Shaping the future of AI at WSAI 2023
Leaders and visionaries in Artificial Intelligence converged in Amsterdam for the seventh consecutive year. WSAI 2023, held from October 11-12, brought together over 6,000 attendees to delve into the pivotal role of AI in today's world.
Charting AI’s Global Impact
At the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taets Art and Event Park, experts in AI convened from October 11-12 to explore AI's role and development strategies. Since its inception in 2017 by Inspired Minds!, this conference has been the paramount platform inviting global leaders to discuss AI's risks, benefits, and applications.
This year's theme, 'AI on the Brink: Shaping the Future of Humanity', emphasised the role of Generative AI. It also addressed concerns regarding AI's rapid progress, examining its applications in development, creativity, and its ability to emulate human innovation. The AI community commend WSAI as the foremost AI conference worldwide.
The Future is Now: AI in Amsterdam
WSAI's choice of Amsterdam as its venue was no accident. The Netherlands boasts the highest density of AI startups per capita in the EU and is a globally recognised leader in AI adoption and advancement. The Dutch government's approach via public-private partnerships fosters AI development and economic use while implementing safeguards for the future.
Amsterdam's vibrant community of technology startups and innovators has transformed it into a living lab demonstrating AI's impact on various sectors, including fintech, creative industries, life sciences and health. Projects like Amsterdam AI, a coalition of businesses, local government and academia, best represent the collaborative ecosystem within the Amsterdam area. Pioneering projects like the DELTA Lab at the University of Amsterdam and the Innovation Centre for Artificial Intelligence (ICAI) testify to Amsterdam's AI-centred innovation.
The city's international recognition for AI-centric innovation is unparalleled. According to the Global Observatory of Urban Artificial Intelligence (GOUAI), out of 165 initiatives in 63 cities, Amsterdam leads the pack with 22. As a globally acknowledged leader in AI innovation with a growing network of projects and organisations centred around AI, Amsterdam provides an ideal platform where tech and AI leaders, startups, and global talent can shape the future of technology and AI.
Fostering Innovation through Connectivity
Amsterdam's exceptional connectivity remains a compelling attraction for conferences like WSAI. Its central location within Europe ensures international accessibility. Seamless travel and transport contribute to the community’s creative energy and foster innovation, adding to the city’s appeal.
Jim Butler, Commercial Director of World Summit AI at Inspired Minds!, underlined the significance of Amsterdam's central location and exceptional accessibility as primary factors in WSAI's consistent choice of the city as their destination. He also praised how the city's vibrant, creative and innovative atmosphere elevates every event into a meaningful experience.
Amsterdam's unparalleled digital connectivity is driven by a robust infrastructure, enabling unmatched speed and accessibility. The Amsterdam Internet Exchange (AMS-IX), one of the world's fastest internet exchanges, ensures reliable broadband and high-speed internet. Conference attendees can savour Amsterdam's sights and experiences without losing connection to their digital lives.
Stronger through Strong Local Support
Amsterdam's warm hospitality is a close rival to its creativity and innovation. WSAI did not only find support in Amsterdam's thriving AI ecosystem but also from the city of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Convention Bureau’s (ACB) extensive local network of partners.
This collaborative network guarantees that events like WSAI 2023 receive comprehensive support from ACB, including venue and accommodation recommendations, seamless connections to local vendors, event promotion and marketing services, and onsite support.
Sarah Porter, CEO and founder of Inspired Minds!, also praised the hospitality shown by ACB and Amsterdam: “The Convention Bureau really helps us to ensure that the international delegates that are flying into Amsterdam are well hosted and looked after. But then also the local community comes along and feels welcome. For us, it was the logical place to run this event, and we’re happy to be here for the next three years.”
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