The advent of intelligent AI agents marks a pivotal moment in technological history that promises to fundamentally reshape software, business models, and the very nature of work. Moving far beyond the capabilities of simple copilots or dashboards, true AI agents exhibit remarkable autonomy, capable of independent task execution and complex problem-solving. This paradigm shift can be likened to the transformative impacts of the cloud and mobile revolutions. While the current primitive version of "AI Agents" is currently navigating a landscape of both significant hype and genuine potential, understanding the historical parallels and discerning areas of sustainable value from speculative excess is crucial for navigating this evolving frontier.

This revolution is already beginning to reshape industries by transforming traditional software from rigid, click-based interfaces into dynamic, intelligent systems. AI agents are poised to drive unprecedented efficiency gains, reduce human labor needs in repetitive tasks, and reinvent pricing models across sectors. We are seeing the emergence of diverse agent types, from personal assistants for consumers to highly specialized role-based agents for employees and comprehensive company agents for businesses, all designed to augment human capabilities. This shift emphasizes a "human + machine first" approach, where AI agents enhance human roles in critical areas like customer service, sales, and even highly regulated industries such as law and finance, fostering a new era of collaborative intelligence.

Primary Audience for Conference Attendees

The "AI Agents Unleashed: The Future of the Agent-Driven Organization" conference is tailored for a diverse range of professionals keen to understand and harness the transformative potential of AI agents, including:

• Technical Experts:

• Data Scientists focused on model development and analysis.
• AI/ML Engineers specializing in building and deploying agent systems.
• Software Developers integrating agents into existing applications.
• Robotics Engineers working on physical agent embodiments.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) Specialists and Computer Vision Engineers essential for multi-modal agent development.

• Business Leaders and Decision-Makers:

• C-Suite Executives (CEOs, CTOs, CIOs, CDOs) formulating AI strategies.
• Product Managers defining AI-driven products and services.
• Business Analysts assessing the impact of AI on operations.
• Innovation and Digital Transformation Leads driving organizational change.
• Operations and Business Process Improvement VPs/Directors optimizing workflows.
• Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service Managers looking to leverage AI for enhanced functions.

• Investors and Consultants:

• Investors and Venture Capitalists seeking opportunities in AI agent startups.
• Consultants providing strategic guidance on AI adoption and integration.

• Researchers, Academics, Government Officials, and Policy Makers:

• Researchers and Academics interested in cutting-edge advancements and ethical considerations.
• Government Officials and Policy Makers exploring societal implications and regulatory frameworks.

Main Conference Subject Areas

I. The AI Agent Revolution: Understanding the Paradigm Shift

A. Defining AI Agents and Their Autonomy

• Beyond Copilots and Dashboards: True Agent Capabilities
• The Agent Development Life Cycle
• Examples of Agent Autonomy in Action
• New Layer of Software: Automation, Efficiency, Empowerment
• Comparison to Past Revolutions: Cloud, Mobile, Paradigm Shift
• Scope of Impact: Software, Business Models, Work

B. Historical Context: Comparing to Cloud and Mobile Revolutions

• SaaS and the App Economy as Precedents
• The "ChatGPT Moment" for AI Agents
• Anticipating the Scale of Impact

C. Hype vs. Reality

• Current Valuations and Revenue Discrepancies
• Lessons from the Dot-Com Bubble
• Outsized Returns and Areas of Excess
• Investment Valuations: Overvalued, Potential, Future Growth
• Beyond the Hype: Underhyped, Capabilities, Transformative

II. Reshaping Industries and Work with AI Agents

A. Transformation of Traditional Software and Business Models

• Moving Beyond Click-Around Menus and Siloed Data
• Impact on Human Labor and Efficiency Gains
• Reinventing Pricing Models
• Changing Traditional Software: Autonomous, Dynamic, Intelligent
• Reducing Human Labor Needs: Cost Savings, Productivity, Automation
• Boosting Service Efficiency: Margins, Optimization, Scalability

B. Types of AI Agents and Their Applications

• Personal Agents for Consumers (Scheduling, Travel)
• Role-Based Agents for Employees (Contracts, Software)
• Company Agents for Businesses (Customer Service, Sales)

C. Augmenting Human Roles Across Sectors

• Examples in Customer Service and Sales
• Applications in Regulated Industries (e.g., Law, Finance)
• The "Human + Machine First" Approach

III. Building and Navigating the AI Agent Ecosystem

A. The AI Agent Infrastructure Layer

• Key Prerequisites: Privacy, Efficiency, Interoperability, Memory, Accuracy
• Essential Scaffolding: Authentication, Security, Frameworks, RAG
• Orchestration, Runtimes, Routing, Memory, Evals, No-Code Tools
• Infrastructure Needs: Privacy, Efficiency, Interoperability

B. Evolution of Agent Adoption

• Wave 1: Text-Based Agents
• Wave 2: Multi-Modal Agents
• Wave 3: Regulated Industry Agents
• Adoption Waves: Text-based, Multi-modal, Regulated

C. Challenges in Agent Development

• Unpredictability: Flexibility, Goal-based, Variability. Unlike traditional software, AI agents operate with flexible, goal-based models, leading to less predictable outcomes.
• High Costs: LLMs, Resources, Infrastructure. The reliance on large language models and complex infrastructure makes AI agent development and operation more expensive.
• Upgrade Issues: Instability, Retraining, Disruption. Updates to underlying LLMs can introduce instability, requiring extensive retraining and potentially disrupting agent performance.

IV. The Future Landscape of AI Agents

A. Market Evolution and Application Opportunities

• Cloud Market Parallels: Infrastructure, Tools, SaaS. The AI market is expected to mirror the cloud market, with distinct layers for infrastructure, tool makers, and applications.
• Focus on Applications: Labor, Software, Value. Applications built on AI agents hold immense potential to capture significant market share by impacting both labor and software spending.
• Moat Building: Regulation, Accuracy, Differentiation. Developing strong moats in the AI space, especially in regulated industries, will depend on accuracy, compliance, and specialized solutions.

B. New Jobs and Skills in the AI Agent Era

• Emerging Job Roles: Engineer, Architect, Designer. The AI Agent Revolution will create new specialized roles, similar to how the internet fostered UX designers and product managers.
• Human-AI Collaboration: Augmentation, Quality, Synergy. AI will not simply replace humans but will augment capabilities, leading to human-machine teams that raise overall quality standards.
• Scarce Resources: Attention, Creativity, Empathy. As AI makes certain resources abundant, human traits like focused attention, original creativity, and customer empathy will become increasingly valuable.

Experiencing Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a stunning valley in western Wyoming, bordered by the dramatic, jagged peaks of the Teton Range. Often serving as a gateway to both Grand Teton National Park and the southern entrance of Yellowstone National Park, it's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The valley's main town, Jackson, blends Old West charm with modern amenities, featuring iconic antler arches in its town square and a vibrant cultural scene including the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, Jackson Hole maintains a unique small-town atmosphere, where wildlife like moose are common sights against breathtaking mountain backdrops, making it an idyllic escape for those seeking natural beauty and adventure.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR), nestled in Teton Village just northwest of Jackson, is world-renowned for its challenging terrain and impressive continuous vertical drop of 4,139 feet, making it one of North America's premier ski destinations. Approximately 50% of its terrain is rated expert, attracting seasoned skiers and snowboarders to its legendary bowls, glades, and chutes, including the infamous Corbet's Couloir. While celebrated for its extreme winter sports, JHMR transforms into a vibrant hub for summer activities, offering everything from scenic tram rides with panoramic views of five mountain ranges to extensive mountain biking trails, via ferrata climbing routes, and paragliding opportunities. The resort's commitment to both thrilling adventure and environmental preservation underscores its status as a year-round outdoor playground.

Here are 4-5 cool things to do and adventures in Jackson Hole:

1. Ski or Snowboard Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: Experience some of the most challenging and exhilarating terrain in North America, with vast expert runs, backcountry access, and incredible snowfall. Don't forget to ride the iconic Aerial Tram for panoramic views and a waffle at Corbet's Cabin.

2. Explore Grand Teton National Park: Hike iconic trails like those around Jenny Lake or Phelps Lake, marvel at the majestic Teton Range, and spot diverse wildlife including elk, moose, bison, and bears. Scenic drives offer numerous overlooks for breathtaking photography.

3. Whitewater Rafting or Scenic Float on the Snake River: Choose your adventure on the Snake River. For adrenaline junkies, a whitewater rafting trip through Snake River Canyon offers thrilling rapids. For a more relaxed experience, a scenic float provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and stunning riverside landscapes.

4. Go on a Wildlife Safari: Whether by vehicle in the summer or by snow coach/sleigh in the winter (especially at the National Elk Refuge), guided wildlife tours offer incredible opportunities to see the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem's abundant fauna, including wolves, grizzlies, and bighorn sheep.

5. Tackle the Via Ferrata or Mountain Biking at JHMR (Summer): For a unique climbing adventure, try the Via Ferrata, an assisted climbing route with rungs, ladders, and bridges offering incredible views. Alternatively, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's Bike Park provides lift-accessed downhill mountain biking for all skill levels.

Staying Slope-Side at the Base of Jackson Hole Ski Resort

For a truly unforgettable experience, stay at one of the many luxurious accommodations located right at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village. These properties offer direct access to the slopes and trails, making it easy in the winter to hit the trails first thing in the morning and enjoy the après-ski scene in the evening - and in the summer to hit the hiking and biking trails.

Here are some of the benefits of staying slope-side:

Convenient access to the slopes: Simply step out of your door and onto the ski lift in winter and on the hiking and bike trails in summer..

Prime location for après-ski activities: Enjoy a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops right at your doorstep.

Stunning mountain views: Wake up to breathtaking views of the Teton Range.

Luxurious amenities: Many slope-side properties offer world-class amenities, such as spas, fitness centers, and heated pools.

Experience a convenient and luxurious Jackson Hole adventure, staying slope-side at Teton Village.

Heli-Skiing Adventure (Optional)

Experience the ultimate powder skiing adventure with a helicopter tour to remote, pristine snowfields.

Join us for a thrilling day of heli-skiing in the Teton Range. We will fly you to remote, pristine snowfields where you will experience the ultimate powder skiing adventure. Our experienced guides will lead you to the best terrain, ensuring a safe and unforgettable experience.

 

Day Trip to Yellowstone National Park (Optional)

As part of your conference experience, we invite you to join us on a day trip to Yellowstone National Park. This iconic national park, renowned for its geothermal features, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, offers a truly unforgettable experience.

During our day trip, you'll have the opportunity to:

Spot wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for bison, elk, deer, and even bears as you explore the park's diverse ecosystems.

Hike through scenic trails: Enjoy the beauty of Yellowstone's trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.

Learn about the park's history and geology: Discover the fascinating stories behind Yellowstone's formation and the wildlife that call it home.

This day trip provides a unique opportunity to experience one of the most iconic national parks in the United States. Don't miss out on this unforgettable adventure!

Call for Presentations & Papers

The Data Science Association (DSA) invites you to contribute to a pivotal event exploring the next frontier of artificial intelligence: AI Agents Unleashed: The Future of the Agent-Driven Organization. As AI agents move beyond assistive tools to become autonomous entities capable of complex decision-making and task execution, they are instigating a paradigm shift akin to the cloud and mobile revolutions. This conference aims to foster a comprehensive dialogue among experts and practitioners from diverse backgrounds, covering the full spectrum from foundational research and technical development to strategic business implementation and societal impact. We seek to explore not just the "hype," but the profound, transformative capabilities that will reshape industries, redefine work, and create entirely new economic landscapes.

We welcome submissions for presentations, technical papers, panel discussions, and workshops that delve into the cutting-edge advancements, practical applications, challenges, and future implications of AI agents. Our audience is broad, encompassing data scientists, AI/ML engineers, software developers, product managers, business leaders, investors, researchers, and policymakers. Submissions should offer valuable insights for both technical and non-technical attendees, covering aspects of agent development, strategic adoption, market opportunities, and the ethical considerations paramount to responsible innovation. Join us in shaping the future of the agent-driven organization and understanding how "Human + Machine First" approaches will define the next era of productivity and innovation.

Topics of Interest

We encourage submissions that align with, but are not limited to, the following themes:

I. The AI Revolution: Understanding the Paradigm Shift

• Defining AI Agents and Their Autonomy: Beyond Copilots.
• The Agent Development Life Cycle and Methodologies.
• Historical Context: Comparing the  Revolution to Cloud, Mobile, and SaaS.
• The AI Agent Economy: Discerning Hype vs. Reality, Valuations, and Market Dynamics.
• Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of AI Agents.

II. Reshaping Industries and Work with AI Agents

• Transformation of Traditional Software and Business Models: Moving Beyond Siloed Data.
• Impact on Human Labor, Efficiency Gains, and Reinventing Pricing Models.
• Specific Applications of AI Agents across Verticals (e.g., Finance, Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing).
• Types of AI Agents and Their Applications: Personal, Role-Based, and Company Agents.
• Augmenting Human Roles Across Sectors: Case Studies and Best Practices for "Human + Machine First" approaches.

III. Building and Navigating the Agent Ecosystem

• The Agent Infrastructure Layer: Key Prerequisites (Privacy, Efficiency, Interoperability, Memory, Accuracy).
• Essential Scaffolding: Authentication, Security, Frameworks, RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation), Prompt Engineering.
• Orchestration, Runtimes, Routing, Memory Management, Evaluation Methodologies (Evals), and No-Code Tools for Agents.
• Evolution of Agent Adoption: From Text-Based to Multi-Modal and Regulated Industry Agents.
• Addressing Core Challenges in Agent Development: Unpredictability, High Costs (LLMs, Infrastructure), and Upgrade Issues.

IV. The Future Landscape of AI Agents

• Market Evolution and Application Opportunities: Parallels to the Cloud Market (Infrastructure, Tools, SaaS layers).
• Strategic Moat Building: Regulation, Accuracy, Differentiation, and Data Governance in the AI Agent Economy.
• New Job Roles and Skills in the Agent-Driven Organization: Agent Engineer, Agent Architect, AI Workflow Designer, Ethics Officer.
• The Future of Human-AI Collaboration: Augmentation, Quality Assurance, and Synergy.
• Societal Implications: The Scarcity of Focused Attention, Original Art, and Trusted Information in the AI Era.

Submission Types

• Oral Presentations (20 minutes): Share your research findings, innovative applications, case studies, or best practices.

• Technical Papers (Full Length, 8-12 pages, IEEE format): Submit original, unpublished research that undergoes a rigorous peer-review process. Accepted papers will be published in the conference proceedings.

• In addition to full-length technical papers, we also invite submissions for Experience & Insight Papers (4-6 pages, formatted for readability). This category is designed for practitioners, industry leaders, and innovators to share valuable lessons learned, practical case studies, real-world implementations, and insightful perspectives on the challenges and successes encountered in the development, deployment, or strategic adoption of AI agents. These papers should focus on practical applications, best practices, and actionable insights that can benefit the broader community, even if they do not present novel research methodologies or extensive theoretical contributions. Submissions will undergo a peer-review process focused on clarity, relevance, and the practical value of the shared experiences.

• Poster Presentations: Showcase preliminary results, ongoing research, or innovative concepts visually. Includes a dedicated poster session for discussion.

• Panel Proposals (60 minutes): Suggest and moderate a discussion among 3-5 experts on a controversial, emerging, or complex topic within the AI agent space.

• Workshop Proposals (60 minutes): Propose an interactive, hands-on session focused on practical skills, tools, or methodologies related to AI agent development or deployment.

Submission Guidelines

• Abstract: All submissions (except workshop proposals) must include a concise abstract (maximum 300 words) summarizing the problem, approach, key findings/insights, and conclusions.
• Author Information: Include full names, affiliations, and a brief professional biography (max 100 words per author).
• Keywords: Provide 3-5 relevant keywords.
• Originality: Submissions must represent original work that has not been previously published or is not under review elsewhere.
• Audience Consideration: Presenters should be prepared to convey complex technical or business concepts clearly to a diverse audience, including both technical and non-technical attendees.
• Formatting: Specific formatting guidelines for full papers will be provided upon submission portal opening.

Review Process

All submissions will undergo a rigorous peer-review process by the Program Committee, comprising leading experts in AI, data science, and related business domains. Submissions will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance to conference themes
• Originality and novelty of contributions
• Technical merit and soundness (for technical papers)
• Clarity, organization, and presentation quality
• Potential impact and practical applicability