University of Adelaide
AEDA Business Summit Major Partner University of Adelaide to Explore the Role of AI in Adelaide’s Future
Machine learning has the potential to unlock massive social, economic and environmental benefits for the city, according to the University of Adelaide, the major partner for this year’s AEDA Business Summit.
Presented by Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA), the AEDA Business Summit returns to Adelaide Oval on Wednesday 22 May, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs and thinkers to discuss the city’s economic trajectories in front of an expected audience of over 400 attendees from private and public sectors.
The University of Adelaide’s Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (External Engagement) said the University, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary, has a long history of being at the heart of South Australia’s development.
“Adelaide is at the forefront of many innovative developments that underpin the revolution in AI and digitisation across the economy,” Professor Gallagher said.
“The University has 150 years of experience of collaborating with industry and government, both locally and nationally. We are developing smarter technology that will drive Adelaide’s productivity to benefit society.
“The business models of the largest and most successful corporations are underpinned by links to institutions like the University of Adelaide to work alongside innovative educators, world-class academics, and the workforce of the future.”
AI Panel Presented by University of Adelaide
To mark the University’s significant milestone, a panel titled ‘The next 150 years: the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI)’, featuring the University’s Australian Institute of Machine Learning Director Professor Simon Lucey, will examine the role that AI plays in supporting the city economy.
Other speakers on this panel include Adrian Johnston, Head of AI at MMAPT Robotics and ThincLab expert, world-renowned Associate Professor Devika Kannan, Deputy Director of the Centre for Sustainable Operations and Resilient Supply Chain (CSORSC), and David Mackenzie, Managing Principal of Digital at Aurecon.
AEDA General Manager Greg Ratsch said the agency is excited to have the University of Adelaide, which is marking its 150th anniversary, as the first-ever major partner for the Business Summit.
“The University of Adelaide plays a vital role in advancing the city’s economy, something industry and government can’t do alone, through its research, education and attracting and retaining the brightest students, staff and researchers,” he said.
“The University’s ThincLab business incubator is a strategic partner of AEDA and we really value their focus on investing in and supporting students and start-ups, those that will be driving the city’s economy forward in the future.”
Other speakers and panels confirmed for 2024’s AEDA Business Summit include:
- Alex Robson, Deputy Chair of Australian Productivity Commission, discussing Adelaide's economic stance, growth, and AI's potential.
- Philip Corne, former CEO of Louis Vuitton Australia and New Zealand, sharing insights on luxury retail's impact from a global viewpoint.
- Rebecca White and Jaclyn Thorne of The Tourism Collective, exploring how the city stacks up as a sustainable tourism destination and how the state’s eco credentials can be embedded throughout the visitor economy.
- A panel discussion with Dr. David Gaimster, Chief Executive of the South Australian Museum; Michael Harvey, Director of the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium of South Australia; and Rhana Devenport ONZM, Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia, on merging history and modern innovation to enhance North Terrace as a prime tourist destination.
- Tim Stollznow, CEO and Founder of MyVenue, will share MyVenue's growth from a local initiative to a global enterprise, highlight investments in technology and talent, Adelaide's role as an innovation hub, and ways to enhance governmental and industrial support for entrepreneurs.
Book Your Tickets Now
Tickets are now available for the AEDA Business Summit, which sold out last year, and are priced at $235 per person or $2,100 for a table of 10. Tickets include morning tea, a two-course lunch and drinks.
The AEDA Business Summit will be held on Wednesday 22 May at Adelaide Oval, with event formalities from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, and networking afterwards.
View more information about speakers, the event program and to book your tickets below.