Wisconsin Digital Symposium

The 4th Annual Wisconsin Digital Symposium is your gateway to mastering digital transformation and driving product-led growth amidst the latest trends like AI-powered automation, generative AI democratization, and the rapid evolution of digital ecosystems. As organizations face heightened pressures from economic turbulence and emerging cyber threats, this event will equip you with the strategies needed to thrive.

Join us for a forward-thinking experience tailored to both technology and business leaders. Whether you aim to refine your digital strategy, harness the power of generative AI, or accelerate your organization’s adoption of cutting-edge digital tools, this symposium provides the insights and practical approaches you need to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced environment.

Don’t miss the chance to hear from industry pioneers, network with forward-thinking professionals, and take concrete steps toward future-proofing your business in the digital age.

This half-day program, hosted by UWEBC, will take place on May 1, 2025, from 8:00am-1:00pm. In-person attendance will be at Union South on the UW–Madison campus and includes lunch, and a virtual option will also be available. All sessions will be recorded and made available on demand for registered participants.

Registration is now open.

Martina Lauchengco at the Wisconsin Digital Symposium

Keynote Speakers

Michael Proksch

Dr. Michael Proksch

Global AI & Data Expert, Author, and Chief Scientist at AccelerEd

Dr. Michael Proksch is a distinguished AI and Data Executive with a track record of driving large-scale AI transformations and delivering multi-million-dollar business impact through cutting-edge innovations. As a recognized thought leader in the field, he has worked with Fortune 500 companies and currently serves as Chief Scientist, leading AI and data initiatives at AccelerEd, where he spearheads AI-driven transformation for the University of Maryland Global Campus on a global scale. Dr. Proksch is also a bestselling author of The Secrets of AI Value Creation, co-written with Nisha Paliwal (MVP, Capital One) and Dr. Wilhelm Bielert (CIO, Premier Tech), providing strategic insights into AI’s role in business success.

Dr. Proksch is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences, sharing insights on AI strategy, innovation, and value creation, and we are excited to have him at our event!

Cortney Thompson Rowan

EVP, Strategy & Design, Delve

Cortney Thompson Rowan is an accomplished innovation executive and strategist, renowned for driving human-centered digital transformations and delivering significant business impact through intelligent and connected products and services. With extensive experience leading innovation initiatives across diverse industries, including roles as Managing Director for Accenture’s North America Smart Connected Products practice and currently serving as Executive Vice President of Strategy & Design at Delve, Cortney has successfully spearheaded multimillion-dollar innovation strategies and transformations for Fortune 100 companies and high-profile organizations such as NASA and the U.S. Marine Corps.

As a respected thought leader, Cortney’s insights have been featured in publications such as Harvard Business Review, MedCity News, and Fast Company, and she has delivered impactful TEDx presentations highlighting the transformative power of empathetic, user-centric design. Her expertise in leveraging digital platforms, AI, and IoT to create breakthrough product and customer experiences positions her as a sought-after speaker at leading industry events.

We are delighted to welcome Cortney Thompson Rowan to share her vision and strategies on driving innovation and delivering tangible business results at our event!

Distinguished Executive Panelists

Shane Achterberg

Position title: Director, IT Innovation, Automation and Architecture, Schneider

Michele Kaiser

Position title: Chief of Staff and Portfolio Manager, ISG, John Deere

Andrea McGill

Position title: GM - Global Order Operations, GE HealthCare

Paul Ryan

Position title: CIO, Kohler Co.

Agenda

All times listed below are for May 1, 2025, and are in Central time. This agenda is subject to change.

8:00 am: Breakfast and Networking
8:30 am: Opening Remarks
8:35 am: First Keynote Presentation
9:35 am: Second Keynote Presentation
10:35 am: Break and Poster Gallery
10:50 am: Distinguished Executives Panel
11:55 am: Closing Remarks and our virtual audience is adjourned
12:00 pm: Lunch
12:30 pm: Luncheon Lightning Talks
1:00 pm: Adjourn to Poster Gallery

Lightning Talk Speakers

Jelena Diakonikolas

Position title: School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS), UW–Madison

David Dwight

Position title: Director of the Erdman Center for Technology Strategy and Product Management, Wisconsin School of Business

Arissa Sato

Position title: People and Robots Laboratory,UW–Madison

Registration

Registration is now open! The pricing structure is below. In-person attendance will be at Union South on the UW–Madison campus, and a virtual option is also available.

In-person attendance: Members: $200 | Non-Members: $250

Virtual attendance: Members: $50 | Non-Members: $75

Convince Your Supervisor: Here’s a letter you can edit and send to your supervisor to make the case for participating in the Wisconsin Digital Symposium.