As the Denver Managing Director, I have the opportunity to regularly connect with leaders and experts in our community, whether through speaking with clients or attending events. Last month, I attended four local events, and it’s no surprise that artificial intelligence and how it’s shaping every industry was a trending topic.
From the Denver Chamber of Commerce to the DenAI Summit, the focus has been clear: technology is transforming how businesses operate and thrive. Here's a roundup of the most impactful takeaways from these events — and how they relate to the broader trends I’m seeing across AI and technology.
# 1. The Future of AI in Local Business with the Denver Chamber of Commerce
Key Takeaway: AI is no longer optional—it's a must for staying competitive and requires smart, responsible adoption.
Local businesses are increasingly seeing AI as essential for driving growth. It is no longer a luxury for the future but a necessity for today. AI enables companies to streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and make smarter, data-informed decisions. At the Denver Chamber of Commerce annual meeting, the message was clear: AI is a transformative tool companies must embrace to stay relevant.
However, the conversation also underscored that AI brings significant risks, particularly around data privacy and ethics. Implementing AI is not enough—businesses need a strategy that ensures responsible and thoughtful adoption. Companies must manage the risks of AI, such as potential bias and privacy issues while leveraging its vast potential to innovate and grow.
At Propeller, we’ve seen organizations that integrate AI successfully do so with a clear understanding of their goals and a strategy that balances innovation and caution. AI can open up new growth opportunities, but it must be approached with care, ensuring businesses are ready for its power and complexities.
Related Content: How to Develop a Winning AI Strategy: A Step-By-Step Guide
# 2 | Empowering Women in AI and Tech at the Women in Tech (WIT) Conference
Key Takeaway: Diverse leadership is key to building a more inclusive tech future, and women are an essential component to driving AI and technology forward.
The Women in Tech (WIT) Conference offered a powerful platform for discussing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in AI and technology. A central theme of the event was the need to empower women in all areas of technology, from leadership roles in AI to coding and engineering.
Many conversations centered on how companies can create pathways for women to enter AI roles and advance in their careers. Mentorship, targeted recruitment, and inclusive work cultures were highlighted as essential strategies for building diverse teams. One of the most resonant takeaways was that diverse teams are more innovative, particularly when tackling complex problems like AI strategy and enablement. Without diversity in leadership and design, AI technologies run the risk of perpetuating biases and failing to serve broad populations effectively.
At Propeller, we believe in fostering an inclusive work culture that amplifies diverse perspectives. Our consulting teams have seen firsthand how diverse thought leadership brings richer solutions. The WIT Conference reinforced the idea that diversity is not just a moral imperative—it’s a business advantage. Companies that prioritize gender diversity and inclusion will be at the forefront of AI innovation, designing solutions that benefit all users.
Related Content: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Propeller
# 3 | Pushing the Boundaries of AI Innovation: DenAI Summit
Key Takeaway: AI is advancing faster than many organizations realize, and organizations must prioritize preparing their workforce to stay ahead of its impact.
The DenAI Summit highlighted just how fast AI is evolving and its significant impact on industries. A key session focused on how learning institutions are preparing students for an AI-driven future, stressing that the workforce of tomorrow needs to be AI-literate. It’s not just about knowing the technology—it’s about understanding how it will reshape entire industries and workforces.
For me, this underscores a fundamental point: businesses and municipalities that invest in AI education today are the ones that will lead tomorrow. I see this playing out in the companies Propeller partners with—they’re not just adopting AI; they’re making sure their employees have the skills to work alongside it. Organizations that recognize the urgency of preparing for AI will be the ones to thrive in this rapidly changing landscape.
As AI transforms industries, the need for upskilling and reskilling employees is becoming more urgent. Organizations can’t simply adopt AI and expect success—they must also ensure their teams are equipped to work alongside these new technologies. It’s about preparing employees with the skills necessary to manage and leverage AI-driven tools. Companies that prioritize upskilling their workforce today will be the ones that lead tomorrow, as they’ll be better positioned to adapt and take full advantage of AI’s potential.
Related Content: How To Get Started With Skills-Based Hiring With HR.com
# 4 | Collaboration and AI in the Public Sector: SIPA User Conference
Key Takeaway: Public-private partnerships are critical to accelerating AI adoption and improving public sector services.
The SIPA User Conference focused on how AI can significantly improve public sector programs across human services, education, and more. One recurring theme was the importance of collaboration between government agencies and private companies. Public sector organizations often face challenges around resources and expertise, and partnering with private companies can bridge these gaps, allowing for scalable AI solutions.
The power of AI in government goes beyond efficiency—it’s about enhancing the community experience, solving complex challenges, and delivering more equitable services. By focusing on partnerships, governments can leverage the innovation and expertise of the private sector to implement AI in ways that meet community needs.
For public sector organizations, success depends on a shared commitment to ethical, accessible AI that drives real value for their communities. AI adoption can only thrive with collaboration and a focus on responsible, community-centered solutions that improve outcomes across the board.
Related Content: Enhancing User Experience: Leveraging Website Audits for Digital Impact
# Final Reflections: AI as a Catalyst for Transformation
Across all four events, the message was clear: AI is not just a tool for efficiency; it’s a force for transformation. Whether in business, the public sector, or advancing diversity in tech, AI is propelling growth, innovation, and societal change. But there’s a catch—it has to be done responsibly, inclusively, and collaboratively.
At Propeller, we believe the organizations that embrace AI thoughtfully, consider its risks, and foster inclusive environments will lead the way in this next era of innovation. AI is here, and the pace of change is only accelerating. The challenge now is to ensure that AI benefits everyone and helps create a more equitable and prosperous future.
