IBM Artificial Intelligence Expert to Urge Conference Delegates to Embrace AI

IBM Watson’s Jodie Sangster is set to give a keynote at the upcoming Transform 2019 conference, teaching delegates how not for profits can reap the rewards of AI and machine learning.

When IBM Watson’s Jodie Sangster crunches the numbers and says big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning are key opportunities for the Australian not-for-profit sector, it’s time to sit up and listen.

A global influencer with a passion for innovation, Sangster’s role as chief customer officer at IBM Watson puts her at the vanguard of some of the most exciting – and intimidating – transformative technologies in the world.

Her firm conclusion that by becoming early adopters not for profits can outperform the private sector and reap the rewards of AI and machine learning is good news for the sector – and even better news for Transform 2019 conference delegates, who will discover how it can work during her keynote at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 9 May.

Recruited in April 2018 by IBM director of Watson Customer Engagement John Mullins, the senior IBM executive’s announcement of her appointment underscores Sangster’s authority.

“Our focus at IBM Watson Customer Engagement is on developing a thriving interchange between clients, partners and agency leaders, that are using Watson powered AI to change the way in which we all do business,” Mullins wrote in his LinkedIn post.

“This requires a very particular set of skills and experience to push the frontiers of artificial intelligence in marketing, commerce and supply chain.

“Building and nurturing these critical CMO and agency relationships is a top priority for the IBM WCE business across Asia-Pacific. We’ve seen the impact Watson can bring to brands and agencies by embedding AI into the everyday applications of marketing and ecommerce professionals. This impact is to help them take action with confidence – delivering insights and uncovering market opportunities.”

Sangster is probably best known in the Asia-Pacific region for her seven years as chief executive officer of the Association for Data-driven Marketing and Advertising and for establishing the Australian Alliance for Data Leadership.

And if anyone doubted her ability to sift through the data on AI and machine learning and come up with conclusions about what it means for not for profits, they should consider that she’s also been an executive director of Data Governance Australia and the Institute of Analytics Professionals of Australia.

Her Transform 2019 keynote is a coup for the conference organising team, who secured her services pro bono after reaching out to her on LinkedIn.

Originally from the UK, Sangster also has qualifications in law, specialising in data protection, and has built a formidable reputation across industry associations, consistent with her chairperson role for the International Federation of Direct Marketing Associations (IFDMA).

She is specifically tasked with leading discussions across Asia on the big picture of AI in marketing and will bring all of the experience she has gained from those wide-ranging conversations to bear on the challenges facing the Australian not-for-profit sector.

About the Transform 2019 Conference, Melbourne (Early bird closes 28 February)

The Connecting Up Transform Conference at Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) next May will see an array of world class speakers and NFP CEOs focused on helping NFPs achieve a successful digital transformation.

Featuring artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, business automation, IT security, IT infrastructure, IT strategy, world-class marketing, social media, best-practice fundraising, grant writing and more, the Transform 2019 program will identify the key issues around digital transformation and provide the solutions the sector needs.

The three-day event, from 8-10 May 2019, also provides important recognition and networking opportunities for delegates through the Australian Not-for-profit Technology Gala Awards Dinner and the Australian Not-for-profit Leadership Breakfast.

A full day of master classes will see social media expert Kate vanderVoort present on social media marketing, Abby Clemence present on fundraising, and Connecting Up and Infoxchange present on digital transformation and IT strategy.

Plenary speakers include Dr Ruth Knight, from the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Non-Profit Studies, who will challenge the “overheads myth” and call on Australian NFPs to “ditch the begging bowl” to ensure they get the funding they need and deserve.

A panel session, featuring Good2Give CEO Lisa Grinham and GoFundraise CEO Stuart Finlayson, will maintain the focus on 21st century fundraising by examining the latest innovations in corporate giving.

Globally renowned marketing scientist Adjunct Professor Mark Ritson, from Melbourne Business School, meanwhile, will deliver a challenging keynote explaining what NFPs need to do to get the results they need in an increasingly competitive market.

Microsoft Philanthropies chief technology officer Erik Arnold and Maxsum Consulting IT security expert Joe Ciancio will also speak, while senior NFP sector leaders Cassandra Goldie, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), and David Crosbie, CEO, Community Council for Australia (CCA), deliver opening keynotes.

Once again, the conference will offer numerous one-to-one mentoring opportunities, allowing delegates to get advice specifically tailored for them.

This is supported by a 35-stand exhibition comprised of NFP-focused technology and services providers who understand the needs of the sector.

Early bird tickets are still available for Transform 2019 and can be booked online here.

About Connecting Up

Connecting Up Inc was established in 1981 as Community Information Support Service of SA Inc (CISSsa). CISSsa was established as the peak community information agency in South Australia, providing essential community services information in a variety of print and, later, electronic formats. CISSsa later changed its name to Community Information Strategies Australia and is now Connecting Up Inc.

Connecting Up’s purpose is to help our fellow not for profits leverage the digital world to positively impact their communities. The digital world is ever expanding beyond IT software and hardware, digital marketing, fundraising to new and innovative service delivery and understanding / measuring impact.

We have a long history of affordable software, hardware, educational events and more recently group consulting. We believe that not for profits with the right tools and skills can and do achieve great things. We work in partnerships with over 40 organisations to deliver high quality products and services specifically meeting the nuanced needs of the not-for-profit sector.

Connecting Up’s and TechSoup New Zealand’s services are available in Australia, New Zealand and throughout the South Pacific. In addition, Connecting Up also helps to develop relationships with business, community and government sectors for the development of the not-for-profit sector.

Connecting Up is a part of the Infoxchange Group.