CDAO Fall 2024 brought together data and analytics leaders from across industries to explore the latest innovations, challenges, and strategies shaping the field. Hosted at the Boston Marriott Copley Place Hotel, this year’s event was packed with inspiring keynotes, hands-on workshops, and insightful panels that connected data leaders with cutting-edge insights and tools.

Here’s a recap of the event’s highlights, featuring key sessions, notable speakers, and the top takeaways that will propel data leadership forward.

Key highlights and takeaways

1. The evolution of data and analytics leadership: Many sessions at CDAO Fall 2024 focused on how the role of the Chief Data and Analytics Officer (CDAO) is rapidly evolving. Leaders across industries discussed the shift from traditional data management to driving AI and analytics innovation at scale. CDAOs are now more deeply integrated into strategic decision-making and are expected to lead AI-driven transformations across all business units.

2. Democratizing data access: In the keynote session “Empowering Employees with Access to Data and Analytics Tools,” Xu Cheng, Head of Business Intelligence and Insights at the Ascot Group, stressed the importance of democratizing data and analytics tools across organizations. By building self-service analytics and data literacy programs, organizations can foster a culture of informed decision-making that boosts both agility and innovation.

3. AI’s impact on the CDAO role: A key panel, “How is AI Changing the Role of the Chief Data & Analytics Officer?” explored the influence of artificial intelligence — from Narrow AI to emerging General AI — on the responsibilities of data and analytics leaders. Experts like Chris Bennett from Vanguard and Shahidul Mannan from Orlando Health highlighted how AI enables CDAOs to provide predictive, actionable insights that drive proactive decision-making across functions.

4. Advancements in analytics technology: The panel “Data-driven Decision Making in 2024: Harnessing Analytics for Strategic Insights” covered the latest in analytics technology, including augmented, predictive, and prescriptive analytics. Panelists emphasized that these advancements are enabling companies to extract deeper, more actionable insights that drive strategic decisions and strengthen cross-functional collaboration.

5. Building cross-functional data cultures: Throughout the event, the importance of collaboration was a recurring theme. CDAOs and data leaders highlighted how data initiatives succeed best when they involve cross-functional teams — from data scientists and engineers to business leaders and domain experts. By aligning these groups, organizations can drive more impactful data outcomes.

Noteworthy sessions

Empowering Employees with Access to Data and Analytics Tools

Ascot Group’s Cheng shared strategies for promoting self-service analytics, building data literacy programs, and enabling decentralized decision-making. She highlighted how giving employees broader access to analytics tools can empower them to make informed decisions, ultimately fostering a culture where data-driven insights are integral to day-to-day operations. Key takeaways included practical steps for implementing self-service analytics and cultivating an organization-wide culture of data literacy.

Data-driven Decision-making in 2024: Harnessing Analytics for Strategic Insights. What’s New?

Panelists Joshua Merrill from Boston Children’s Hospital, Robin Patra from Acro Construction, and Cheng, moderated by Jason Webster of Archetype, shared insights on how these technologies are enabling deeper, more actionable insights that guide strategic decisions.

The discussion emphasized the importance of cross-functional collaboration, highlighting that effective data-driven decision-making requires alignment among data scientists, analysts, business leaders, and domain experts.

Each panelist shared examples of how these technologies are reshaping their organizations, underscoring the role of analytics in enhancing operational efficiency, improving patient outcomes, and driving innovation in diverse fields like healthcare and construction. The panel concluded with best practices for fostering a collaborative culture and integrating these advanced analytics tools into existing workflows.

How is AI changing the role of the Chief Data & Analytics Officer? Understanding the Evolution of Artificial Intelligence: From Narrow AI to General AI

Panelists Bennett, Mannan, Jen Courant from DWS Group, and Chandra Kapireddy from Truist, moderated by Erum Manzoor of Citi, explored how AI’s evolution — from Narrow AI to emerging General AI — is reshaping the responsibilities and strategic goals of CDAOs.

The conversation focused on how CDAOs are leveraging AI to provide real-time, predictive insights that drive proactive decision-making across business functions. Each leader shared examples of initiatives that harness AI to create more agile and data-informed organizations.

The panelists discussed how they are expanding their roles to champion AI-driven transformation, align with broader business strategies, and create value beyond traditional analytics. The discussions highlighted practical steps for CDAOs to integrate AI in ways that support both innovation and ethical considerations, emphasizing that CDAOs are becoming central to AI strategy and governance in the enterprise.

Hands-On learning and engagement

From hands-on technical workshops to roundtable discussions, CDAO Fall 2024 offered a range of learning formats that fostered engagement. Attendees participated in immersive workshops covering machine learning model deployment, advanced data governance, and predictive analytics, giving them tools to drive real value from their data.

The exhibit floor showcased the latest technologies in data analytics, with vendors providing demonstrations of tools that are transforming data capabilities.

The event’s networking sessions, including the CDAO Fall 2024 Reception and peer roundtables, created an open forum for sharing ideas and building relationships. Attendees left with expanded professional networks and fresh perspectives on addressing shared challenges in data leadership.

Looking ahead

As CDAO Fall 2024 comes to a close, data and analytics leaders are equipped with the tools, strategies, and connections to address the challenges and opportunities in today’s data landscape. With conversations centered on generative AI, data democratization, and sustainable data practices, CDAO Fall 2024 has set the stage for continued innovation. The CDAO team extends its gratitude to the speakers, attendees, and sponsors who made this year’s conference a resounding success.

Interested in joining CDAO next year as a speaker, sponsor, or attendee? Register your interest here.