PCMA and CEMA president and CEO, Sherrif Karamat, CAE and Gevme CEO, Veemal Gungadin, recently announced Project Spark, a research and educational initiative to analyze the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on the business events industry. Under this initiative, the AI model will be tested for various practical applications within the scope of business events to understand its impact on workforce productivity.
In its first phase, Project Spark offers business event strategists access to a generative AI platform designed to increase efficiency in achieving event goals and is supported by educational content and engagement sessions to aid in the learning process. This is complemented by an online community to foster collaborative research. Those who wish to be part of this initiative are invited to visit pcma.org/projectspark to join the community waitlist.
“AI in the business events industry is just beginning, but we cannot define its future without our global community,” says Karamat. “We believe business events are about creating social and economic transformation. Properly channelled, AI has the potential to empower each of us to accelerate innovation and progress for our audiences, our businesses, and our careers.”
Participants in the research phase will experience an early version of an AI platform under development. The platform aims to assist business event professionals to get ahead on routine event planning tasks. However, Gungadin stresses it is designed to complement their skills and expertise, not replace them.
“Project Spark is the starting point to explore … the challenge of adopting new AI technology and better understand how disruptive technology will enhance the power of the human connections our industry creates,” he adds. “AI isn’t out to take jobs from event professionals but to boost their skills. It makes tough tasks simpler and turns ordinary work into something special.”
The progress of Project Spark will be shared on June 26, 2023, during PCMA’s Educon in Montreal, Québec, Canada.
