Overview Agenda Speakers Partners Resources Recorded Sessions
Speaker Summary
Speakers, along with their presentation titles and topics, will be added to this page as details become available. Stay tuned for updates as we finalize our lineup of industry leaders, AI experts, and practitioners.
Dan Adams
Founder and President
The Aim Institute, Cleveland, OH
Dan Adams is the Founder and President of The AIM Institute, and author of New Product Blueprinting: The Handbook for B2B Organic Growth. In over 40 years working within and with Fortune 500 corporations, he has explored all aspects of B2B innovation, building New Product Blueprinting from the ground up. He is a chemical engineer and holder of many patents and innovation awards, including a listing in the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
One of the foremost experts in B2B innovation, Dan has taught tens of thousands of B2B professionals in every region of the world in hundreds of workshops. An award-winning speaker, he has lectured at Wharton’s Executive MBA program and other North American & European universities, and is a popular industry keynote speaker.
In addition to pioneering New Product Blueprinting, Dan Adams has created two other methodologies in the product development space. The LaunchStar® process guides teams through advanced B2B product launches. And the Minesweeper® project de-risking methodology is used to detect and avoid “landmines” in transformational projects.
In recent years, Dan Adams and his team have conducted significant original research into the behaviors that drive B2B organic growth. Because he regularly works with the largest B2B firms in the world, he can help your leadership team establish a dependable roadmap to profitable, sustainable organic growth. A good starting point is the B2B Growth Diagnostic developed by Dan and The AIM Institute team.
Abram Anders
Jonathan Wickert Professor of Innovation
Associate Director of the Student Innovation Center
Iowa State University Department of English, Ames, IA
Dr. Abram Anders is the Jonathan Wickert Professor of Innovation and Associate Director of the Student Innovation Center at Iowa State University. As an academic leader with expertise in communication, writing, and artificial intelligence, he combines cutting-edge research with practical applications in teaching and administration. His interests and expertise includes:
- Academic innovation and student success
- Business and professional communication
- Communication and writing pedagogy
- Generative artificial intelligence
- Human-centered design
His research has appeared in Computers & Education, International Journal of Business Communication, Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, Disability Studies Quarterly, and the International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning.
Dr. Anders’s current projects explore artificial intelligence applications in writing and education, the development of student innovation capacities, and the integration of AI across disciplines. He developed ENGL 222X: Artificial Intelligence and Writing, a pioneering course that introduces students to AI technologies and their applications in writing. He is also leading the development of the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Studio, a cutting-edge facility designed to foster interdisciplinary AI projects and experimentation at Iowa State University.
Travis Arndorfer
Creative Director
Anthologic, Des Moines, IA
Travis Arndorfer is Creative Director at Anthologic, which is a 25th-year marketing and technology agency and Chairperson Supporter of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI).
As a leader within Anthologic’s Strategy + Creative Services, Arndorfer founded the agency’s AI Council and authored its AI + MKTG IQ > AI MKTG philosophy. The 20-year marketing industry veteran also started up Antho Labs, an innovation accelerator that explores, tests and pilots martech solutions and AI tools.
Arndorfer is passionate about helping businesses navigate the powers and pitfalls of AI technology to find true marketing utility.
Aditya Balu
Data Scientist
Iowa State University Translational AI Center (TrAC), Ames, IA
Aditya Balu is a data scientist in the Translational AI Center (TrAC) at Iowa State University. His research interests are in (i) Geometry-aware scientific machine (ii) GPU computing for geometric design (iii) Geometry-aware computational simulation tools. As part of TrAC, Aditya has organized several tutorials and workshops in reputed conferences such as CVPR, AAAI and Supercomputing. He also has several publications in Neurips, ICML, and AAAI. Prior to the role as a data scientist, he finished his PhD and Postdoc under Adarsh Krishnamurthy and Soumik Sarkar at Iowa State University on Deep Learning and GPU computing for Computer Aided Engineering.
Tyler Bell
Assistant Professor
University of Iowa, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Iowa City, IA
Dr. Tyler Bell is an Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Iowa. Tyler received his BS and MS from Iowa State University and PhD from Purdue University. His research interests include augmented reality, virtual reality, human computer interaction, and artificial intelligence. His research relevant to this presentation includes integrating AI with virtual reality for simulating open-ended training scenarios and developing DINA, an AI-powered chatbot for student advising. Prof. Bell created and teaches the graduate-level course, “Generative AI Tools,” providing hands-on exploration with various AI technologies.
Steve Billingsley
Director – Enterprise Architecture
ITA Group, West Des Moines, IA
Steve Billingsley, Director of Enterprise Architecture at ITA Group, drives digital transformation through leadership in architecture, applied AI, data management, site reliability, and enterprise and client-focused software development. As Co-Chair of the Technology Association of Iowa’s (TAI) AI Roundtable, Steve promotes collaboration, responsible AI adoption, and best practices sharing to help Iowa businesses implement successful AI solutions. His team at ITA Group is known for pioneering AI solutions, recognized with TAI’s 2023 Creative Technology Solution of the Year award. Additionally, Steve is an inaugural member of TAI’s IT Leadership Institute, serves on TAI’s statewide policy committee, was a finalist for Emerging Technology Leader of the Year, and frequently speaks at Iowa technology and security conferences. As a two-time graduate of Iowa State University (Professional Degree in Architecture and Master’s in Civil Engineering), Steve uniquely blends technical expertise, leadership acumen, and design creativity to advance innovation.
Adam Engel
Co-Owner, CEO
Running Robots, Iowa City, IA
Adam Engel is the CEO and Co-Owner of Running Robots, a dynamic digital marketing agency headquartered in Iowa City. Under his leadership, the agency has grown to serve over 150 organizations nationwide, specializing in Manufacturing Businesses. Adam and Running Robots are bridging the gap between Marketing and IT departments at Manufacturing Businesses. With a team of 10+ skilled professionals, Running Robots is at the cutting edge of AI-driven marketing solutions for Manufacturing Businesses.
Adam’s unique blend of technological expertise stems from a lifelong passion for building digital technology solutions that drive efficiency and empower others to grow. His entrepreneurial journey began immediately after high school when he published a patent for an in-car computing device, showcasing his forward-thinking approach to technology.
Alongside, Laura Engel, Adam leads Running Robots with a focus on harnessing the transformative power of AI and technology to drive business growth. Their work exemplifies how AI robots can be seamlessly integrated into digital marketing to run the meaningful, impactful results for many.
Adam helps manufacturers make sure their marketing robots are running—because when they run well, businesses thrive
Amir Hartman
President of Enterprise Solutions
Praxis AI Enterprise, Austin, TX
As President of Enterprise Solutions at Praxis AI, Amir drives market adoption and scales AI solutions for Praxis AI customers. He also leads AI strategy research with senior leaders at Dasteel Consulting, Experience Alliance and Fidere.ai. Previously, Amir was Managing Director of Customer Success at Oracle, enhancing digital strategies for cloud investments. Before Oracle, he co-founded Mainstay Company, improving sales and customer success for top tech firms. Earlier, Amir was a founding member at Cisco’s Internet Business Solutions Group, developing internet business strategies for top customers.
Amir is passionate about building high-performance teams and fostering innovation. He is a keynote speaker and author of bestselling books “Net Ready,” “Competing for Customers,” and the upcoming “AI Ready”(2024). Amir was on the faculty at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and Harvard Business School. Amir also produces the enterprise AI newsletter “Leadership in the Loop” the AI Readiness Assessment.
Doug Jacobson
University Professor
Sunil & Sujata Gaitonde Professorship in Cybersecurity
Director: ISU Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach (CYIO)
Iowa State University Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ames, IA
Doug is the director of the Iowa State University Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach, which the National Security Agency has recognized as a charter Center of Academic Excellence for Information Assurance Education and Research, and a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. I have been working in computer security since the early 1990s, focusing on developing new security education methods at all levels. Doug works with state and local governments on cybersecurity issues and tabletop exercises. Doug also created the Iowa Cyber Hub, which is dedicated to increasing the cyber workforce in Iowa. He has worked for years on ways to include cybersecurity in courses and the general population. Doug has given over 300 presentations in the area of computer security. He also created the cybersecurity ambassador program targeted at the general public, K-12 students, post-secondary students, and employees. I co-authored a book on security literacy for the non-technical audience and lectures on this topic. Doug is also leading an effort to create a series of short videos called Cyber House Rock that help teach cybersecurity and digital safety to the public. Doug also speaks on the topics of AI and cybersecurity from both adversarial and defender / public viewpoints.
Priyanka Jayashankar
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Iowa State University, Ivy College of Business Department of Marketing, Ames, IA
Priyanka Jayashankar is an adjunct associate professor of marketing at the Ivy College of Business. She extensively researched AI adoption in agriculture and is currently working on USDA-NIFA funded projects. In addition, her research also focuses on market inclusion strategies for under-represented consumers.
Aaron Johnson
Managing Director of International Business Development
MakuSafe, West Des Moines, IA
Aaron Johnson is the Managing Director of International Business Development at MākuSafe, a leading IIoT safety technology company. His primary focus is to help global organizations improve employee safety, engagement, and productivity through the use of data-driven workplace wearables. Aaron has spent most of his career working in the high-tech manufacturing industry, gaining extensive experience with cutting-edge technologies. He is a Certified Occupational Safety Specialist and holds a Bachelor’s in Communications from Moody in Chicago and an MBA from Northwest Missouri State University.
R. Scott Johnson
Shareholder
Fredrikson & Byron P.A., Des Moines, IA
Scott is a trial attorney, certified licensing professional and registered patent attorney helping clients navigate the complexities of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret litigation, and licensing issues.
Scott helps his clients both enforce and defend their rights in intellectual property disputes nationwide. Scott’s experience includes a wide variety of patent infringement, trademark infringement, trade secret misappropriation, copyright infringement, unfair competition, tortious interference and licensing disputes. Scott works to find creative solutions to these complex problems. Scott also has the trial experience necessary to get a solution in state and federal courts, the trademark trial and appeal board, and the patent trial and appeal board.
To help his clients avoid intellectual property disputes, Scott also frequently performs related opinion work involving an in-depth analysis of patent validity and infringement questions, trademark issues, and trade secret / right to use analysis. Scott has filed patents in the mechanical and electrical arts. His experience spans numerous industries, including automotive, business services, consumer products, food and agriculture, health care, industrial manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, retail, construction, manufacturing, genetics and international importation.
Trung Le
Artificial Intelligence Program Lead
Nobious Business Automation, Grinnell, IA
Trung Le is a Machine Learning Engineer with a strong background in modern computer science. Trung has developed expertise in designing and developing AI models tailored for commercial applications, with a particular focus on leveraging a company’s proprietary data to optimize his designs.
Jason Palmer
President
Nobious Business Automation, Grinnell, IA
Jason Palmer has over 25 years of experience in data management, business intelligence, and process automation. A decade ago, he founded Nobious to assist businesses in overcoming inefficiencies in their data and business processes. Today, Jason leads a team dedicated to developing solutions that reduce manual input through the use of alternate input devices and artificial intelligence.
Bridget R. Penick
Shareholder
Fredrikson & Byron P.A., Des Moines, IA
Bridget is a leading litigator whose practice focuses on employment law. Bridget regularly drafts and litigates restrictive covenants, including noncompetition and nonsolicitation agreements.
Bridget represents employers of all sizes in various state and federal courts and administrative agencies. She drafts and counsels employers in human resources policies and procedures, employment discrimination, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), wage & hour, National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) issues and union avoidance. She also assists employers with employment-related immigration issues.
Zachary S. Pratt
Shareholder
Fredrikson & Byron P.A., Des Moines, IA
Zach uses his legal experience and computer science background to advise clients on how to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of their intellectual property strategies. Additionally, Zach assists clients with effectively and properly incorporating various aspects of artificial intelligence and open-source code into their business and development practices.
Zach primarily focuses on the prosecution and litigation of software, mechanical and medical device patents in addition to trademark registration. He assists technology-driven clients with developing effective strategies to maximize the protection that intellectual property can provide to companies both large and small. Zach is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
He also provides counsel for companies looking to broaden their intellectual property portfolio to cover both where the client currently is and where the client is looking to go in the future. While protecting current assets is important, Zach understands that protecting the future of a company is of an equal or greater importance. By getting to know the client, he is able to provide guidance that brings technology-driven clients through their development and into a thriving future.
Zach has drafted and prosecuted patent applications in a variety of software-focused technology areas, including artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, user interfaces, video coding, virtual reality systems, networks, blockchain and various other applied algorithms dealing with areas including weather detection, medical devices, personal identification, market forecasting, automobile navigation and bug detection. Zach also provides assistance with infringement analysis for litigation and due diligence in connection with mergers and acquisitions.
Neal Rabogliatti
President
Digital Marketing Strategies, LLC, Pittsburgh, PA
Neal Rabogliatti is the President of Digital Marketing Strategies, bringing over 28 years of expertise in internet marketing and digital strategy development for B2B clients. With a deep specialization in search engine optimization (SEO), domain authority enhancement, and analytics, Neal has consistently driven measurable results in conversion rate optimization (CRO) and the creation of detailed buyer personas.
Neal’s extensive experience includes many industry leaders such as Deco Products, PPG Industries, SAE International (Society of Automotive Engineers), and Specialty Tires of America. supporting over 500 clients in achieving their digital marketing goals in addition to conducting training programs and project consulting with CIRAS since 2009.
Scott Samuelson
Story County Extension / Community and Economic Development & Philosophy and Religious Studies
Professor of Practice – Community and Economic Development
Iowa State University Extension And Outreach, Ames, IA
Scott Samuelson holds a joint appointment at Iowa State University in Philosophy & Religious Studies and Extension & Outreach. The winner of the Hiett Prize in the Humanities for his work in bringing philosophy to the public, he’s the author of three books, including The Deepest Human Life: An Introduction to Philosophy for Everyone. Among his many essays and articles, “Why I Teach Plato to Plumbers” in The Atlantic has been widely circulated. He’s currently part of the Ethical AI Workshop, a collaboration between the philosophy department and the Translational AI Center at ISU.
Karl Schmidt
Information Solutions Architect
Van Meter, Inc., Davenport, IA
Karl joined Van Meter in 1995, graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering. Karl and has spent more than 28 years working with customers to improve their manufacturing efficiencies, leveraging the latest technology.
Anuj Sharma
Pitt-Des Moines, Inc. Professor in Civil Engineering
Director FAST-TrAC
Co-Director REACTOR Lab
Iowa State University Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Ames, IA
Since 2014, I’ve been a Professor of Civil Engineering at Iowa State, leading research on next-generation transportation infrastructure, focusing on Industry 4.0 and human-centric autonomous vehicles. My work, backed by over $29 million in funding, has revolutionized traffic management through big data and AI, impacting practices at agencies like Iowa DOT.
I co-founded the REACTOR Lab and lead the FAST-TrAC program, driving AI integration into industrial and infrastructural systems. I’ve also founded ETALYC and COLTIE, both fueled by powerful AI-driven and big data analytics. My research has earned over 4,000 citations, and I’ve mentored over 90 students, many of whom have excelled in industry and academia.
Jim Sherlock
Chief Technology Officer, Co-Founder
Cybercade, Iowa City, IA
Jim Sherlock brings nearly two decades of innovation and leadership in technology and cybersecurity education. As the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Cybercade, a cybersecurity-themed educational gaming company, Jim is leveraging the power of AI across all aspects of the business—from game design to in-game analytics. His work at Cybercade focuses on using AI to create immersive, adaptive learning experiences that enhance player engagement while providing deep insights into player behavior and learning outcomes.
Jim’s career began in Washington DC as a network forensics engineer for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), laying the groundwork for his expertise in information security. His diverse background includes key leadership roles at Pearson, where he contributed to securing over 250 million sensitive records and drove innovation across Information Security, Compliance, Technology, and Product Operations. Today, Jim’s passion for AI and data analytics is shaping the future of workforce education at Cybercade, where he continues to explore how AI can be harnessed to transform learning and cybersecurity training.
Matt Vincent
Founder
Source Allies, Urbandale, IA
Matt is the founder of the Iowa-based IT consultancy, Source Allies. His fascination with AI began in high school, inspired by his father’s work leading a neural networks research department. Matt played a key role in establishing the AI/ML practice at Source Allies seven years ago and is passionate about sharing knowledge on the accessibility and democratization of AI.
Aaron Warner
Chief Executive Officer
ProCircular, Coralville, IA
Aaron will be joining the experts discussion and has graciously volunteered as back up speaker for the Summit.
Aaron R. Warner is a seasoned cybersecurity CEO and former CIO in life sciences, with decades of experience in global IT and cybersecurity. Certified CCISO and CISSP, Aaron bridges the gap between technical and business minds, advocating for practical solutions that empower individuals to protect against cyber threats. His career has spanned the healthcare, biotech, and cybersecurity sectors, giving him a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by professionals in these high stakes fields.