Katie King
Author and AI strategist
Adam Cheyer
VP, AI Experience Airbnb and
Co-founder of Siri Inc.
Ross Pambrun
CEO, The Memphis Group (A.I. for Environment) and Métis Business Leader
About
The Prairie Business Summit is Saskatchewan’s premier biennial event, connecting global business insights to the Saskatchewan business community.
This year’s forum promises an inside look at AI's transformative game-changing role in optimizing operations and efficiency, specifically tailored for Saskatchewan’s industries. With hands-on showcases from industry leaders, discover how AI is uniquely positioned to streamline workflows and enhance supply chains across our critical sectors. Global and national experts will share best practices, providing actionable strategies to harness AI for tangible economic benefits.
Get ready to connect with the region’s most forward-focused business minds and unlock AI’s potential in Saskatchewan’s vibrant economic landscape.
Program
Agenda
The agenda offers a thorough exploration of AI and its business applications, featuring interactive sessions and ample networking opportunities. Attendees will gain practical and actionable insights and forge valuable connections across Saskatchewan's AI and business community.
Check out the summit schedule here!
Day 1: Context Setting and AI Exploration
Dive into the foundational aspects of AI, exploring its current landscape and future potential.
View our growing speaker list here!
Speakers
Gain valuable insights from a diverse lineup of speakers who bring both expertise and passion for leveraging AI in business on global, national, and regional stages. These leading experts will inspire a deeper understanding of AI’s power to drive innovation and transform business strategies. Discover the vital connections between AI advancements, breakthroughs, and business success, and explore hands-on applications that can shape the future of your industry.
Adam Cheyer
VP, AI Experience Airbnb and Co-Founder of Siri Inc.
Adam Cheyer is a pioneering AI expert, entrepreneur, and engineering executive, currently serving as VP of AI Experience at Airbnb. He has co-founded or played a key role in five successful startups, including Siri (acquired by Apple), Viv Labs (acquired by Samsung), Change.org, Sentient, and GamePlanner.AI (acquired by Airbnb). Throughout his career, Adam has been at the forefront of AI and human-computer interaction, leading innovations in voice assistants, machine learning, and decision-making technologies.
Ross Pambrun
CEO, The Memphis Group (A.I. for Environment) & Métis Business Leader
Ross Pambrun is a visionary Indigenous Métis business leader, futurist, and award-winning CEO of The Memphis Group, an Artificial Intelligence company that protects communities from environmental threats. Studied at MIT, Harvard, and the Alan Turing Institute, Ross blends AI, machine learning, & cybersecurity to create innovative, culturally informed solutions. A decorated fire captain with 24 years proudly wearing medals of service from the Province of Alberta and the City of Calgary, Ross leverages his expertise to tackle global challenges like climate change, cybersecurity, and cultural preservation. As a sought-after speaker, he presented at prestigious events like the Wall Street Journal: Future of Everything conference in New York. A musician, actor, and TV personality, Ross brings passion, humility, and inspiration to his mission of fostering innovation & safeguarding the future.
Katie King
Author and AI strategist
Born in the UK, Katie King is a published Author, Keynote Speaker and Consultant on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and business transformation. She received several accolades in 2024, including: ‘Leading AI strategist’; ‘Top 10 influencer in AI’, and one of the ‘Most Inspiring Women in Technology.’
David Chalk
Business and AI Expert
Scott Meyer
Co-Founder, Chipp.AI
Melanie Morrison
Founder & CEO, BetterCart Analytics
Katrina German
Founder and CEO, Ethical Digital
Debasis Bhaumik
Vice President, Information and Digital Solutions, Nutrien
Dale Bruce Hopkins
CTO, Vendasta Technologies Inc.
Anthony Robinson
VP, SAP AI
Rozita Dara
Director, AI4Food
Alpan Raval
Chief Scientist of AI & Machine Learning, Wadhwani AI
Steven Siciliano
CEO, Environmental Material Science (EMS)
Phillip Harder
Research Director & Hydrological Scientist, Croptimistic Technology Inc.
Nathan Kirkham
Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Security Officer, SaskTel
Donnalyn Thorsteinson
CEO and Executive Director, Supply Chain Canada, Saskatchewan Institute
Shonna Calwell
Chief Revenue Officer, Insightrix
Alex Fallon
Executive Director, Aisk
Heather Morrison
Founder, Deliver Your Best, emcee
David Akinmade
Founder, Laroye AI
Sujatha Kamma
Industry Expert Advisor - Public Sector, Education,
Healthcare & Non-profits, SAP AI
Mike Stefaniuk
Director of Business Development - IoT & Transformation, SaskTel
Jody Sagen
Director, Technology Experience & Enablement at WBM Technologies
Kanaris Paraskevopoulos
Executive Vice President &
Chief Digital and Information Officer, SGI
Kyle Folk
CEO, Ground Truth Ag
Alex Shimla
Principal, Conexus Venture Capital
Jessie Wiebe
Community Development Lead, Startup TNT
Mark Borgares
Chapter Executive, Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD)
Tom Kishchu
TPK Management Consulting Inc.
Jonathan Lipoth
Executive Director, Co.Labs
Briana Brownell
Founder, Pure Strategy Inc.
Mert Kutluay
Sr. Solution Advisor - Enterprise Applications, SAP AI
Kathryn Pollack
Safety & Indigenous and Corporate Relations at SaskPower
Vincent Bruni-Bossio
Acting Provost and Vice-President Academic, University of Saskatchewan
Jenelyn Santos Ong
Manager, Opus
Registration
Please let us know of any dietary restrictions or accessibility requirements you may have, so we can ensure that the event is inclusive for all attendees.
If you have any additional registration questions or require further assistance, please contact embrett@edwards.usask.ca.
Ensure a comfortable and convenient stay during the conference by exploring our recommended accommodations.
Volunteer Opportunities
Join the Prairie Business Summit 2025 team and play an essential role in bringing this exciting event to life! This is your chance to network with industry professionals, contribute to the summit’s success, and help showcase the spirit of innovation and collaboration in the Prairie business community.
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers who can commit to at least eight (8) hours of their time during the summit. Volunteers are also required to attend an orientation held on campus at the University of Saskatchewan.
The Prairie Business Summit will be held on May 5-6, 2025, at Prairieland in Saskatoon, and we have a variety of opportunities available, including:
- Welcoming and registration support: Assist with attendee check-in, answering questions, and distributing materials.
- Guiding and event support: Help attendees navigate the venue, provide session information, and assist with general inquiries.
- Session and logistics support: Ensure rooms are set up, manage attendee access, and assist with audiovisual or other technical needs.
This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build connections in the Prairie business ecosystem, and be part of a dynamic team contributing to a high-impact event.
Interested in volunteering? Apply by sending your interest here embrett@edwards.usask.ca and our team will contact you to confirm details. Applications close on March 28th, 2025.
Let’s work together to make the Prairie Business Summit 2025 an unforgettable experience!
