Countdown to 1682, where AI, innovation and connections converge in Philadelphia

Making a much-anticipated return after five years, the 1682 Conference explores the dynamic landscape of innovation, with a focus on how AI is influencing profit and process.

The event will bring people together for a day of discussion to address AI and its impact on innovation through various industries, including healthcare, finance, sports and retail. It will also cover more granular issues AI is impacting, like regulation and investing. 

Held at Five Below’s headquarters in Center City, Philadelphia, and produced by customer experience consultancy O3, the 1682 Conference will feature innovation leaders from organizations including IBX, Cigna, Wawa, UPenn, Cencora, Five Below, the NBA and Google. The event is supported and sponsored by JP Morgan, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Acquia and Pennovation. 

A technological renaissance: 2019 vs. 2024

In 2019, the inaugural 1682 Conference gathered a curated group of leaders for a one-day, invite-only event at the Barnes Museum. 

With representation from companies such as Oracle, Accenture, Comcast and CHOP, the audience heard firsthand about the specific processes driving their innovation programs, and what was holding them back. At that time, AI was still a niche technology, primarily used for specialized tasks like data analysis and basic automation. The landscape was entirely different than it is today — high costs and limited accessibility confined AI experimentation to large corporations with the resources to invest in it.

Fast forward to 2024, and the story has changed dramatically. AI is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. It has woven itself into the fabric of businesses across the globe, driving revenue, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. 

From small startups to Fortune 500 companies, AI is now a fundamental part of organizational strategies. But the question is how to leverage it. Where are the opportunities, and what are the risks?

“AI isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a force that’s reshaping industries. But with all its potential, there are hard truths that so many businesses are now facing,” said O3 cofounder and CIO Michael Gadsby. 

“We’re so excited to share these insights from the front lines, revealing both the triumphs and the challenges that come with real-world AI implementation,” he added. “It’s time to separate the hype from the reality and uncover the true value of AI.”

A spotlight on Philadelphia AI startups

With the Venture Awards, the 1682 Conference also gives attendees the opportunity to see presentations from three  local start-up companies just embarking on their AI business journey.

The 2019 Venture Awards winner, Katherine Sizov, founder and CEO of Strella Biotechnology, went on to have a remarkable journey over the past five years. Her business has continued to impact the fruit-packing industry, helping reduce food waste through advanced ethylene-detection technology. 

For startups interested in competing in the 2024 Venture Awards, the criteria for companies are as follows: 

• Must have a strong AI component
• Generate less than $500,000 in annual revenue
• Based in Philadelphia 

The winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize, a year of mentorship from two prominent leaders in the region and 20 hours of strategic go-to-market advice from O3’s leadership team.

The countdown to 1682: what to expect

Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging thought leader, the 1682 Conference offers a unique opportunity to engage with like-minded professionals, gain new perspectives, and contribute to the ongoing conversation about the future of AI and innovation.

Beyond the information sharing and networking, the conference is all about making the experience memorable for attendees. 

The intimacy of Five Below’s theater is the ideal venue for the presentations, while their game room and outside deck are a great backdrop for the cocktail reception. Ticketholders will have access to Federal Donuts and an all-day barista from Pine Pitch. Lunch comes from chef Chad Rosenthal’s Rosey Banh Mi. Passed hors d’oeuvres are from well-known TV personality Chad Durkin, and wine, beer and specialty cocktails are being served by 13th Street Cocktails. 

Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a series of panels featuring top leaders from diverse industries:

• Navigating AI at the intersection of risk and regulation: This panel brings together experts from fintech and insurance to discuss the challenges of integrating AI into regulated environments while balancing innovation and compliance.
• Shaping the future of healthcare: Explore how AI is transforming healthcare processes, operations, and career paths, with a focus on data readiness and the tangible impact on patient care and operational efficiency.
• CIO perspectives — “Retail is a brutal place for innovation”: Industry leaders from big retail and higher education will discuss the challenges and opportunities of leveraging AI to revolutionize the customer experience in retail.
• Investing in AI — separating hype from real value: This panel focuses on how AI investments are driving meaningful ROI, whether through internal efficiency improvements or groundbreaking consumer products.
• Building smarter products — leveraging AI for meaningful digital experiences: Learn how AI is enhancing digital experiences by aligning products with real customer needs, ensuring AI-driven innovation truly resonates with users.
• Game on — enhancing the fan experience with AI-driven data: Experts from the NBA and the Philadelphia Flyers will discuss how AI is revolutionizing sports marketing and fan engagement by providing personalized experiences and real-time data insights.

Find even more by checking out the full speaker lineup for the day. 

To purchase tickets or sponsor the event, visit 1682conference.com or contact the organizers directly. Early-bird tickets are available through Sept. 20, with a price increase set for Sept. 21. Tickets are limited for this intimate venue, act fast to secure your spot.