Generation AI

Engage Summit 2025 Preview Special

Episode Summary

In this special conference preview episode, hosts Ardis Kadiu and JC Bonilla take listeners behind the scenes of Element451's upcoming Engage Summit, a three-day intensive gathering of 600+ higher education leaders focused on building the AI workforce. The episode breaks down the conference's "AI powered, people focused" theme while exploring how institutions are moving from AI-curious to AI-native mindsets. The hosts discuss their individual presentations, from AGI's impact on knowledge work to practical vibe coding sessions, providing insight into the cutting-edge AI strategies that will shape higher education's future. This episode is essential for understanding where the industry is heading and how leaders can prepare for an agentic world.

Episode Notes

In this special conference preview episode, hosts Ardis Kadiu and JC Bonilla take listeners behind the scenes of Element451's upcoming Engage Summit, a three-day intensive gathering of 600+ higher education leaders focused on building the AI workforce. The episode breaks down the conference's "AI powered, people focused" theme while exploring how institutions are moving from AI-curious to AI-native mindsets. The hosts discuss their individual presentations, from AGI's impact on knowledge work to practical vibe coding sessions, providing insight into the cutting-edge AI strategies that will shape higher education's future. This episode is essential for understanding where the industry is heading and how leaders can prepare for an agentic world.

Opening and Conference Introduction (00:00:00)

• Introduction to Engage Summit: June 24-26 in Charlotte, North Carolina
• 600+ in person, and 2000+ virtual higher education leaders gathering for three-day intensive
• Theme: "AI-powered, People-Focused"

The Origin Story and Philosophy of Engage Summit (00:02:51)

• Conference designed as industry event, not just Element451 user conference
• Evolution from bleeding-edge technology focus to AI-centered programming
• Connection between Engage Summit and Enrollify Podcast network
• "AI powered, people focused" approach to conference design

Conference Structure and Design Strategy (00:09:23)

• Day 1-2: Open to entire higher education industry
• Day 3: Deep dive for Element451 customers only
• Goal: Attendees leave with campus-ready agent playbooks
• 50+ sessions across multiple tracks with virtual streaming option

Keynote Speakers and Strategic Sessions (00:13:18)

• Dr. Kosmas Karadimitriou from PSG: "Agents shifting from tool to teammate"
• Presidential POV panel on AI-powered resilience in uncertain times
• Crisis communications using AI for rapid deployment
• Focus on real-world applications and expert commentary

Ardis Kadiu's Conference Presentations (00:22:57)

• Product keynote: 60-minute preview of AI agents and platform transformation
• Vibe coding session: Building functional apps using natural language
• Deep research tools: First agentic capabilities now available
• AGI discussion: What happens when AI outperforms humans at intellectual tasks

JC Bonilla's Conference Sessions (00:32:25)

• Market research calibration with Tambolini research
• AI maturity models for higher education with Doc Smith
• Advanced ChatGPT features lightning talk
• Focus on change management fatigue and resource-trapped institutions

The Evolution of AI's Role in Higher Education (00:30:47)

• Discussion of AI as enabler vs. replacement in 2025-2026 timeframe
• Productivity boost and value creation in near term
• Student experience improvements through AI integration
• Moving beyond "AI will take your job" to practical implementation

Conference Wrap-Up and Registration (00:40:13)

• Virtual attendance available at engage.element451.com
• All sessions will be recorded and made available post-conference
• Positioned as one of most advanced AI conferences in higher education
• Emphasis on practical sessions with real use cases