Insights from the AI Festival's Massive Success

Unlocking the Future: Insights from the AI Festival’s Massive Success

February 24, 2024

The inaugural AI Festival, organized by Search On Media Group and WMF - We Make Future, concluded with resounding success. With over 6,000 attendees and more than 400 business meetings, this first edition set records and exceeded expectations. Held at Allianz Mico in Milan, the festival brought together representatives from government, academia, industry, research, and AI experts to discuss the current state and future developments of this transformative technology.

The event boasted participation from more than 50 sponsors and exhibitors, including the European Space Agency (ESA), Intel, Bocconi University, and CINECA. With over 100 speakers, the festival provided valuable industry insights, business opportunities, and unveiled cutting-edge technological advancements.

“In these two days, we have witnessed how artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a tool in service to humanity. Citizens, businesses, research communities, and institutions now have the opportunity to enhance their capabilities through the rapid and sustainable implementation of this technology,” said Cosmano Lombardo, Founder and CEO of Search On Media Group and creator of the AI Festival and WMF.

Lombardo emphasized the importance of not being intimidated by AI, but rather focusing on how to harness its potential. “By 2025, we anticipate the creation of 97 million new jobs thanks to AI. Our role is to connect all actors in society to understand how this technology, along with others, can contribute to shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future,” Lombardo added.

One of the festival’s highlights was the highly-anticipated keynote address by Garry Kasparov, the Russian pro-democracy leader, human rights activist, and former world chess champion. Kasparov reflected on his famous match against IBM’s Deep Blue, stating that “the machines dominate in the game not because they are intelligent, but because they make fewer mistakes, while every person, even the best, makes mistakes.”

When discussing the relationship between chess and politics, Kasparov highlighted the ideological nature of the game in the Soviet Union, where it was used as a tool to demonstrate the intellectual superiority of the communist regime over the decadent West. Seeing the rise of dark times in Russia, Kasparov concluded his professional career and embarked on a political campaign to fight for democracy and human rights.

Regarding the regulation of artificial intelligence, Kasparov stressed the need to recognize its inevitability and be one step ahead of malicious actors. “The danger comes from malicious actors, dictators, and terrorists who learn to use these technologies. The only way to protect ourselves from them is to stay ahead,” Kasparov concluded.

In addition to the captivating keynotes, the festival featured ten informative sessions where leaders in the AI industry shared their expertise. Topics ranged from generative models to ethical considerations, legal implications, and the impact of AI on the environment and workforce.

The festival also offered a dynamic exhibition area, featuring over 50 sponsors and exhibitors, including ESA, Intel, and Bocconi University. Attendees had hands-on opportunities to experience AI technologies, interact with advanced robotics, and explore innovative software and prototypes.

The business sector played a central role at the AI Festival, with over 400 B2B meetings organized through the official web app. This showcases the growing interest in AI and the importance of fostering collaborations between established businesses, startups, stakeholders, and professionals. The festival also provided the AI Digital Job Placement service, allowing participants to schedule job interviews during the event.

Looking ahead, the second edition of the AI Festival is already in the works for 2025 in Milan. However, next on the agenda is the WMF - We Make Future event, taking place from June 13th to June 15th, 2024. This international innovation fair will bring together the best in technological and digital advancements, featuring the renowned AI Global Summit and prototypes of the latest technologies, advanced robotics, software, and much more.

With its success as a groundbreaking event, the AI Festival has cemented its position as a key international conference dedicated to artificial intelligence. As the world eagerly embraces the future of AI, these events play a crucial role in shaping the industry and ensuring its responsible and sustainable development.