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Over the last 3 weeks I had the privilege of attending two distinct but equally impactful events: the Gartner Symposium/XPO, TechCrunch Disrupt, and joining the Evanta Chicago community.

At the Gartner Symposium/XPO, the emphasis was on strategic, high-level discussions surrounding digital transformation, AI’s expanding role, and how enterprises can accelerate innovation. One of the most striking insights was the emerging consensus on AI not just as a tool but as a core component of business strategy. Sessions on predictive analytics and ethical AI underscored the importance of guiding AI responsibly to harness its full potential. The symposium offered actionable frameworks for digital acceleration that I’m excited to adapt for our work at the Center of Innovation, especially as we further integrate AI-driven analytics and cloud solutions into our initiatives.

TechCrunch Disrupt brought a refreshingly raw, disruptive energy to the tech conversation. The event showcased startups breaking new ground across sectors—from sustainable tech to, well, obviously, AI and digital twin technology. It was inspiring to witness the boldness with which these startups are challenging norms, and I came away with new ideas to spark further innovation in how I continue to develop strategies around emerging technologies. The enthusiasm and forward-thinking spirit of TechCrunch served as a reminder of the power of agility and creativity in driving change and helped me build a better pitch mentality and tone for the projects I am working on.

Finally, joining Evanta Chicago was an invaluable experience that marked a new level of peer engagement and collaboration. Connecting with fellow executives will reinforce the importance of shared learning in tackling complex technological challenges. Evanta’s focus on building a robust network of leaders is vital in today’s fast-paced tech landscape, and I’m eager to explore data-driven decision-making and digital transformation strategies with the group.

These events have expanded my perspective from disruptive startup energy to strategic enterprise focus. As I bring these learnings back to my role, I’m looking forward to exploring new ways to foster innovation, drive transformation, and lead with a vision that aligns both emerging technologies and executive collaboration. This journey through diverse perspectives reaffirms the incredible potential of technology to shape our future.

I will be at the Chicago Innovation Nominee Celebration on September 12 at CineCity Studios. I look forward to connecting with the community and ideating with Chicago’s top innovators. If you are attending, let me know. I’d love to talk about tech innovation.

I have been accepted into Forbes Technology Council, an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs, and technology executives.

I was selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of my experience. Criteria for acceptance include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honors.

As a member of the Council, I will have access to a variety of exclusive opportunities designed to help reach peak professional influence. My goal is to connect and collaborate with other respected leaders in a private forum. As part of the council I will also have the opportunity to share my expert insights in original articles and contribute to published Expert Panels alongside other experts on Forbes.com.

I am really excited to join the Forbes Technology Council and look forward to engaging with industry thought partners and proving my gain experience and perspective in the technology ecosystem.

ABOUT FORBES COUNCILS

Forbes Councils is a collective of invitation-only communities created in partnership with Forbes and the expert community builders who founded Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC). In Forbes Councils, exceptional business owners and leaders come together with the people and resources that can help them thrive.

To learn more about Forbes Councils, visit https://councils.forbes.com.

Innovation Workshop & Tour: A Quarterly Series – Oracle Industry Lab | Sept 16^th-18^th  | Chicago, Illinois

• • Interactive Roundtable – No Derisk, No Reward. | SESSION FEATURED THOUGHT LEADER:  Craig Hamill, Director, Innovation, UL Research Institutes, craig.hamill@ul.org
  • Interactive Case History Zone 2 – Mapping Your Digital Product Experience Across the Ecosystem | SESSION FEATURED THOUGHT LEADER: Craig Hamill, Director, Innovation, UL Research Institutes, craig.hamill@ul.org

UL Research Institutes – Annual Research Symposium | Sept 30^th – Oct 4^th | Atlanta, Georgia

Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo | Oct 21^st -24^th  | Orlando, Florida

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 | Oct 28^th– 30^th | San Francisco, California

Microsoft Ignite | Nov 19^th – 22^nd | Chicago, Illinois

Consumer Electronics Show (CES) | Jan 7^th – 10^th, 2025 | Las Vegas, Nevada

Updated (08/21/2024)

I’m thrilled to share that I recently had the privilege of participating in the first-ever Research Symposium hosted by the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) at the University of Chicago. Along with being asked to judge the presentations and research posters as an industry partner with fellow colleagues from  AbbVie, Ecolab, Hollister Incorporated. This event marked a significant milestone in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in molecular engineering and related fields.

The symposium brought together researchers, scholars, and industry leaders to discuss groundbreaking advancements and explore new frontiers in science and engineering. It was an inspiring experience to engage with fellow participants, exchange ideas, and learn about the cutting-edge research being conducted at PME.

During the symposium, I had the opportunity to learn about advanced research and engaged in great discussions regarding the research being conducted at the PME. The diverse range of topics and the dynamic discussions underscored the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in solving complex global challenges.

I am grateful to PME for hosting such a stimulating and enriching event and look forward to continuing my collaboration with this vibrant community of innovators.

For more details about the event, you can read the official announcement from PME here.

“It’s a pipeline for talent. It brings in new ideas and new research partnerships,” said UL Director, Innovation & Technology, Craig Hamill. “We have our own scale of work, but universities have larger scale, larger partnerships, bringing in more and more ideas. They have more interdisciplinary pathways.”

Being recognized as part of the Project Ascend team for winning the 2024 Innovation & Impact Award is amazing. 

With ULRI and ULSE building a new IT infrastructure, the Project Ascend team successfully migrated all relevant business applications to the new IT environment to meet the evolving needs of employees and advance our mission. Team members went above and beyond their usual roles and responsibilities to ensure that the resulting solutions met our organization’s IT requirements and positioned us for future growth.

 

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending the 38th BEYA Conference in Baltimore. It was a convergence of brilliance, innovation, and diversity—a true celebration of what makes STEM thrive.

Key Takeaways:

1. Diversity Unleashes Magic: BEYA38 reinforced that diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the secret sauce for groundbreaking innovation. When minds from different backgrounds collide, magic happens. The energy in those conference halls was electric!
2. New Connections: Meeting fellow professionals, visionaries, and rising stars was invigorating. The talent pool was vast, and the conversations—priceless.
3. UL Research Institutes: At our modest booth, we proudly introduced UL Research Institutes’ contributions to safety science. ULRI strives to tangibly save lives through research and innovation—that’s the heart of STEM. Witnessing that spark ignite in students and professionals as we discussed ULRI’s mission was incredibly rewarding.

BEYA39 Awaits!: If you missed BEYA38 this year, fear not! Mark your calendar for next year’s BEYA39 event. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. Let’s continue championing diversity and shaping the future of STEM together!

I’ll be attending CES Las Vegas this year. Please reach out if you’d like to meet up at CES to discuss tech and what I am working on/researching for ULRI.

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Updated Post CES.

What a whirlwind week in Las Vegas. CES was massive and there is so much to unwrap. Some of the major overall themes:

• AI in everything.  Not sure if this is good, bad or indifferent. Just seems that everyone is adding ‘AI’ to their products. Seemingly not understanding the value added, but it’s the buzz.
• The suspicious overload of ‘things’ in all products. I am seeing a theme that is starting to push toward this trend of a subscription-based model for all electronics.
• Lots of automotive tech and autonomous driving tech. Looks really cool and promising, but woof the tech is still in its infancy.
• Autonomous robotics (vacuums, pool cleaners, lawnmowers, delivery vehicles) may be really ready for primetime for larger-scale deployment.
• Solid State Batteries – still massively concerned about battery tech and battery safety as more companies are building high-capacity battery modules.

Honored to speak to the World Economic Forum – Global Collaboration Village Ambassador Meeting today on how UL Research Institutes intends to leverage digital twins for enhanced learning with Xplorlabs.org.

The Inaugural Annual Research Symposium of UL Research Institutes, held from July 31 to August 2, 2023, at Northwestern University’s Kellogg Global Hub, proved to be an inspiring and thought-provoking event. The 3-day symposium featured engaging panel discussions and presentations from esteemed internal and external speakers, all centered around the theme of “Building resilience for a sustainable future” – UL’s 1st Grand Challenge Commitment.

Throughout the symposium, the experts delved deep into the pressing issues of sustainability and its vital role in shaping a resilient future for humanity. They tackled various aspects of the subject, including environmental protection, technological advancements, social responsibility, and economic strategies. The range of perspectives and insights shared by the speakers added a comprehensive dimension to the discussions, making it a truly enriching experience for all attendees.

The symposium’s interactive nature fostered meaningful dialogues and networking opportunities among researchers, academics, and industry professionals. Attendees were able to gain new knowledge, explore innovative ideas, and exchange valuable experiences that will undoubtedly contribute to their future research endeavors.

The event’s venue, Northwestern University’s Kellogg Global Hub, provided an ideal setting for such an intellectually stimulating gathering. The state-of-the-art facilities and conducive atmosphere enhanced the overall learning experience, leaving a positive impression on all participants.

The symposium’s focus on sustainability and research matters undoubtedly made it a significant event in the academic community. With this event, UL Research Institutes has demonstrated its commitment to addressing real-world challenges and paving the way for a sustainable future. The information and insights shared during the event will surely inspire further research and collaboration among attendees, sparking a continued drive towards positive change and global impact.

In conclusion, the Inaugural Annual Research Symposium of UL Research Institutes was a resounding success, leaving participants motivated and better equipped to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and solutions for a sustainable future. As we look forward to future symposiums, the ripple effect of this event is bound to be felt in academia, industry, and society at large. #sustainablefuture #researchmatters #ULRISymposium.

Learn more: https://s.ul.org/3X9QdcS #sustainablefuture #researchmatters #ULRISymposium