AI at Scale - Designing the Operating Model, Governance, and Architecture That Make It Stick

Speaker:

Rod Schatz, Chief AI Transformation Officer, Alidade Strategies Inc.

Title:

AI at Scale - Designing the Operating Model, Governance, and Architecture That Make It Stick

Abstract:

Scaling AI is not a tooling problem it’s a leadership and design challenge. While many organizations invest heavily in cloud platforms, models, and data pipelines, few invest enough in the operating model required to sustain AI across the enterprise.

This session explores the often‑overlooked foundations that make AI durable: data quality, governance, decision rights, product ownership, and human‑in‑the‑loop design. Using concrete examples, Rod illustrates how organizations move from fragmented analytics efforts to cohesive AI platforms that support both operational decision‑making and executive strategy.

Attendees will see how modern reference architectures, pragmatic governance, and clear accountability enable speed and control reducing risk without slowing innovation. The talk bridges technical design with executive intent, showing how architecture decisions directly influence adoption, trust, and financial return.

For organizations serious about operationalizing AI, this session provides a practical blueprint for moving from ambition to execution.

Bio:

A visionary C-level technology executive with over 15 years of hands-on experience generating over $65m in operational savings. Over 70 successful enterprise level projects and Board positions in Ottawa (Innovative Asset Collective) and Alberta (Innovates).

Rod and his company’s mission is to help companies navigate and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape of technology.

Rod Schatz is an expert in data management, information systems, and artificial intelligence. With over 20 years of experience driving innovation and transformation across various industries, he has developed a unique understanding of the power of data-driven cultures.

As a seasoned executive and entrepreneur, Rod has successfully guided organizations in leveraging technology to drive business outcomes. His expertise spans strategy development, IT leadership, and digital transformation, with a particular focus on data quality, management, and artificial intelligence.

As a published author and thought leader, Rod is passionate about empowering organizations to harness the potential of their data through effective data governance, AI-driven insights, and agentic AI solutions. He has been at the forefront of driving cultural change towards data-driven decision-making, and his expertise in this area has helped numerous organizations unlock new levels of efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.

In his upcoming presentation on data management, data quality, data-driven cultures, artificial intelligence, and agentic AI, Rod will share his insights and expertise to help attendees navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Do join us in person for beverages, finger food and great conversations around AI, Data Governance and Data Management. Meet prospective employers, create new business and tech contacts and help us build the ecosystem for business success in Alberta.

Online options available for those unable to attend in person.