the financial services industry. Prior to joining BigID, Peggy was Vice President of Data & Analytics at Morgan Stanley where she led the data governance program across the Wealth Management division. She was the Global Data Innovation Lead in the Enterprise Data Management group at AIG. Peggy also worked at S&P Global Ratings where she held various positions in the Data CoE and Data Services.

Peggy has a Masters in Information Systems from New York University and a Bachelors of Arts in Economics from Cornell University. She is an adjunct faculty member for two universities - Carnegie Mellon Heinz College for the Chief Data & AI Officer executive certification program and at University of Denver’s AI Governance executive program. Peggy is also a founding member of the Women Leaders in Data & AI as well as an advisor to several start-up tech companies.
Keynote:
Title: Unlocking AI and Digital Innovation: Adoption Trends and Future Strategic Outlook
Description: The rise of Generative AI has driven significant digital transformation, impacting every business function—from business intelligence and cybersecurity to privacy protection. However, its most profound effects have been felt in enhancing customer experiences, advancing R&D, and optimizing back-office operations. In this keynote session, Peggy Tsai, Field Chief Data Officer at BigID and adjunct faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Denver’s AI Governance program, will outline the foundational capabilities organizations must develop to create trusted, safe, and equitable AI systems. She will also explore how data professionals can adapt to automation and embrace these rapid changes to create the art of the possible with AI. Join us to gain valuable insights into navigating the evolving AI landscape and positioning your organization for success!

RoundTable:
Title: BUILDING DATA FUNDAMENTALS FOR GENERATIVE AI
Description: This session will focus on building out the data fundamentals that are required to support the AI Initiatives required for business transformation. An AI governance framework is necessary to support identifying high impact use cases, evaluate and quantify trust levels across AI and Data, and implement ethical safe practices for responsible AI RAG practices that include privacy and security. Join this interactive roundtable to learn how to mature these data fundamental capabilities, hear use cases from other industries and share your data experiences with others!

Speaker

Mike Buob Headshot
Mike Buob
VP
Infosys logo 


Mike is a visionary technology strategist and digital transformation expert with over 23 years of experience. He excels in leveraging his expertise in software development, Innovation, and both technology and experience strategy to create innovative solutions that empower clients to thrive in the digital era. His unwavering commitment to innovation and his deep understanding of digital trends have positioned him as a thought leader in the industry, where he takes pride in identifying and implementing cutting-edge technologies to help clients maximize their potential and deliver impactful experiences.
He now focuses on helping clients devise and execute their digital transformation strategies and helping them implement innovation programs.
He is a global speaker and has covered many topics such as web3, metaverse, GENAI, loyalty programs, digital transformation, product led transformation and design thinking.
His extensive work across industries includes collaborations with renowned clients such as P&G, Chick-Fil-A, BMW, Under Armour, J&J and many others.
Title: The rise of AI agents
 
Abstract: What are AI agents? How do they impact the decision-making paradigm?  How does this lead to the art of the possible - regulatory, privacy, legal impact of decisions made - especially in healthcare, ethics, etc.

Speaker

Pierre Gustafsson
Pierre Gustafsson
Head of AI Product and Program Management
Ericsson Logo 


Pierre is head of AI product and program management at Ericsson’s Global AI accelerator unit. Pierre has over 25 years of leadership experience, a credible delivery track record in leading large-scale
agile software development organizations and teams in the telecom domain. The last 4 years he has been leading a central AI team with focus to develop and industrialize common AI assets and a Gen-AI framework/platform as well as new business development for Gen AI based telecom applications.
2-person Tech-Talk with Vivek Gnanavelu

Title: Charting the AI Frontier – From Global Innovation to Venture Success

Description: Join us for an inspiring and interactive session that dives deep into the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Learn from two industry leaders at the forefront of AI innovation:
 - Pierre Gustafsson, who leads Ericsson’s Global AI Accelerator, will reveal how the largest telecom solution vendor in North America evolved from early AI R&D efforts a decade ago to becoming a global powerhouse in industrialized AI solutions. Discover the strategies and key components that have driven their remarkable success.
- Vivek Gnanavelu, an Ericsson employee turned entrepreneur, will share his journey of incubating a cutting-edge AI-driven company focused on safety validation. Gain valuable insights into what it takes to build and scale a thriving B2B SaaS venture powered by AI.

This session is tailored for innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals eager to explore the intersection of AI, business innovation, and venture creation. If you're dreaming of building the next breakthrough AI business, don’t miss this opportunity to learn the foundational pieces and gain practical, actionable advice from two visionaries.

Speaker

Vivek Gnanavelu
Vivek Gnanavelu
Founder and Product Owner - Safe Worker AI (Ericsson)
Ericsson Logo 


Vivek in the founder and Intrapreneur of a startup called ‘Safe Worker’ within Ericsson. He comes from a strong technology and Engineering background with a track record of building end-to-end AI products for Ericsson. He is passionate about Worker Safety and strongly believes in saving human lives using Technology.

Speaker and Panelist

Ashock Muttin
Ashok Muttin
Founder and CEO
SUPPLYCOPIA Logo 


Ashok Muttin founded SupplyCopia with a clear vision: to revolutionize the healthcare supply chain by eliminating inefficiencies, reducing costs, and ensuring high-quality care remains accessible and affordable. With a strong background in engineering, operations research, data science, and advanced analytics, Ashok is committed to leveraging generative AI and machine learning to tackle some of the most complex challenges facing healthcare providers, suppliers, and purchasing groups today.

Under his leadership, SupplyCopia combines human ingenuity and generative AI to optimize supply chain operations, enhance decision-making, and drive measurable improvements in cost, quality, and patient outcomes. The SupplyCopia platform delivers actionable insights and predictive analytics, enabling healthcare systems to streamline procurement, minimize waste, and improve resource utilization.

SupplyCopia serves some of the largest and most recognized manufacturers, health systems, and GPOs in 10 countries. It was the first company to introduce “AI agents” to tackle healthcare’s thorniest issues in the supply chain and clinical and patient outcomes.
2-person Tech-Talk with Michael Prokopis

Title: Transforming Healthcare with AI: Revolutionizing Healthcare and the Supply Chain

Session Abstract:
Explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the healthcare industry and discover how it’s reshaping care delivery and the supporting supply chain. This session will delve into:

 - AI in healthcare: Driving Excellence and Sustainability  How can AI improve patient outcomes while helping medical centers build sustainable business models? Discover how AI integrates with the healthcare supply chain to optimize operations, reduce costs, and ensure timely delivery of critical resources.

 - The Promise of AI Agents: A New Era of Efficiency  Learn how evolving AI agents, integrated into enterprise systems like ERM and ERP, are addressing the challenges of complex medical operations. From disaggregating workflows to reducing scheduling times from hours to minutes, we’ll explore how AI simplifies and delivers cost, quality and improved outcomes (critical processes such as operating room allocation, multi-specialist coordination, and pre-procedure communication)

 - A Vision for the Future: Preparing the Next Generation  What does the future of working with AI look like? Gain insights into how students and professionals alike can adapt to the AI-driven transformation in healthcare. Uncover the skills and perspectives necessary to thrive in a world where AI enhances collaboration and innovation.
Join us to uncover the exciting potential of AI in Healthcare and its far-reaching implications for patient care, operational efficiency, and the future workforce.


Speaker and Panelist

Michael Prokopis
Michael Prokopis
Vice President, Supply Chain
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center


Michael Prokopis is Vice President, Supply Chain for UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and Interim Associate Vice Chancellor UT System Office of Collaborative Business Services. In his role, Prokopis serves as the strategist and business executive heading all aspects of supply chain, distribution, and logistics as well as leading a Texas, Higher-Education Group Purchasing Organization (represents 80+ Texas Academic Institutions. He provides expertise in demand planning, sourcing, data analytics, value analysis, purchasing, contracting, and field operations, while managing >$2.9 billion in spend. During his tenure in healthcare, Prokopis led several impactful initiatives to increase efficiency and lower costs. He founded and helped launch a Demand Planning consortium tasked with identifying models that evolve forecasting into more effective demand plans, assisting vendors to match manufacturing cycles with product requirements. He developed a self-distribution model to collocate personal protective equipment (PPE), significantly reducing transit times during the COVID-19 pandemic and lowering inventory carrying costs. He developed a first-in-industry model to accurately price orthopedic implants, matching contribution margin for in- and out-acute patient procedures. This, combined with consolidation from 17 to 4 vendors is expected to save ~$9M annually. He has saved over 15% in price efficiencies due to product category/vendor consolidations, including more than 200 clinical/value analysis team (VAT) initiatives. Prokopis, while at Steward Health Care, created an effective sustainability program that eliminated 70,000 pounds of waste from landfills, receiving a Stryker Sustainability Platinum Award. A highly decorated officer and veteran of the Gulf War, Prokopis served in the United States Navy from 1987 to 1991, attaining the rank of Lieutenant, Surface Warfare Officer. He was the first Ensign in the history of the USS Iowa to qualify as both Surface Warfare and Underway Officer of the Deck. Prokopis earned a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Finance from the University of Utah, a MBA from the Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College, and a Certificate Masters in Supply Chain Management from MIT.

Speaker and Round Table Leader

Jason Rorie
Jason L. Rorie
Founder and CEO
TRIAD Logo 


Jason Rorie is a powerhouse in the cybersecurity world, with a career built on grit, service, and relentless pursuit of excellence. A U.S. Navy veteran who held a Top-Secret security clearance, Jason cut his teeth in tech as an Information Systems Technician, handling military cryptography and securing mission-critical communications. After the Navy, Jason took his expertise to the next level with undergrad degrees in Computer Network Engineering, Management of Technology and a Masters in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity. He holds elite certifications, including CISSP-ISSMP, CCSP, CISM, CISA and C|EH marking him as a top authority in cybersecurity. Never one to rest, he then founded Triad InfoSec, a cybersecurity firm specializing in advanced threat mitigation, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Triad InfoSec has become the go-to advisor for organizations tackling SOC 2, ISO 27001, and CMMC compliance. Triad InfoSec has expanded into the cutting edge of cybersecurity, offering advanced solutions in AI Governance to help businesses responsibly deploy and secure artificial intelligence while safeguarding against emerging threats.
An acclaimed author of "Small Business – A Hacker’s Playground" and "Small Town Boy, Big City Business," Jason is a sought-after speaker and veteran advocate. Through his Tech For Vets, Inc. nonprofit and Pay IT Forward Initiative, he empowers veterans and supports veteran-owned businesses. Jason’s guiding principles—honesty, trustworthiness, value, innovation, and integrity—define his leadership and his companies. From boardrooms to battlefields, Jason Rorie brings unmatched expertise, drive, and vision, making him a formidable force in cybersecurity and a relentless protector of those who trust him with their digital defense.

Round Table Abstract:
Title: "Fortifying the Future: Navigating AI Security, Governance, and Vendor Risk"

Description: In the rush to harness AI's transformative potential, the need for robust security, governance, and vendor risk management has never been more critical. Join cybersecurity expert Jason Rorie as he leads an interactive discussion on the essential frameworks and strategies to safeguard your AI implementations. From managing data integrity and algorithmic accountability to mitigating third-party risks, this roundtable will empower you to implement AI securely and responsibly—ensuring innovation doesn't come at the cost of resilience.

Panel Discussion Moderator

Brian White Contact Photo
Brian White
VP of New Product Introduction
Ericsson Logo 

Currently serving as Head of New Product Introduction for the Ericsson North America Market, Brian is a thirty-year veteran managing the development and delivery of network and software solutions primarily for telecommunications service providers.  As an evangelist for the innovation driven by analytics and transformative digital solutions Brian has led the creation of strategies for migrating to next generation technologies, evolving businesses to new business models and optimizing business operations.
Panel Session Title: "Realizing the Possible: A Q&A on Unlocking AI's Potential in Competence, Supply Chains, and Beyond"
Abstract:  Are you ready to implement the possible with AI? Join an interactive panel discussion where industry leaders and academic experts answer your burning questions about applying AI to solve real-world challenges.

This panel brings together two leaders transforming employee competence with AI-driven solutions, two innovators reshaping healthcare supply chains, and a university data science professor with deep expertise in AI trends. Through a dynamic Q&A format, the panel will address critical topics such as:
 - What are the most important factors for AI project success?
 - What lessons can we learn from real-world use cases—both successes and failures?
 - How can organizations build executive support and empower teams to embrace AI?
 - What steps should enterprises take to prepare for the possibilities AI offers?
 - How can organizations ensure AI security through proper governance and third-party vendor risk management?

This is your opportunity to hear practical advice, gain actionable insights, and engage directly with experts at the forefront of AI innovation. Whether you're exploring AI's potential for the first time or looking to refine your approach, this session will help you chart a course to realizing the possible with AI. Bring your questions and get ready for a lively, insightful conversation!

Panelist and Round Table Leader

Mike Christian
Mike Christian
Founder and CEO
From The Future Logo 


Mike Christian is a leading figure in immersive technology with four decades of programming expertise and two decades in design and production. As the founder and CEO of From the Future, Mike has driven the development of cutting-edge training and education solutions that combine Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Learning Management Systems (LMS), and Virtual Classrooms. With a focus on modernizing skilled trades education, Mike’s work integrates curriculum with VR simulations to create safer, more efficient, and accessible training programs. His efforts extend to neurodiverse therapy, life skills, and job training, showcasing his commitment to inclusivity and innovation in learning. From equipping apprentices with hands-on virtual experience to developing adaptive learning environments for individuals with autism, Mike’s projects reflect a mission to empower learners across industries and abilities. An active thought leader, Mike shares his expertise through industry blogs, conferences, and books, including "How Virtual Reality Will Revolutionize Training and Education". His creativity, inspired by his background in improv comedy, shapes engaging and memorable learning experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. Looking ahead, Mike is focused on collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations to reimagine education through immersive technology. He aims to unlock new opportunities for skilled trades and beyond by combining VR and AI, transforming how people learn and thrive.
Title: Redefining Enterprise Competence Through AI “AI, What Would You Say You Do Here?"

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how enterprises operate, offering powerful opportunities to enhance productivity, improve decision-making, and drive meaningful customer experiences. This round table will explore practical, real-world applications of AI, focusing on how it can be integrated into various enterprise systems, including Virtual Reality (VR) solutions, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and operational workflows, to expand organizational competence. We’ll discuss how AI can streamline internal processes, personalize training, and uncover actionable insights through data analysis. Additionally, we’ll examine how AI is reshaping external-facing applications, such as immersive learning and client engagement, to deliver measurable value and foster innovation. Through interactive discussions, attendees will learn how AI can bridge the gap between human potential and technological capability. The conversation will address common implementation challenges, lessons learned from industry successes, and strategies for fostering a culture of innovation that ensures AI drives tangible outcomes rather than becoming just another buzzword. Whether exploring AI for the first time or looking to expand its impact within your organization, this session will provide actionable insights and inspire new ways to redefine competence in today’s AI-powered enterprise landscape.

Panelist

Sridhar Nerur
Dr. Sridhar Nerur
Goolsby-Alcon Endowed Chair and Professor of Information Systems
60th Anniversary Logo for College of Business 


Sridhar Nerur is the Goolsby-Alcon Endowed Chair and Professor of Information Systems at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). He is the Chair of the Graduate Studies Committee on Business Analytics at UTA. His research has been published in premier outlets such as MIS Quarterly, Strategic Management Journal, Journal of Management Information Systems, Communications of the ACM, European Journal of Information Systems, Journal of Strategic Information Systems, Journal of the Association for Information Systems, Information & Management, IEEE Software, and the Journal of  International  Business  Studies.  He currently serves on the editorial boards of Information Systems Research and the Journal of Strategic Information Systems. He has previously served on the editorial boards of the European Journal of Information Systems (EJIS) and the Journal of Association for Information Systems (JAIS).  His research and teaching interests include social networks, machine learning/AI/deep learning, text analytics, and graph neural networks.

Round Table Leader

Daniel Windle
Daniel Windle
Director of Sales Operations
Trinity Rail Logo 



Daniel Windle is the Director of Sales Operations for Trinity Industries. His current role includes responsibility for maintaining and improving relevant economic and industry data, forecasting sales and industry activity, and improving sales processes. He has been with Trinity Industries since 2013 serving as a Marketing Analyst for Energy Markets, a Data Scientist, and a Principal of Market Intelligence. Daniel has a BA in Economics and Political Science from Trinity University and an MS in Predictive Analytics from Northwestern University. He has been a speaker at both the Annual Meeting and Business Analytics Conference hosted by the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences (INFORMS) and has served as a Round table and Cluster Chair for the INFORMS Railway Applications Section.
Title: Taking Baby Steps Toward Long-Term Growth (GenAI and LLM)

Amara's Law states, "We tend to overestimate the effect of a technology in the short run and underestimate the effect in the long run."  Will Generative AI and Large Language Models follow the same path as many past technological advances? This table discussion will focus on how near-term experimentation and small efficiency gains can lead to large gains in the next ten years.

Round Table Leader

Jay Samuel
Dr. Jayarajan Samuel
Associate Professor
60th Anniversary Logo for College of Business 



Jayarajan Samuel is an associate professor of Information Systems at the College of Business, University of Texas at Arlington. He has extensive experience in the ICT industry and is a consultant advising companies on their AI and ML strategies to increase business value.  His current research interests are in the areas of Artificial Intelligence applications in business systems, data driven decision making, business analytics and mathematical modeling of business problems. His research papers have appeared in Production and Operations Management, Information Systems Research and MIS Quarterly journals.

Title: "Is AI a threat to traditional pedagogy?"

 

AI has the potential to significantly disrupt the education industry in several ways. However, whether this disruption is positive or negative depends on how institutions, educators, and policymakers adapt. It also depends on how the industry begins to value AI-based credentials vis-a-vis those obtained through a traditional route. This is an important topic with a lot at stake for students, educators and the future of work.

The Center For Innovation And Digital Transformation (CIDT)

The Center for Innovation and Digital Transformation (CIDT)

Contact

Budiman Contact Photo

Dr. Santoso Budiman
Director
Center for Innovation and Digital Transformation
digital.innovation@uta.edu
817-272-6358
Box 19437
701 S. West Street, Room 511