Online Registration Open.
We look forward to seeing you there.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Schedule
| 09:00 am
Coffee and Conversation and AI Demos
Start your day with coffee and connections. Meet fellow business leaders and explore AI solution demonstrations.
| 10:00 am
Keynote: The Simulation Century - Year Two: Building Your Competitive Moat
Richard Boyd
Building on last year's vision, Richard returns to share real-world lessons from the frontlines of AI transformation. With 30+ years in AI and simulation, including leadership at Lockheed Martin's Virtual World Labs, Richard will reveal how leading companies are using the Data Fusion Plane to escape commoditization. Learn why some AI implementations create lasting competitive advantages while others become expensive failures.
Key Takeaways:
Key Takeaways:
- The SMART process: How to transform data into AI-ready intelligence
- Why 80% of AI projects fail (and how yours won't)
- Creating weighted connections that competitors can't replicate
- Real case studies from aerospace to healthcare
| 11:15 am
From Commodity to Premium: AI-Powered Growth Strategies That Command Higher Prices
Dave Preston (PeopleSuite) & Danny Decker (SpotLight Branding)
Two Charlotte business leaders share how they escaped the commodity trap in their respective industries. Danny reveals how Spotlight Branding went from competing on price to charging 3x more for marketing services, while David (Charlotte Fast 50 #4) explains how PeopleSuite transformed from a staffing vendor to a strategic revenue partner commanding 5x industry rates.
Key Takeaways:
Key Takeaways:
- Practical strategies for escaping price competition
- How to position AI as a differentiator, not a cost-cutter
- Building recurring revenue models in traditionally transactional businesses
- Real examples of charging premium prices for "commodity" services
| 12:00 pm
Lunch
Enjoy an event provided gourmet boxed lunch featuring chef-crafted wraps, artisanal salads, and fresh-baked cookies while networking.
| 1:00 pm
AdvisoryX: Reimagining Consulting in the AI
Era Rafi Menachem, Founder & CEO, Syntari International
Discover how Syntari is revolutionizing the consulting industry by fusing strategic expertise with AI-driven tools to deliver 10x impact at fraction of traditional costs. Learn how boutique firms can compete with Big 4 consultancies by leveraging AI-native platforms that automate strategy development while maintaining premium pricing.
Key Takeaways:
Key Takeaways:
- How we reduced project turnaround by 95% while charging more
- Building AI agents that generate board-ready materials instantly
- Creating switching costs through deep AI integration
- The framework that lets boutique firms beat McKinsey
- Why giving away our methods strengthens our business
| 2:00 pm
Change Management for AI Transformation
Antonio Manueco
SEI's senior consultants share 20+ years of experience helping organizations navigate AI transformation. Learn how to cultivate change champions, design engaging training platforms, and build frameworks that allow employees to lead AI initiatives with minimal friction.
- Turning pilot participants into evangelists
- Moving beyond technical feasibility to cultural transformation
- Creating employee-driven innovation frameworks
- Measuring effectiveness and recognizing achievements
- Why change management expertise commands premium fees
| 3:00 pm
Protecting Your Castle: IP & Data Security in the AI Gold Rush
Edwin Sisson & Jeffrey Banyas, McIntosh Law Firm
As AI becomes ubiquitous, protecting your innovations becomes critical. Learn from patent attorneys who've secured 30+ patents and successfully enforced IP rights globally, including rare wins in China. Discover how to build defensible moats that survive the "AI for everyone" wave.
Key Takeaways:
Key Takeaways:
- Creating IP strategies for AI innovations
- Trade secrets vs. patents in the AI age
- Compliance frameworks that differentiate
| 4:00 pm to
6:00 pm
6:00 pm
Cocktails and Connections
Celebrate new knowledge and network with cocktails over a premium selection of chef-curated appetizers and refreshments. Two complimentary drinks included.
Get Early Bird Rates Now!
Register by January 15th for Early Bird Rates. We look forward to seeing you February 25th for the AI Summit.
AI Summit Presenters
We are excited to bring together an exceptional group of technology innovators for the AI Executive Forum. From AI pioneers to transformation leaders, our speakers bring real-world experience in successfully navigating technological change and implementing solutions across different business functions.
Richard Boyd
Founder ultisim inc
Richard has thirty years experience with AI and computer gaming. He was co-founder and CEO of a machine learning company called Tanjo Inc. and co-founder of a simulation learning company called Ultisim.
www.ultisim.com
www.ultisim.com
Jeffrey Banyas
Licensed Patent Attorney at The McIntosh Law Firm
Banyas is focused on brand protection across patents, trademarks, trade secrets, licensing, and e‑commerce enforcement. He joined in 2023 after a six‑year referral relationship and has led wins including patent enforcement in China and removal of 40+ infringing Amazon listings.
www.mcintoshlawfirm.com
www.mcintoshlawfirm.com
Danny Decker
Co-founder - Spotlight Marketing & Branding, MyMarketer.com
Founder of Automatic Marketing Machine and Co-Author of “The Automatic Marketing Machine.” Decker is a marketing consultant, speaker, and author known for building and selling a seven-figure marketing agency and developing simple, efficient marketing systems for entrepreneurs.
www.automaticmarketingmachine.com
www.automaticmarketingmachine.com
Antonio Manueco
Managing Principal consultant and Practice Lead -SEI
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Antonio has 10+ years in software architecture, data engineering, and AI systems, and cofounded BetaBlocks, a blockchain technology firm. Mañueco holds a Master’s in Industrial Engineering and is a two-time CIO award recipient.
www.sei.com
www.sei.com
Rafi Menachem
Founder & CEO - Syntari AI
Founder and CEO of Syntari International, Inc., a management consulting and AI automation firm. He is also Head of Business Enablement at Martello Re. Menachem specializes in AI-driven business process optimization and holds an MBA from Boston University.
www.syntari.ai
www.syntari.ai
David Preston
CEO & Founder, Sales Leopard and founder of peoplesuite
With 25 years' experience in sales, banking, and real estate—including 14 years in senior banking roles—Preston built PeopleSuite into a top executive search firm before launching Sales Leopard, an AI-driven sales funnel company. He serves as Regional Chair of the U.S. East Entrepreneurs' Organization and is an active EO Charlotte member.
www.salesleopard.com
www.salesleopard.com
Edwin (Ed) Sisson
Business and Technology Leader focused on Transformation, Growth, and Strategy
Edwin (Ed) Sisson is a USPTO-registered patent attorney and Of Counsel at The McIntosh Law Firm, an inventor on 30+ U.S. patents with 20 years in Fortune 500 roles, and he has represented inventors before the USPTO since 2004.
www.mcintoshlawfirm.com
www.mcintoshlawfirm.com
TBD
MOre updates to Come!
LKN Chamber 2026 AI Summit
We invite you to showcase your brand at the 2nd LKN Chamber AI Summit as a Vendor or Sponsor. This is a unique opportunity to connect with top business leaders, community innovators, and decision-makers in the Lake Norman region while promoting your products or services to a highly targeted audience interested in AI and business growth.
For sponsorship inquiries, contact Michael Osborne at 980-999-8004.
Want to showcase your business at the event?
For sponsorship inquiries, contact Michael Osborne at 980-999-8004.
Want to showcase your business at the event?
Wednesday, February 25th
09:00 AM to 6:00 PM
09:00 AM to 6:00 PM
AI Summit Location
Cain Center For the Arts
21348 Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031
News & Updates
Lake Norman Chamber announces its inaugural AI Executive Forum, featuring keynote speaker Richard Boyd, founder of Ultisim Inc. Join business leaders on February 25th at the Cain Center to discover how AI can transform your business operations. MIT Sloan research shows AI can improve worker performance by 40%. Early bird registration available.
Join us for the post event Cocktail Hour
Posted November 13, 2025
Join business leaders from across Greater Charlotte at the Cain Center for the Lake Norman Chamber's AI Executive Forum on February25th. Network with fellow executives while learning how AI can drive your business forward. MIT Sloan research shows AI can improve worker performance by 40%.
Call for Sponsors!
Posted August 28, 2025
Limited sponsorship opportunities now available for the Lake Norman Chamber's AI Executive Forum.