Ai4Software Conference

Keynotes

How Generative AI Transforms the SDLC including AI Led QE

Kevin Surace
Tuesday September 9, 9:00 am - 10:00 am Central Time

Generative AI is already impacting several areas of the software development lifecycle. Microsoft states that developers using copilot are 55% more productive. Traditionally new technologies target a reduction in headcount by improving productivity and occasionally these technologies have been transformational in that they reduce cost by 1000X or more. Ecommerce, viral social posts, the automobile, the PC and so on. Generative AI shows promise that it may also be transformational in many fields. Blog writing for example is obvious but what about coding itself? Or test code/script generation. While many feel that humans must control, these areas, what happens if by control we mean 1 controller can amplify their brain power by 1000X? Even at this early stage, this is looking more likely.

In our talk we will explore Generative AI and its power to transform software development, testing and QA, and other areas of the SDLC in the near and far future.

Speaker

Kevin is a Silicon Valley innovator, serial entrepreneur, CEO, and futurist. He was INC Magazines’ Entrepreneur of the Year, a CNBC top Innovator of the Decade, World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer, Chair of Silicon Valley Forum, Planet Forward Innovator of the Year nominee, featured for 5 years on TechTV’s Silicon Spin and inducted into RIT’s Innovation Hall of Fame. While he has 94 worldwide patents and led pioneering work on the first cellular data smartphone. (AirCommunicator), the first human-like AI virtual assistant (Portico), soundproof drywall, high R-value windows, AI-driven building management, Generative AI for QA automation, supply chain auctions, and the window/energy retrofits of the Empire State Building and NY Stock Exchange.

The Transformative Impact of AI on Project Management

Richard Weller
Director of Expertise Development and Innovation

In this keynote speech, Rich Weller explores the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Project Management, highlighting its ability to automate repetitive tasks and enhance decision-making through predictive analytics. He discusses the significant benefits AI brings, such as improved efficiency, cost savings, and better decision-making capabilities, illustrated by real-world applications and case studies. While acknowledging the challenges, including data quality, ethical concerns, and the need for skill development, Rich emphasizes the importance of embracing AI to drive project success and lead the profession into an AI-enhanced future.

Speaker

Rich Weller is a Project, Program and Portfolio Management Solution Specialist. He has nearly 30 years’ experience in planning and delivering successful project, program and portfolio management initiatives. He has been a college instructor nearly 20 years, teaching multiple courses in Business as well as Project Management. He is also a frequent speaker at PMI, MPUG, Scaled Agile as well as other industry events. He has led multiple transformation programs and spearheaded the Agile transformation program for MIGSO | PCUBED North America which has included multiple classes at multiple locations and virtually with nearly 500 certifications authorized to date.

Rich has a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA) and holds many certifications ranging from Six Sigma, Project Management Professional (PMP), Scrum Master (SSM), Release Train Engineer (RTE), SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC) and is a PMI Authorized Training Instructor. Rich is also well versed in many Project Management software applications including Microsoft Project (MCTS), Project Online / Project Server (MCITP), SharePoint (MCTS), Microsoft Planner, Microsoft Teams, Project For The Web, CA Agile (Rally), Jira Software, Jira Portfolio as well as the entire Office 365 Suite. His current passion is AI (Artificial Intelligence) in Project Management.

Automating Quality: A Vision Beyond AI for Testing

Dr. Tariq King
Chief Scientist, test.ai
Thursday September 12, 9:00 am - 10:00 am Central Time

By now you are likely familiar with or already using generative AI and large language models for software testing tasks. But have you ever thought about leveraging AI beyond software testing to automate Quality—not just for our roles today, but for the next generation? Join Tariq King as he discusses the present and future role of AI in automating quality throughout the software lifecycle, the need for checks and balances when adopting AI, and the importance of validating AI-generated content. Tariq will highlight some of the key challenges of testing AI systems both offline during development, and online in production. This is because Tariq firmly believes that the only way AI can takeover testing, is if testing first takes over the world of AI.

Speaker

Tariq King is a recognized thought-leader in software testing and quality engineering. He is currently the CEO and Head of Test IO, an EPAM company. Tariq has over fifteen years' professional experience in the software industry and has formerly held positions including VP of Product-Services, Chief Scientist, Head of Quality, Quality Engineering Director, Software Engineering Manager, and Principal Architect. He holds Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Computer Science from Florida International University, and a B.S. in Computer Science from Florida Tech. He has published over 40 research articles in peer-reviewed IEEE and ACM journals, conferences, and workshops, and has written book chapters and technical reports for Springer, O'Reilly, IGI Global, and more. Tariq has been an international keynote speaker and trainer at leading software conferences in industry and academia and serves on multiple conference boards and program committees.

Closing Keynote:
Scaling Your existing AI Strategy to the Enterprise

Michael Arulfo
GenAI Principal Enterprise Architect, Office of the CIO - Boston Scientific
Tuesday September 10, 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm Central Time

Join Michael Arulfo, AI Principal Enterprise Architect at Boston Scientific, as he unveils the transformative power of AI Digital Architecture Strategy for your organization. In this enlightening keynote, Michael will share his unique perspective, honed from 25+ years of experience at the forefront of AI and digital healthcare. He'll guide you through the foundational principles and insights crucial for building a robust AI architecture, offering a framework to navigate the AI landscape with confidence. Whether you're just starting your GenAI journey or looking to elevate your existing AI strategy, this keynote will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to scale your AI Strategy to the Enterprise.

Speaker

Michael Arulfo, AI Principal Enterprise Architect at Boston Scientific. Michael leads GenAI and AI Architecture Strategy, shaping healthcare's digital future. His expertise is honed through roles at the Mayo Clinic, Allina Health, Optum.AI and UnitedHealthcare, driving AI platform development and scaled AI architecture design for the Enterprise. Michael is a founding member of the Chief Architect Forum and Chairman of BETA.MN (Minnesota’s oldest and largest tech startup accelerator and organizer of Twin Cities Startup Week). A leader in technology innovation, Michael champions AI and GenAI’s transformative potential in healthcare, fostering business agility and improving healthcare outcomes for patients