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Day One
Monday, June 23
8:00
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9:00
CHECK IN & WELCOME
Main Room
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
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9:15
OPENING REMARKS & SUMMIT KICKOFF
Main Room
Hear from GDS Founders Hans Hultgren and John Carpenter as they preview what to expect during the two-day summit.
9:15
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10:00
OPENING KEYNOTE: Eliminating Bias in the Deployment of AI and Machine Learning
Main Room
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
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10:20
BREAK & NETWORKING
Main Room
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
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10:40
Capturing and Representing the Business through Concepts, Graphs, Vaults, and Ensembles
Main Room
Speaker To Be Announced!
10:20
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10:40
Data Engine Thinking
Breakout Room 4
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
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11:05
Sponsor Demo
Breakout Room 5
More Details Coming Soon!
10:45
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11:05
The Hardest Problem Tech Still Can’t Solve
Main Room
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
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11:05
What Are the Questions AI Wants Us to Answer? Using AI to Create Business Questions
Breakout Room 4
Speaker To Be Announced!
11:05
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11:30
BREAK & NETWORKING
Main Room
Take a quick break and use this time to network with fellow attendees and recharge before the next session.
11:30
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11:50
Responsible AI Frameworks: An Introduction
Main Room
Karen Lopez
11:30
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11:50
How Master Data Management (MDM) Supports AI Governance & Accelerates
Innovation
Breakout Room 4
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.
11:30
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12:15
Sponsor Demo
Breakout Room 5
More Details Coming Soon!
11:55
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12:15
From Stories to Solutions
Main Room
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.
11:55
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12:15
Weaving Communication, Information, and Data into Business Value
Breakout Room 4
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
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13:30
LUNCH
Main Room
Enjoy a nutritious lunch prepared with fresh, local ingredients while establishing meaningful connections with your fellow attendees.
13:30
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13:40
ACTIVATION & REFLECTION PERIOD
All Rooms
More Details Coming Soon!
13:40
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14:00
Mastering Fact-Oriented Modeling with AI: The Future of Business Analysis
Main Room
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
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14:00
Data Governance Automation & AI
Breakout Room 4
Speaker to be Announced!
13:30
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14:00
Sponsor Demo
Breakout Room 5
More Details Coming Soon!
14:10
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14:40
Panel Discussion: The AI Challenges in the World of Data
Main Room
Cameron Turner
14:40
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15:10
BREAK & NETWORKING
Main Room
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
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15:30
TRIVERGENCE: Accelerating Innovation with AI, Blockchain, and the Internet of Things
Main Room
Speaker To Be Announced!
15:10
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15:30
Updating Data Programs with Responsible and Ethical AI
Breakout Room 4
Karen Lopez
15:35
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15:55
Solving the Two-Project Dilemma: Unlocking Business Value with Architecture & Automation
Main Room
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
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15:55
Data Privacy Protection in the Context of the General Data Protection Regulation and the EU AI Act
Breakout Room 4
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
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16:40
CLOSING KEYNOTE
Main Room
Speaker To Be Announced!
16:40
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16:50
CLOSING REMARKS
Main Room
Hear from GDS Founders Remco Broekmans and Bjarki Stefansson as they recap the first day of the summit.
16:50
NETWORKING & HAPPY HOUR
Main Room
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
Karen Updating
Rowana Urip-Santoso
Carsten Schweiger
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