Data to Value Instead of AI Hype
Across more than 40 presentations, masterclasses, and conversations at the partner exhibition, one theme ran throughout the day: Companies no longer want to simply test AI—they want to use it effectively in day-to-day operations. The focus was therefore not on abstract visions of the future, but on concrete practical questions: Which applications deliver measurable value? What architecture, governance, and processes are needed for AI to generate real business impact in everyday corporate use? And how can people be inspired to support and actively participate in AI projects? In addition to addressing these questions in their sessions, the speakers also discussed them directly with attendees.
Real-World Use Cases and Open Exchange
In addition to AI, the program focused on data strategy, data architecture, MarTech, and change management. Valuable practical insights came from organizations including OTTO, dpa, Atruvia, and Fiege Logistik. Many of the sessions made one thing clear: Successful data projects do not depend on technology alone. What also matters is how companies win over and involve employees, empower teams, and make change understandable.
“One highlight of World of Data for me this year was once again the outstanding exchange within our data community,” says Sebastian Amtage, founder and managing director of b.telligent. “You could feel that our choice of topics really resonated with our guests. The focus was not on trends and hype, but on the questions companies are genuinely grappling with right now: What creates value, where does implementation get stuck, and what can others learn from it? That is exactly why we host WoD.”
Keynotes With Perspective
The keynotes also broadened the perspective beyond technology alone. Bilal Zafar spoke about AI as the “opportunity of the century” and highlighted the economic significance the topic has now gained worldwide. The extreme mountaineer and physicist Alexander Huber provided a deliberately human counterpoint: His keynote focused on goals, risk, failure, and learning. In doing so, he reinforced a theme that ran through many parts of the program: Progress does not come from new tools alone, but from people who make decisions, take responsibility, and learn from experience.
Kai Kalchthaler, who attended World of Data for the first time in his role as managing director of b.telligent Germany, also drew a positive conclusion: “I was particularly impressed by how open and practice-oriented the discussions were. The conversations focused on real solutions relating to data quality, governance, security, and change. Of course, we are also very pleased by the positive feedback from many guests and by the fact that they were able to take away important ideas for their own projects.”
A Successful Industry Gathering at Nockherberg
In addition to the varied conference program, many participants particularly highlighted the networking opportunities, the speakers’ experience reports, and the dialogue with data professionals from a wide range of industries. The relaxed atmosphere at Nockherberg, the excellent catering, and the colorful evening program also contributed to guests and partners describing the conference as an all-around successful industry gathering.
Organizer b.telligent is already looking forward to next year: In line with its regular rotation, the next World of Data will once again take place in Switzerland.
More information is available at: www.worldofdata.com
