We were delighted to have partnered with Big Data LDN for the event of the year for data and AI professionals at London Olympia earlier this week. The two-day conference, which delved into the latest advances in data security, analytics, and AI-driven protection, was filled with insightful presentations from top-tier speakers and innovative exhibitors. It was fantastic to watch the data community come together to explore and discuss strategies for safeguarding and working with the most sensitive information – our data.
Here are our three key takeaways from Big Data LDN 2024:
1. A call from data leaders for a shift in mindset
Data leaders at Big Data LDN urged businesses to rethink their data mindset. Speakers emphasised that data-driven strategies are not just a technical challenge but require a cultural shift within organisations. Tothrive
, companies must integrate data as a core part of their decision-making processes, going beyond treating it as a byproduct of less importance than AI or other operations. During a panel at the Y-Axis keynote theatre, Helen Mannion from Prospore Leadership commented, “Everyone needs a data mindset, and everyone needs to have a level of understanding of how data and AI can ultimately help them in their business.” Joined by Lynne Bailey from DataBricks and Lizzie Harris from B&Q, they stressed the need for mandatory data education within companies, particularly given the rapid speed at which data is being leveraged. Mannion continued by saying, “I think we need to shift people’s mindset, which comes from making data real, talking about real-life examples, and showing people what’s possible.”
2. AI’s transformative role in data culture
AI continues to play a transformative role in reshaping how businesses engage with data. Throughout the two-day event, discussions emphasised AI’s evolving impact not only on data analysis but on governance and decision-making processes. Lizzie Harris, Customer Director at B&Q, commented that “AI is as revolutionary to data as the typewriter was to the computer.” There was a strong call from industry leaders to encourage businesses to fully leverage data and AI to enhance their business strategy and customer experience. Helen Mannion from Prospore Leadership remarked during her panel, “If your starting point isn’t solving the biggest problem in your business, then you’re limiting data’s value.”
3. Don’t forget about data governance and quality
Many sessions emphasised the importance of robust data governance frameworks, especially in relation to AI implementation. Governance frameworks are no longer optional but critical for ensuring compliance with evolving regulations and maintaining trust in AI systems. A number of speakers highlighted the importance of strong, accurate data sets being in place before applying AI systems, to ensure there is no room for error. According to research firm Gartner, 70% of AI programmes fail due to low-quality data. AI relies heavily on the quality of the data it processes; therefore, if the two aren’t aligned, the outcomes will not succeed.
Overall, it was a busy yet exciting two days filled with discussions and insights. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year’s Big Data LDN.
If your company is in the AI, data or analytics sector or you would like to boost the profile of your business at leading industry events like Big Data LDN we would love to hear from you. Drop us an email at [email protected]
