Ai4 2024: What to Expect from an Industry Conference

What you should kno about industry conferences...

We attended Ai4 earlier this month. A popular industry conference in AI (obviously). Here’s what you might want to know about industry conferences if you are hesitant to attend one (or have no idea what they are).

What we’ll discuss

• Why Attend Industry Conferences?

• Key Opportunities at Ai4 2024

• Best Practices for Networking

• The Real Value of Panels and Talks

• Booths and Product Demos: What to Look For

• The Perks of Traveling to Conferences

• Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

Why Attend Industry Conferences?

These industry conferences offer good networking opportunities. These events are great spots to meet potential employers, colleagues, co-founders, clients, or service providers.

You might also learn the information/tips you were (not) looking for. While the talks are often quite basic, they are nice for newcomers.

They are fast-paced events. Look at the agenda in advance.

Opportunities at events such as Ai4

Industry conferences like Ai4 allow you to explore some cutting-edge AI research and market applications. You can validate ideas or seek B2B solutions from other attendees. It’s also a great time to build your LinkedIn network and meet industry celebrities. We met Geoffrey Hinton, the godfather of AI!

Best Practices for Networking

Don't skip the social events. Breakfasts, lunches, and cocktail hours are best for meeting people. You can start conversations by asking others why they’re attending and what they do. It’s easy. Use the conference apps to schedule meetings and follow up with your new contacts. They are perfect to start exchanges.

The Real Value of Panels and Talks

Panels are hit or miss. They’re unfocused, sharing vague, shallow ideas. You might also want to skip the 10-20-minute lightning talks; they’re too brief to offer real insight (in most cases). Longer talks (30 minutes or more) and keynotes are usually more valuable (if they are not product demos).

If you’re technical, you may prefer the talks in dev/research-focused conferences like NeurIPS or applied conferences like NVIDIA GTC.

Booths and Product Demos: What to Look For

Booths are typically sales pitches. If you’re interested in the product, they’re worth a visit; otherwise, grab the free interesting merch and move on. Most of the booths at Ai4 were more or less the same: a web platform to manage LLMs or manage your data.

The Perks of Traveling to Conferences

Don’t underestimate the value of travel. Conferences give you a chance to explore new places and experience local culture. If your employer covers the costs, it’s an even better deal. Take the opportunity to extend your stay and enjoy the surroundings.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

If you’re new to AI or looking to broaden your network, industry conferences like Ai4 are worth attending (especially if you get good discounts or if your employer pays for it because they are quite expensive in the thousands of $). They offer unique opportunities to meet like-minded people, explore new ideas, land deals, or meet with your future employer or co-founder.

Go open-minded, focus on networking, don’t set harsh fixed goals, and enjoy the experience.