Spacewalk 2025: The Future of AI with Q&A + Networking + Incredible Swag!

We'll kick off 2025 with our now-famous Spacewalk event!

We use this event annually to announce the upcoming year's ATO schedule, to feature a world-class program and speaker(s), and to give away some pretty amazing swag. We hope you'll join us.

Doors open at 5:30 pm ET for networking and food and beverages, live programming in the theater begins at 6:30 pm ET sharp!

*Limited (free) food and beverages will be available onsite - pizza and drinks. We're also giving away a lot of swag - t-shirts, hats, stickers. Arrive early to ensure you get something.

Location:
Marbles Museum / IMAX Theater - downtown Raleigh
201 E Hargett Street
Raleigh, NC
Website

Program (a moderated panel discussion):

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in 2025: Opportunities and Strategies for Career and Business Success

As we move into 2025, artificial intelligence is not just a disruptor but a core driver of business and professional transformation. This panel will explore AI's expanding impact on enterprises and individual careers, focusing on actionable opportunities and strategic positioning for success.

• How will AI redefine roles, industries, and competitive advantages?
• What skills and mindsets are essential for professionals and businesses this coming year?
• Where are the emerging opportunities for innovation and leadership in AI-powered industries?

The panel brings together leading AI experts, innovators, and strategists to share insights, challenge assumptions, and provide forward-looking guidance to professionals and leaders preparing for an AI-driven future.

Moderator Bio
Mark Hinkle
Mark Hinkle is an AI consultant with over 30 years of experience in enterprise software, cloud computing, DevOps, and open source technology. Mark specializes in guiding business leaders through the adoption and optimization of artificial intelligence for productivity and growth. He combines deep technical expertise with a pragmatic approach to delivering AI-driven value to mid-level and C-suite executives. He runs the Artificial Intelligent Network of over 250,000 subscribers get``

Panelist #1:
Franziska Hinkelmann - Senior Engineering Manager, Google
Franziska Hinkelmann is a distinguished AI and machine learning engineer with a background in delivering cutting-edge solutions at scale. With expertise spanning advanced algorithms, applied AI, and systems optimization, Franziska’s work demonstrates how businesses can harness AI to solve complex challenges. Her contributions span technical leadership, innovation, and mentorship in AI strategy.
LinkedIn Profile

Panelist #2
Bill Higgins - VP, IBM watsonx Platform Engineering and Open Innovation
Bill Higgins is a technology leader and product innovator with extensive experience building AI-driven products. A strong advocate for practical AI adoption, Bill focuses on translating complex AI capabilities into real-world business applications. He is known for guiding teams to design and implement solutions that optimize workflows and enhance customer experiences.
LinkedIn Profile

Panelist #3
Jon Reifschneider - Founding Director, Artificial Intelligence Master of Engineering program in Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering; Co-founder and CEO, Inquisite AI
Jon Reifschneider is the Founding Director of the Artificial Intelligence Master of Engineering program in Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering where he teaches graduate level courses in Machine Learning and Large Language Models. He is also the Co-founder and CEO of Inquisite AI, the AI platform for science teams that accelerates their knowledge-intensive workflows. Prior to joining the Duke faculty, Jon spent 15 years building advanced analytics products in industry, most recently serving as Senior Vice President at the tech company DTN where he led the Weather Analytics division and developed predictive analytics systems in use by most major transportation, aviation and energy utility organizations across the US. Jon holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Virginia, a Master of Engineering Management from Duke University, a M.S. in Analytics from Georgia Tech, and a Global MBA from EBS (Germany).
LinkedIn Profile

Panelist #4
Sachin Solkhan - Vice President, Intelligent Search, Fidelity Investments
Sachin Solkhan is an Executive Technology Leader focused on building & leading AI product engineering teams. He is passionate about Application of Artificial Intelligence technologies, Software Engineering and Agile practices.

Swag:
A good number of ATO and We Love Open Source t-shirts, stickers, and hats will be given away on a first-come first-served basis. We're also trying to give away some cool technology and books as well.

Cost: The meetup is 100% FREE, as always.

Questions? Contact us at info@allthingsopen.org