My first time at the Disney Data and Analytics Conference - what an incredible experience! So many takeaways, especially about how adaptation and thoughtful application of AI is improving outcomes across multiple industries. I gained a new respect for its benefits and challenges and the need for creating a set of guidelines to help manage its responsible use, especially in educational settings.
I’ve always valued and championed using data to inform decision-making, but seeing how organizations like Disney innovate to leverage data for everything from improving customer experiences to leadership excellence to operational efficiency was exciting to see. Plus, I got to spend time with some brilliant and creative people—both from Disney and other organizations—who are pushing the boundaries of what AI and data analytics can achieve.
At the same time, an underlying message that resonated for me was this: while technology drives efficiency and new possibilities, it still needs to be designed with empathy and understanding of human needs. Advancements in AI, robotics, or data analytics should enhance our lives rather than replace genuine connection and well-being. We need to keep people at the core so that institutions and organizations can harness technology to create solutions that are both innovative and meaningful. It was a reminder that using technology to simply check a box or make a process more efficient doesn’t foster trust or long-term value for those who are served by our organizations or those who dedicate themselves to making their organizations successful.
🎭 Curtain call! Thank you to all our attendees and volunteers for an amazing conference. See you at DDAC 2025!
