Highlights from the Analytics Summit 2024: A Day of Insights and Innovation

Analytics Summit 2024 brought together over 1,500 data enthusiasts, thought leaders, and industry experts at Dublin’s Convention Centre. Hosted by the Analytics Institute, it was a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of data and AI, from insightful discussions on the latest trends to networking opportunities with the best in the field.

Setting the Scene with Opening Talks

The day kicked off with a warm welcome from Lorcan Malone, CEO of the Analytics Institute, who set the tone for a day of learning and collaboration. Barry Lowry, Ireland's Government Chief Information Officer, followed with a keynote on The Data Landscape in Ireland, underscoring how data impacts public policy and innovation.

We then welcomed Scott Taylor, famously known as "The Data Whisperer," who captivated the audience with his talk on Data Is the New Bullsht – GenAI Edition!*. Known for his wit, Scott’s discussion on data governance and storytelling resonated with many attendees. Scott also shared his signature "3Vs" approach—vocabulary, voice, and vision—which turned out to be a memorable theme of the day.

Generative AI, Balancing Innovation, and Ethical Considerations

The theme of Generative AI surfaced early and often, starting with Neil Bowden from Dell, who highlighted AI's transformational power in his keynote “GenAI in Dell Technologies - A Game Changer”. Neil walked us through the challenge of implementing AI in any given organisation given the plethora of possible use cases. He offered us a comprehensive walkthrough of how Dell created a generative AI strategy which used prioritisation, aligning and clustering use cases and ultimately assessing data readiness.

Rory Timlin from KPMG brought a balanced view with AI FOMO - Balancing Speed, Security, and Value, sharing insights on the delicate equilibrium needed to integrate AI responsibly. Just how can senior management reconcile their worry of keeping up with AI while remaining risk averse. Rory highlighted the importance of converting FOMO to value by improving data maturity and trust in AI.

A high-energy panel hosted by Garvan Callan, “Generative AI – Hyperpower or Overhyped?”, explored the pros, cons, and ethics of this rapidly evolving technology. John Lyons (Practice Director, ProStrategy), Glenn Sheridan (Solution Engineering Leader, Salesforce), Alan McGlinn (Director Financial Services & Country Lead, SAS) and Larry Mullen (VP Analytics, Optum) shared their thoughts on where GenAI adds genuine value and where the hype may be exaggerated. This engaging session left the audience buzzing about AI's future impact.

The ESG Imperative and Data's Role in Sustainability

Amidst the tech-heavy sessions, the Capventis-led ESG panel stood out by shifting focus to ESG – Meeting the Challenge of ESG Reporting. Moderated by John Glennane, CEO of Capventis, Fiona Leheny (ISIF), Brian O'Neill of Aviva Ireland and Afra Ronayne, Data Manager at ESB discussed the importance of ethical and sustainable data practices in driving impactful change. They explored the role data plays in building transparency and responsibility into organisational practices.

Deepfakes, Data Integrity, and Protecting Democracy

Marja Laitinen from Microsoft tackled a topic that was as timely as it was unsettling—Deepfakes and the Threat to Democracy. Using real-life examples, she illuminated the very real risk posed by AI-generated deep fakes, not only to individuals but to democratic systems at large. Her talk sparked meaningful discussions around the room on how best to safeguard data integrity in this era of misinformation.

Real-World Applications – From Supply Chain to Sports to Journalism

Dave Hackett (The Information Lab) and David Keyes (PHX Group) detailed how data can transform supply chain decision-making, bringing efficiency and agility to complex processes. Their engaging case study demonstrated how analytics can solve industry-specific problems and accelerate decision making in complex business models. A detailed showcase of how inputs lead to processes, workflows and reviews brought this data problem to life.

Later, David Sumpter offered a unique perspective on Precision Play in sports analytics, showing how AI and maths are scouting tomorrow's Premier League stars. David delved into how sports clubs use data for evaluating player performance, identifying spatial patterns, and creating visuals that aid coaches and managers in developing strategic play.

Rachel Quigley, Managing Editor at CNN Underscored, delivered a keynote sharing insights into how CNN leverages data to capture reader interest and optimise click-throughs, showcasing their Affiliate Funnel model, Gen Z engagement strategies, and their approach to aligning editorial content with product recommendations to drive e-commerce growth.

People at the heart of Technology

After our break for lunch, we commenced a collection of thought provoking keynotes with a common theme of the importance of people within technology advances.

Carl Kinson of DXC was first up to the stage with his keynote “Is Agentic AI the new electricity?”, discussing the evolution of emerging AI technology, specifically with the use case of “Agents”, AI powered assistants emerging in our lives which are action focused and tailored towards augmented human decision making. The audience were challenged yet again to consider the quality of data input as a crucial component of AI development. A recurring theme throughout the day.

Trevor Vaugh’s of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, delivered an emotive keynote highlighting the importance of combining traditional and social technologies to foster meaningful and human-centred innovations. He emphasised that technical advances must be guided by empathy and collaboration. Trevor challenged us to consider why design is the social technology we need for tomorrow and how our own thinking is the greatest problem we face within a world of uncertainty and data.

Dr. Kenneth McKenzie presented on AI’s role in human behaviour, using child psychology insights to contrast management perspectives with those of the workforce. He introduced the audience to the "Visible, Viable, and Desirable" framework his team work with within Accenture for analysing AI-driven innovations. Kenneth addressed the “upleveling effect” which shows increases in productivity of the general workforce when utilising tech, but how ultimately we are limited in our growth using AI as we struggle to classify the value of what knowledge workers provide day to day.

Closing Thoughts on AI, Data, and the Road Ahead

In a captivating joint presentation, Dr. Greg Michaelson, CPO and Co-Founder of Zerve AI, and Mohamed Lemine Beydia, Head of Data & Analytics at Canal+ Group, shared an inspiring journey of innovation and resilience. Greg opened by recounting his work during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he led a team in developing a sophisticated forecasting model to predict virus hotspots, a project that would ultimately reshape his career. This set the stage for Mohamed to discuss how Canal+ has adopted Zerve’s technology to tackle challenges unique to the media industry such as customer churn, optimised targeted marketing and predictive modelling.

Michael Mouire, Head of Data and Analytics at Ryanair, returned to the stage this year after a very popular keynote last year. Michael offered insights on the airline’s decade-long journey with data analytics which included a transformational approach to carbon emissions, reduction in food waste and improved customer care experience. This was a first class example of how a data first approach can impact all areas of your organisation.

Data storytelling took centre stage as Brent Dykes, a true authority in this area, presented How Data Storytelling Bridges the Last Mile in Analytics. Brent spoke on the challenges data professionals face in translating raw data into actionable insights, emphasising how storytelling can close this gap. His insights, punctuated by the analogy of a “data marathon,” drew laughter and nods of agreement from the audience.

Our final speaker of the day was Dr. Enda Ridge, EMEA Analytics Lead for Google Shopping and Author of Guerrilla Analytics. At the core of Enda's keynote was that great analytics is more important than ever. After a Summit packed with cutting edge tech examples, his presentation brought us back to the basics of sound statistical analysis as a bedrock of making good business decisions post a Data Science hype cycle.

The summit was a testament to the power of data and AI in shaping industries, revealing new perspectives, tools, and insights for maximising data’s potential across sectors, from government to tech giants. It showcased how these are more than just mere tools, they are essential to innovation, ethics, and responsible decision-making. Some of the key takeaways include how FOMO is driving much of the hype cycle around AI and how these new emerging technologies will still need to come back to people and real life experiences.

Here’s to another year of powerful insights, and we look forward to seeing the impact of this knowledge in our community.