EVENT in Munich · October 20, 2026 · 5:00 PM
Driving Business Value with AI
An exclusive evening for decision-makers who want to take the next step in the professional use of AI. A peer-to-peer exchange featuring a panel discussion and interactive sessions.
On October 20, we are hosting an evening event in collaboration with the German Association for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW), we are hosting an evening event at our office in Munich’s Neuhausen district. The focus will be on the question: How can AI be implemented in a way that is economically sound, secure, and sustainable in the long term?
The discussion will address specific management decisions in the areas of marketing, sales, and IT: tasks that AI can effectively handle and areas where human judgment remains crucial. A realistic assessment of costs, benefits, and risks in a rapidly changing technological environment.
The Agenda
- 5:00 PM: Arrival and Networking
- 5:30 PM: Panel Discussion: “Return on AI” | Real-World Experiences and Perspectives from Executives
- 6:15 PM: Buffet and networking
- 6:45 PM: Parallel interactive sessions | Choose one session from four topics
- 7:30 PM: Networking
- 8:00 PM: End of the event
Stefan Berge
Kerstin Weidenbach-Koschnike
CHRIS SCHÖMMER
Israel Barcellos Pereira
Israel Barcellos Pereira established the B2B Retail Analytics function for Central Europe at BSH and enables data-driven decision-making across markets and retail partners. He is driving the use of AI and machine learning in retail, from AI-powered analytics platforms to product assortment optimization.
AI Search: Measure Visibility, Boost Impact
How can visibility in AI-based search systems be measured in a way that generates tangible business value? We’ll discuss which tools, metrics, and methods make sense for GEO, when specialized AI visibility tools are cost-effective, and how the results can be used to derive targeted content optimizations. We’ll also address the question of which measurement approaches are robust enough to meaningfully interpret trends and set priorities. Together, we’ll exchange ideas on how to effectively evaluate the potential contribution of AI Search to reach, leads, and revenue.
Moderated by: Constanze Bogner, Marketing Technology Manager
Starting and Scaling AI Use Cases in a Pragmatic Way
How can an AI use case be set up so that its ROI becomes apparent early, without getting lost in the details of an enterprise rollout too soon? In this session, we will discuss in a small group how a scoped proof of concept can start with manageable effort and how to spot scaling potential early on. This also involves the question of whether the initial implementation should be limited horizontally, with less data and a narrower scope, or vertically, with a core function that can be used early on and subsequent expansion of robustness.
Moderated by: Tobias Lanzl, Manager, AI-Ready Data Stack
Smart Reporting with AI: Dashboards, Dialogue and Insights
How can AI create measurable value in day-to-day reporting? From faster dashboard development and iteration to Conversational AI that lets users ask questions about their reporting data in natural language, all the way to automated performance briefings and alerts: we discuss use cases that can reduce repetitive reporting work, save time, and support decision-making. We also look at how to assess their economic value, where human review remains essential and what limitations to consider.
Moderated by: Dr. Ioanna Kakoulidou, Senior Data Analytics Specialist
AI Impact: Measuring Impact, Proving Value
Why does the use of AI often lead to initial setbacks, and how can we demonstrate success? We’ll examine current research and frameworks that can be used to measure the effects of AI in practice. Which metrics show whether work is becoming faster or better? What do we overlook when we focus solely on efficiency? And how do we account for the fact that teams must first adapt their processes before benefits become apparent? Using concrete examples, we’ll discuss how companies can assess the success of AI investments and where they should exercise caution in their evaluations.
Moderated by: Jörg Hopmann, Gründer & Geschäftsführer
Impressions from past events organized by Hopmann and the BVMW
