1682: the business of innovation conference

OVERVIEW

1682 explores the ever-changing landscape of innovation, with a focus on how AI is influencing profit + process.

1682 is dedicated to exploring innovation in technology, with a particular focus on how artificial intelligence is reshaping profits, processes, and customer experiences across various industries. Returning for the first time since 2019, this year’s 1682 Conference built on the momentum of the original, promising attendees behind-the-scenes insights and real-world strategies from industry leaders who are actively implementing AI and other cutting-edge technologies to drive success.

A conference room with a panel of five speakers seated on stage, discussing 'Investing in AI: Separating hype from real value'. The audience listens and takes notes, with some using laptops and smartphones. The room has exposed brick walls and industrial decor, with large screens displaying conference information.

PURPOSE + GOALS

Dive deep into the latest trends in innovation, particularly those related to AI, as experts share their perspectives on both the opportunities and challenges in transforming business operations and enhancing customer value.

Innovation

Provide attendees with actionable insights on how AI is actively being used to streamline processes, improve profitability, and create sustainable business models.

Impact

Bring together thought leaders, innovators, and visionaries in an environment designed to encourage meaningful dialogue, networking, and partnership opportunities within Philadelphia's tech and innovation ecosystem.

Collaboration

1682 also honors the city’s role as a cradle of progress. The Venture Awards at the conference brought this theme to life, showcasing innovative AI-driven solutions. This exciting pitch competition embodies the city’s legacy of innovation and highlighted Philadelphia's vibrant AI startup ecosystem.

Community

Highlights from last year

SPEAKERS

Meet last year’s speakers + moderators

View lineup

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AGENDA

Explore last year’s keynotes + panels

Dive into the unfiltered realities of AI with Mike Gadsby, Chief Innocation Officer at O3. In this keynote, Mike will unpack five critical insights drawn from years of intense AI experimentation, strategic client engagements, and real-world implementations. Discover what works, what doesn’t, and where the true potential - and pitfalls - of AI lie in today's rapidly evolving landscape.
Speaker: Mike Gadsby (O3)
Join top innovation and technology leaders from fintech and insurance as they tackle the critical challenges of integrating AI into heavily regulated environments. This panel will explore the delicate balance between innovation and compliance, offering insights on awareness, education, and strategic projects that drive progress without compromising on risk. Learn which AI initiatives are worth pursuing—and which ones could lead you into uncharted, risky territory.
Panelists: Mike Urban (Best Egg) + Nate Gach (IBX)
Moderator: April Walker (Strategic Advisor)
Join industry leaders as they explore how AI is transforming the healthcare landscape. This panel will address the critical challenges of data readiness, innovation processes and uncover the key areas where AI is making a tangible difference in patient care and operational efficiency. Additionally, we'll delve into how AI is reshaping career paths within healthcare, driving the need for new skills and offering exciting opportunities for professionals ready to adapt and thrive in this rapidly evolving field.
Panelists: Maureen Rinkunas (Redesign Health) + Michelle Cleary (Cigna)
Moderator: Abhay Patel (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
In the fiercely competitive world of retail, innovation is both essential and challenging. Hear from top CIOs across big retail as they discuss how AI is revolutionizing the customer experience by leveraging data to transform in-store and online retail environments. Industry experts will discuss the unique hurdles retail faces in implementing cutting-edge technology and share insights on navigating the brutal landscape of retail innovation. Learn how to stay ahead in a market where customer expectations are constantly evolving, and innovation can make or break success.
Panelists: John Collier (Wawa), Priya Serai (Zeus)
Moderator: Amit Jhunjhunwala (Five Below)
In the rapidly evolving world of AI, not all investments are created equal. This panel brings together experts from the venture capital and tech industries to discuss which companies are truly winning—and losing—at the intersection of AI and investment. Moving beyond the initial wave of infrastructure and "ChatGPT for everything" solutions, we'll explore how real value is being generated through innovative AI applications. Learn where the real opportunities lie for delivering meaningful ROI, whether by boosting internal efficiency or developing groundbreaking consumer-facing products that solve real business challenges.
Panelists: Russ Kliman (Future Crafted), Emily Foote (Osage Venture Partners) + Omar Mencin (Ben Franklin Technology Partners)
Moderator: Sushma Rajagopalan (Rittenhouse Ventures)
In the age of GenAI, developing products that resonate with real customer needs is more critical than ever. This panel will explore how AI is simplifying the creation and delivery of digital experiences through greater personalization and value generation. Industry leaders will discuss the challenges of aligning product recommendations with true customer demands, the complexities of prioritizing features and functionality, and the essential considerations for integrating AI into both existing and new digital platforms. Discover how to close the gap between what customers want and what your products deliver, ensuring that AI enhances rather than complicates the user experience.
Panelists: Deanna Ballew (Acquia), Rick Nucci (Guru) + Shikha Miglani (Saarthee)
Moderator: Christine Sheller (O3)
Join experts from professional sports teams as they dive into how AI is transforming sports marketing and fan engagement. This panel will explore how AI is unlocking deeper insights from marketing, fan, and sports data to create more personalized experiences in-game, in-home and online. Discover how the latest advances in GenAI are being integrated with traditional predictive models and machine learning to deliver real value to sports organizations. Learn how these technologies are putting actionable, real-time data in the hands of those who need it most, ensuring that sports experiences are meaningful and impactful.
Panelists: Jenna Kurath (Comcast) + Anthony Brock (Flyers)
Moderator: Dan Hou (Eskridge)
Speaker: Michael Bachman, Head of Research, Architecture + AI Strategy at Boomi Innovation Group

"As someone leading a team focused on advancing AI, I found it particularly rewarding to engage with fellow innovators and industry leaders. The discussions about cutting-edge AI solutions and their transformative potential across various sectors were enlightening and inspired new directions for our work."
"Such a pleasure to moderate this discussion made even more impactful with the industry expertise shared by you, Nate and Mike! Huge kudos to Keith Scandone and the entire team for organizing this amazing event and for the invitation to participate!"
"The 1682 Conference provided a collaborative and forward-thinking experience in a unique setting, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. Our team was thrilled to participate, as O3 World is leading the way in innovation for the region and beyond!"

JP Morgan