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Day One

Monday, June 23

8:00
-
9:00

CHECK IN & WELCOME

Main Room, Norðurljós 

Kick off your Global Data Summit experience by checking in and meeting fellow attendees. Enjoy a warm welcome as we set the stage for two days of cutting-edge insights, networking, and innovation in Reykjavik.

9:00
-
9:15

OPENING REMARKS & SUMMIT KICKOFF

Main Room, Norðurljós 

Hear from GDS Founders Hans Hultgren and John Carpenter as they preview what to expect during the two-day Summit.

9:15   
-
10:00

OPENING KEYNOTE: Eliminating Bias in the Deployment of AI and Machine Learning 

Main Room, Norðurljós 

Stephen Brobst

From a Business and a technical perspective this session will dive into eliminating bias in the deployment of AI and Machine Learning.

The primary source of bias in machine learning is not in the algorithms deployed, but rather the data used as input to build the predictive models.  In this talk we will discuss why this is a huge problem and what to do about it.  Different sources of bias will be identified along with possible solutions for remedying the situation when deploying machine learning.  We will also speak about the importance of transparency when using machine learning to predict outcomes that impact critical decisions.   

 

  • Learn why most predictive models are biased

  • Learn about the sources of bias in predictive models

  • Learn how to reduce the negative impact of potential bias in predictive models

10:00
-
10:20

BREAK & NETWORKING

Main Room, Norðurljós 

Take a break and network with fellow attendees over a light breakfast, exchanging ideas and building connections before diving into the next session.

10:20

10:40

Capturing and Representing the Business through Concepts, Graphs, Vaults, and Ensembles

Main Room, Norðurljós 

Speaker To Be Announced!

10:20 

10:40

Data Engine Thinking

Breakout Room Stemma

Dirk Lerner

Data Engine Thinking is an approach to creating flexible, scalable data solutions that evolve with a company’s needs. Through the story of FastChangeCo, we’ll demonstrate how rigid data platforms can transform into powerful solutions that drive automation, provide contextual understanding, and turn data into valuable insights.

10:20 

11:05

Sponsor Demo

Breakout Room Visa

More Details Coming Soon!

10:45 

11:05

The Hardest Problem Tech Still Can’t Solve

Main Room, Norðurljós 

Eevamaija Virtanen

Despite breakthroughs in algorithms and AI, tech still struggles with the challenge of alignment. In 2025, bridge skills like systems thinking, data storytelling, and cross-functional collaboration are more critical than ever to solving these challenges, yet they remain undervalued and misunderstood.

10:45 

11:05

What Are the Questions AI Wants Us to Answer? Using AI to Create Business Questions

Breakout Room Stemma

Speaker To Be Announced!

11:05 

11:30

BREAK & NETWORKING

Main Room, Norðurljós 

Take a quick break and use this time to network with fellow attendees and recharge before the next session.

11:30

11:50

Responsible AI Frameworks: An Introduction

Main Room, Norðurljós 

Karen Lopez
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AI is popping up everywhere these days, and it's important to make sure we're using it responsibly. In this presentation we'll dive into how good data and processes play a huge role in making AI ethical and fair.

We'll chat about frameworks that help to collect, manage, and govern data to keep AI systems transparent and  to mitigate bias. You'll hear about real-world examples that show the best ways to create AI that's accountable and trustworthy.
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Plus, we'll look at what's happening around the world with responsible AI.  It reviews ethical frameworks designed to address challenges such as bias, fairness, transparency, accountability, and privacy. Key frameworks discussed include the EU's Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI, the IEEE's Ethically Aligned Design, and the AI Ethics Guidelines from the OECD.  This global view will highlight why it's crucial for countries to work together and set common standards to tackle AI's ethical challenges.
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Join us for a fun session that will give you a taste of responsible AI frameworks and why they're key to building a reliable and inclusive AI future.

11:30 

11:50

From Stories to Solutions 

Breakout Room Stemma

Remco Broekmans

Data modelers aim to translate business needs into logical data models, but communication gaps between business and IT often hinder this process. In this presentation, I’ll share my journey of bridging this gap by using the 6 ELM artifacts in workshops and developing a GPT-based modeling assistant to accelerate AI-driven data modeling.

11:30 

12:15

Sponsor Demo

Breakout Room Visa

More Details Coming Soon!

11:55 

12:15

How Master Data Management (MDM) Supports AI Governance & Accelerates
Innovation

Main Room, Norðurljós 

Donna Burbank 

The success of AI initiatives relies on trusted data sets, with organizations leveraging internal enterprise data assets gaining a strategic advantage. This session will explore how Master Data Management (MDM) helps create these trusted data sets, focusing on data governance, business process alignment, and strong data architecture to accelerate AI efforts.

11:55 

12:15

Weaving Communication, Information, and Data into Business Value

Breakout Room Stemma

Jody Johans

Data is woven throughout any business. It is tied to business outcomes at each and every layer of business architecture. When data loops through an organization loosely, void of context and clarity, and purpose, it just creates a tangled mess.

This session focuses on data being connected, reinforced with communication and solid understanding, to strengthen the enterprise to become resilient, adaptable, and primed for growth.

12:15

13:30

LUNCH

Main Room, Norðurljós 

Enjoy a nutritious lunch prepared with fresh, local ingredients while establishing meaningful connections with your fellow attendees.

13:30

13:40

ACTIVATION & REFLECTION PERIOD

All Rooms

More Details Coming Soon!

13:40 

14:00

Mastering Fact-Oriented Modeling with AI: The Future of Business Analysis

Main Room, Norðurljós 

Marco Wobben

In the evolving landscape of business analysis, the ability to capture, analyze, and communicate complex business knowledge in a clear and precise manner is paramount. This session will delve into the principles of fact-oriented modeling and the power of artificial intelligence to create effective business models. We'll explore how these techniques can transform your approach to business analysis and bridge the gap between business stakeholders and technical teams.

Session Objectives:

  1. Introduce participants to the fundamentals of fact-oriented modeling.

  2. Highlight the importance and benefits of using natural language in business analysis.

  3. Showcase best practices for creating accurate and understandable business models.

  4. Present real-world examples of fact-oriented modeling in action.

  5. Discuss the integration of AI with fact-oriented models to enhance analysis and decision-making.

13:40 

14:00

Data Governance Automation & AI

Breakout Room Stemma 

Speaker to be Announced!

13:30 

14:00

Sponsor Demo

Breakout Room Visa

More Details Coming Soon!

14:10

14:40 

 

Panel Discussion: The AI Challenges in the World of Data

Main Room, Norðurljós 

Moderated by Cameron Turner

Panelists To Be Announced!

 

14:40 

15:10

BREAK & NETWORKING

Main Room, Norðurljós 

Take a break and network with fellow attendees over a light snack, exchanging ideas and building connections before diving into the next session.

15:10 

15:30

Data Governance is at a Crossroads

Main Room, Norðurljós 

Winfried Etzel

As organizations want to scale their data work and AI-driven innovation accelerates, Data Governance frameworks must mature beyond legacy patterns to remain objective, directional, and accountable.

This session explores the evolution of Federated Computational Data Governance, where governance is no longer just about compliance but a driver of automation, oversight, and strategic direction. We’ll examine how governance translates business and regulatory requirements into data action (Data Negotiator), determines organizational priorities (Data Director), and enforces accountability (Data Auditor).

Key discussion points:

  • Data Governance as a socio-technical challenge

  • The role of automation

  • Federation as a maturity state

  • Why the future of Data Governance is demanding

15:10 

15:30

Session To Be Announced

Breakout Room Stemma

Speaker To Be Announced!

15:35 

15:55

Solving the Two-Project Dilemma: Unlocking Business Value with Architecture & Automation

Main Room, Norðurljós 

Carsten Schweiger

Are your business users frustrated with slow data delivery? Are data preparation costs too high? You may be juggling two projects at once - one delivering business insights, the other building an IT solution. And here’s the catch: one of them is the main root cause of your costs and delays.

This session uncovers why traditional data integration focuses too much on technical tools while losing sight of business value. We’ll compare architectures that promised to reduce complexity but often fell short by omitting critical functions.

 

Finally, we’ll show how automation can streamline data processes, cut costs, and foster a truly data-driven culture - if you tackle the two-project dilemma.
 

  • Data Lake vs. Data Vault vs. Data Mesh – Strengths, weaknesses, and why some architectures do not address the whole data management challenge.

  • How a well-implemented Semantic Layer bridges the gap between business and IT.

  • Automation for Business Value – How automation reduces manual effort, accelerates data processes, and enables strategic decision-making.

15:35 

15:55

Data Privacy Protection in the Context of the General Data Protection Regulation and the EU AI Act

Breakout Room Stemma

Rowana Urip-Santoso

In this session you dive into the essential principles of data privacy, focusing on the implications of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the emerging EU AI Act. We begin by defining personal data according to the GDPR, underscoring its critical role in protecting individual privacy rights in an increasingly data-driven world. The session highlights the necessity of implementing effective privacy processes that not only ensure compliance with legal standards but also foster trust among consumers and stakeholders.

We will explore the significance of Data Privacy Impact Assessments (DPIAs) as proactive measures for identifying and mitigating AI risks associated with data processing activities. The presentation will also address the rationale behind the AI Act, which aims to regulate artificial intelligence systems to safeguard personal data and uphold ethical standards. Special attention will be given to high-risk AI systems, examining the specific requirements for risk assessment and management to protect individuals from potential data privacy violations.

By providing insights into these critical aspects of data privacy, this presentation aims to equip the participants with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of data protection in the context of modern technology and regulatory frameworks.

16:00 

16:45

CLOSING KEYNOTE: LLMs as the Interface to Everything: The future of Analytics in an AI-first Era

Main Room, Norðurljós 

Hjalmar Gislason

The rise of Large Language Models (LLMs) represents the biggest user interface shift since the advent of the GUI. Instead of navigating applications, users will increasingly focus on describing their tasks—whether drafting an email, creating a presentation, or analyzing data—while LLMs handle the software interactions behind the scenes.

This talk explores how LLMs are evolving into the command line for everything, enabling natural-language interaction, real-time iteration, and seamless integration with external tools via APIs. As richer interfaces emerge within LLM environments, the boundaries between applications blur, creating a more flexible, task-centric workspace. This represents a major shift in how we’ll interact with data and perform data analysis but the underlying software and methods may not change as much as one might think?

16:45

16:50

CLOSING REMARKS

Main Room, Norðurljós 

Hear from GDS Coordinators Remco Broekmans and Bjarki Stefansson as they recap the first day of the Summit.

16:50

NETWORKING & HAPPY HOUR

Main Room, Norðurljós 

Enjoy light snacks and drinks while connecting with fellow attendees.

Stephen Brobst
Dirk Lerner
Eevamaija Virtanen
Karen Responsible
Donna Burbank
Remco Stories
Marco Wobben
Jody Johans
Rowana Urip-Santoso
Carsten Schweiger
Winfried Etzel
Hjalmar Gislason
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