The pressure is rising. In 2025, data and analytics leaders must go beyond experimentation to deliver AI at scale, evolve governance, and align architecture with emerging use cases. At the Modern Data Leader’s Summit: AI in the Enterprise, held August 18–19 in San Diego, TDWI brings together top executives and strategists to chart the next chapter of enterprise AI—and what it takes to lead.
2025 isn’t just another milestone—it’s a turning point for data leadership. As the hype cycle around AI fades into enterprise expectations, C-suites are pushing for real value, faster scaling, and stronger alignment between data practices and business goals. Leaders are no longer being asked if AI matters—they’re being asked how it will be operationalized, who’s accountable for results, and what foundational capabilities must be upgraded to keep pace. For those in charge of data, analytics, and AI strategy, this is a defining year—one where decisions made now will shape performance, culture, and innovation outcomes for years to come.
The hype around generative AI is far from over—but the patience for misaligned pilots and unfinished roadmaps is. C-suites are no longer asking if AI can help, but how fast it can scale, who should own it, and what foundational practices must evolve to support it.
For data and analytics leaders, this is a crucible year—where strategic decisions around architecture, governance, and team design will shape outcomes for years to come.
The Leadership Mandate: From Awareness to Action
At this year's Modern Data Leader’s Summit: AI in the Enterprise , (August 18–19, San Diego), these conversations are front and center. The agenda follows a five-stage journey through enterprise AI adoption, pairing frameworks with real-world case studies and peer-led insights.
Expect sessions like:
- “Leading AI Transformation: Strategy, Culture, and Organizational Readiness” with Donald Farmer
- “The AI-Ready Enterprise” with John O’Brien of Radiant Advisors
- Panel: “Building a Scalable Data Foundation for AI” featuring Feeding America
- Workshop: “Developing Innovative AI Use Cases: Strategy and Execution” with Sam Wong of Mark Anthony Group
“We’re seeing a shift from innovation theater to value realization,” says Fern Halper, Ph.D., VP of Research at TDWI. “Organizations are past the proof-of-concept phase. They’re looking for production-ready strategies, cross-functional execution, and scalable governance.”
That’s the core premise behind the Modern Data Leader’s Summit: AI in the Enterprise (Aug. 18–19), a focused two-day experience held as part of TDWI Transform in San Diego (Aug. 18–22). The summit brings together CIOs, CDOs, and emerging AI leaders to tackle the hard questions:
- How do you build an AI program that actually delivers?
- What kind of talent and team structure enables trust and speed?
- How does architecture need to evolve for agentic and generative AI applications?
It’s not just about tech. It’s about adaptation, alignment, and operational clarity.
Certificate Opportunities
Attendees who complete the full summit earn the TDWI Modern Data Leadership Certificate in AI in the Enterprise, validating practical knowledge in:
- AI strategy and roadmap development
- Modern architecture for AI
- Analytics and AI governance frameworks
- Organizational design for scalable AI adoption
It’s not just about tech. It’s about adaptation, alignment, and operational clarity.
From Modernization to Mastery
Co-located with TDWI Transform 2025 San Diego (Aug. 18–22, San Diego), the Modern Data Leader’s Summit: AI in the Enterprise is part of a week-long experience designed to drive transformation across every level of the organization. With more than 50 full- and half-day masterclasses, Transform offers a rare opportunity to unite leadership vision with hands-on execution.
If you’re recalibrating your roadmap, retooling your stack, or reskilling your team in 2025, this is a rare chance to step back, reset, and move forward with confidence.
Super early bird savings of $500 end June 6, making now the smartest time to lock in your seat (stackable team discounts are also available).