The conference kicks off with the educational session “AI Foundations: Making Sense of AI and Developing an AI-Ready Culture” from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Panelists Michael Goldrich, founder/chief advisor, Vivander Advisors; Matt Schwartz, CTO, Sage Hospitality Group; and Ryan Vet, speaker/author, RyanVet.com, will explore foundational AI concepts and practical applications, including AI Ascension, a strategic framework for developing organizational readiness and an innovation-focused mindset around AI.