Top 5 Takeaways from Curate 2024, Beyond the Buzz: Turning AI Hype into Results

HSMAI’s 2024 Curate brought together industry leaders to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and how to move beyond the hype to achieve meaningful results. In her role as emcee, Staci Mellman set the stage for thought-provoking discussions and expertly guided the day’s sessions.  

Staci also curated these top five takeaways, offering a clear and actionable roadmap for integrating AI into your organization with purpose, responsibility, and impact. From strategic planning to addressing ethical concerns, these insights ensure you’re prepared to turn AI buzz into tangible results. A special thanks to Staci for her leadership, energy, and thoughtful contributions to this inspiring event! 

1. Strategic AI Implementation is Key 

Most of our businesses aren’t AI-native, so successful implementation and adoption will take work. Like any transformational decision, rushing AI implementation is not the answer. Start by clarifying your goals, identifying who you aim to serve, and building stakeholder support across the organization to ensure alignment and collaboration. 

2. Plan Ahead for GenAI Success 

GenAI can revolutionize several business dimensions, but strategic planning is critical. First, educate your organization about what GenAI is, how it works, and the value it brings—engagement grows when people feel the impact. Second, plan for scalability, but start small. Build a centralized AI hub and roll out projects one by one, demonstrating success to build momentum and gain support. 

3. Address AI’s Paradigm Shift Thoughtfully 

AI represents a major shift, bringing both opportunity and responsibility. Key concerns to manage include ethical bias, regulatory compliance, transparency, human oversight, workforce changes, accuracy, environmental impact, and dependency on providers. These challenges will evolve as AI does, so staying informed and proactive is essential for responsible implementation. 

4. Cut Through the AI Noise 

With AI projected to reach $826 billion by 2030 and tens of thousands of startups in the space, the options can be overwhelming. Focus on tools that align with your business goals. Build a coalition to research and test solutions, lean on trusted sources for insights, and prioritize what delivers real value to your organization. 

5. Integrate AI With Your Data to Stay Competitive 

To unlock AI’s full potential, connect it with your organization’s internal and external data. Break down silos and create a centralized system that aggregates and enriches data for better customer insights. Leverage tools like RAG AI and Vector databases to store and analyze information effectively. By doing this, you’ll not only meet but exceed customer expectations, fostering loyalty and gaining a competitive edge. 

Curate is an exclusive benefit for Organizational Member companies of HSMAI.