AI in Action: What You Can Do with AI Today, and Why AI Education Matters More Than Ever
AI is changing the way we work faster than most organizations are prepared for. While the technology itself is advancing rapidly, the real differentiator is quickly becoming something else: who knows how to use it, apply it, and adapt alongside it.
This session explores practical, real-world AI applications that professionals can start using today to work more effectively and create greater impact. At the same time, it examines the growing importance of AI education as a core professional and organizational priority. Attendees will gain a grounded view of how AI is being used right now, where they can begin experimenting, and why building AI literacy and confidence is critical for future success.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe several real-world AI applications that are accessible today
- Spot immediate opportunities to apply AI in their own work
- Understand the role of AI education in building confidence, competence, and long-term adaptability
- Assess how AI learning can support both individual career growth and organizational readiness
- Develop an initial roadmap for taking action with AI tools and continued AI skill-building
Speaker
Erica Salm Rench
Sidecar.ai
With a career rooted in strategic marketing, digital transformation, and AI-driven innovation, Erica Salm Rench has spent over a decade helping organizations stand out in a crowded digital world, and now, she is helping them navigate the AI revolution. Erica began her journey in enrollment management, specializing in strategic recruitment and marketing, before leading operations at the largest digital marketing company in the Gulf South. There, she played a pivotal role in enhancing organizations' web presence, SEO, online advertising, and content marketing strategies, helping them cut through the digital noise and make a lasting impact. Her passion for AI-powered solutions took center stage when she joined rasa.io as COO, where she spent seven years scaling the company from 1 to hundreds of customers and revolutionizing personalized content delivery. Now, as CMO of sidecar.ai, she is dedicated to educating the world on AI, helping associations and business leaders understand and implement AI-driven strategies to future-proof their organizations. Erica is a recognized thought leader and speaker, having presented at many industry-leading events and other AI-focused summits.