Level Up 2024: The AI revolution you can’t afford to ignore

As businesses and industries worldwide scramble to adapt to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), Level Up 2024 promises to be one of the most significant business summits of the year.

Hosted at Kelowna's Trinity United Church on September 27, this year's conference is dedicated entirely to the transformative power of AI. Whether you're an entrepreneur, healthcare professional, or simply curious about AI’s impact, this summit aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in a world where AI revolutionizes how we live and work.

The shift to AI as the conference’s focus comes after the success of Level Up 2019, which featured interviews with former Prime Ministers Jean Chrétien and Stephen Harper and cemented itself as one of the biggest business events ever held in Kelowna. But as co-host Kent Molgat explains, AI is not just another hot topic—it's the force driving a new era of technological change.

"This is probably going to be the most transformational time in the past 100 years," Molgat said, "and the AI summit will give you some of the tools and understanding of what AI means right now in this fast-accelerating future."

Why AI, and Why Now?

In a world where AI has begun to impact almost every facet of daily life—from self-driving cars to medical decision-making and personal fitness—it has become clear that understanding this technology is no longer optional. Jim Csek who is a part of the organization leading the event, stresses that businesses ignoring AI do so at their peril. Whether you're a startup founder or a seasoned professional, the Level Up AI summit offers a unique opportunity to get ahead of the curve.

Take, for example, Csek’s personal experience with AI. “I have a car that drives me to work, hands-free,” he shared. “I’m not even driving anymore. It’s safer, more efficient, and the AI handles everything, right down to verbal discussions during the ride.” He likens this to the future of business—those who choose not to engage with AI might soon find themselves left behind.

Csek recounted how even professionals in fields like healthcare are often unaware of AI's potential. Speaking with a young anesthesiologist, Csek demonstrated AI’s ability to provide detailed medical information almost instantly. When asked about anesthetic considerations for specific heart conditions, AI provided a lengthy, accurate response that astonished the doctor.

This accessibility is where AI's power lies and Csek believes that the summit will help attendees understand just how applicable it is to every industry. “Whether you’re trying to make better business decisions, improve your health, or streamline your daily life, AI is already here,” he noted. “The question is, will you be ready for it?”

AI: Challenges and opportunities

Of course, AI isn’t without its challenges. Molgat and Csek both acknowledge concerns from industry leaders like Elon Musk, who have warned about the potential for AI to either usher in abundance or create widespread disruption. However, despite these concerns, the global AI race continues at breakneck speed, with countries like China and Russia investing heavily in AI technologies.

"The problem is, we can't pump the brakes too much,” Molgat said. “If we stop, will China or Russia stop? It’s like the arms race. It’s a space race now but with AI." Yet for all the long-term concerns, Level Up 2024 focuses on the practical, immediate benefits AI offers to individuals and businesses alike.

The conference's speaker lineup reflects this pragmatic approach, featuring AI pioneers like Peter Diamandis, founder of XPRIZE, who has been at the forefront of innovations in robotics, space exploration, and longevity research. Diamandis will provide high-level insights into how AI is changing industries like carbon capture and wildfire mitigation, offering attendees a window into AI's potential to solve some of the world's most pressing problems.

Business leaders Kane and Alicia will also take the stage to share actionable strategies on how to incorporate AI into everyday operations. Having trained millions of business professionals globally, they will break down how AI can be used today—not in some distant, hypothetical future.

AI for everyone

AI isn’t just for tech experts. Whether you're a business leader, a doctor, or a parent, AI offers tools to enhance every aspect of life. From analyzing food labels for better nutrition to optimizing fitness routines, AI has become an everyday assistant for millions worldwide.

"Even my granddaughter, who’s turning three, is using AI to ask questions about the world around her," said Csek. "This technology is not just for adults or professionals—it’s becoming part of how we all learn and engage."

The Level Up AI Summit promises to be an essential event for anyone who wants to stay ahead in this AI-driven era. With a mix of world-class speakers and networking opportunities, the Summit is set to offer practical insights into how AI is shaping the future—and how you can be a part of it.

Want to level up your understanding of AI and how it can apply to small and medium business? Csek Creative and NowMedia Group present the Level Up AI Summit September 27, 2024 in Kelowna. Interested in joining us? Buy tickets to the Level Up 2024 AI Summit. Want to level up your involvement? Become a sponsor.