It's Springtime for AI: Embracing the AI Revolution Without Losing Your Mind

Does it seem like everyone is doing all amazing things with AI, and you don't even know where to begin and already feel behind? You're not alone. In this refreshingly honest and surprisingly uplifting talk, 30-year tech veteran Brian Madden takes us on a journey through the seasons of technology—and explains why it's perfectly okay if your "AI expertise" is still in its infancy.

Drawing from his experiences riding the waves of virtualization, cloud computing, and now AI, Brian offers a unique perspective on how to approach this latest technological revolution. Spoiler alert: It doesn't involve becoming an overnight AI expert or panic-buying GPUs for your basement.
Instead, Brian will:

• Debunk the myth of the "AI expert" and why chasing that title is like trying to catch the horizon
• Explore why traditional learning methods fall short in the face of AI's rapid evolution
• Share practical strategies for navigating the AI landscape without drowning in information
• Provide a framework for identifying which aspects of AI are relevant to your career and company
• Offer a healthy dose of humor to remind us all that it's okay to feel a bit lost in this brave new world

Whether you're a seasoned IT professional wondering how to adapt, a manager trying to separate AI hype from reality, or just someone who wants to understand what all the fuss is about, this talk will leave you feeling energized and equipped to face the AI future.

Remember: It's springtime for AI. The stakes are low, the potential is high, and now is the perfect time to play. Join Brian as he helps you plant the seeds for your AI journey, no expertise required.

A version of this talk was first delivered as the afternoon keynote talk at the Dutch VMUG UserCon in March 2024 with the title, "The AI train is leaving the station." A video of that talk is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JAEOS7iREw

Navigating Employee AI Use in the Workplace

The AI revolution isn't coming—it's already here, and your employees are leading the charge because they're able to use AI tools without your support or knowledge. As a business leader, are you prepared to navigate this new landscape?

In this eye-opening talk, Brian Madden, a 30-year IT veteran and creator of the Workplace AI Strategy Guide (StrategyGuide.ai), cuts through the AI hype to address the pressing reality: AI tools are transforming your workplace operations right now, whether you're ready or not.

Drawing from his ongoing research and real-world experiences, Brian will guide you through the complex terrain of employee-driven AI adoption, offering practical insights on:

• The "Consumerization of AI": Why this is bigger and more impactful than any previous tech revolution
• Policy Dilemmas: Crafting strategies that balance innovation with security and compliance
• Workforce Dynamics: Navigating the shifting employee-employer relationship in an AI-enhanced workplace
• Measurement Challenges: Distinguishing between AI hype and actual productivity gains
• Competitive Edge: Ensuring your company (and employees) don't fall behind in the AI race

This isn't just another talk about ChatGPT prompts or the technical intricacies of large language models. Instead, Brian offers a unique, business-focused perspective on managing the human side of AI adoption in your organization.

You'll leave this session with:

• A clear understanding of the current AI landscape in the workplace
• Practical strategies for developing AI policies that work for your organization
• Insights on fostering an AI-savvy workforce without compromising security or ethics
• Tools for measuring the real impact of AI on your business operations

Join Brian for this dynamic, continuously-evolving discussion that mirrors his innovative approach to the Workplace AI Strategy Guide—a living document that evolves as rapidly as the AI landscape itself.

Whether you're an IT leader, HR professional, or C-suite executive, this talk will equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to confidently lead your organization through the AI revolution. Don't let your employees outpace you—be prepared to harness the full potential of AI in your workplace.

This talk is based on the content from the Workplace AI Strategy Guide project, which you can see at https://strategyguide.ai.

The Evolution and Future of End User Computing (EUC)

End User Computing (EUC) continues to be a key element in corporate IT strategies, evolving from basic desktop management to complex digital workspace solutions encompassing remote work, VDI/DaaS, enterprise mobility, and broad employee-driven technology use. As digital work habits and technologies evolve, the need for strategic thinking in supporting and managing employee devices and applications has never been more critical.

Brian Madden, a distinguished critic, analyst, and thought leader in the EUC space, brings over three decades of experience to this discussion. From his early days in desktop support to founding the influential BrianMadden.com website and BriForum conference, Brian has been at the forefront of the EUC conversation, offering insights and predictions that have often predated major industry shifts.

In this engaging and informative talk, Brian will review the current state of the EUC industry in 2024 and forecast the developments we can expect in the coming years. Reflecting on recent developments, such as the acquisitions of Citrix and VMware by private equity, Google's acquisition of Cameyo, and Microsoft's ascent to one of the world’s most valuable companies, he’ll provide a nuanced perspective on the continuing strategic importance of familiar technologies while blending in the latest thinking.

Key topics will include:
• The evolving role of Windows: Dying, or more important than ever?
• Is today’s mobile-first world making the desktop more or less relevant?
• Is unified endpoint management finally real, or did we chase the wrong thing?
• The ongoing effects of the consumerization of IT in a world where employees have the power?
• The emerging influence of AI in shaping EUC strategies.

Attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of where the EUC industry stands today and where it’s headed, equipped with insights to build successful strategies for the future of work effectively. Brian’s deep expertise and entertaining and humorous presentation style promise to make this session both educational and enjoyable.