AI in Product: AI Is Changing How Software Gets Built—and What Customers Expect

Overview
Software isn’t just built differently today—it’s being rethought from the ground up thanks to AI. In this session, Rich Blaalid will share how his teams are embedding AI across the software development lifecycle—from product discovery to delivery—and how customer expectations are shifting as a result. You’ll hear firsthand examples of where AI is speeding up development, unlocking new value, and changing the role of the product manager itself. Whether you’re exploring AI for the first time or looking to deepen its role in your process, this is your chance to see what’s working on the front lines.

Agenda

• 2:00pm - 2:30pm: Arrival and networking
• 2:30pm - 2:45pm: Announcements and round-room introductions
• 2:45pm - 3:30pm: Featured presentation by Rich Blaalid, AI Is Changing How Software Gets Built—and What Customers Expect
• 3:30pm - 4:00pm: Your impromptu discussion topics
• 4:00pm onwards: Continued networking at Monster Brewing

Meet Our Featured Speaker
Rich Blaalid – Strategic Product and Technology Leader

Rich is a seasoned product executive with experience in engineering and AI integration. He’s worked across startups and large organizations to align modern development practices with emerging AI capabilities—helping teams ship faster, smarter, and with greater alignment to user needs.

Sponsors
This event is sponsored by Lab651 & Recursive Awesome

Organizers
This event is part of the community interest groups series at Applied AI, where community members power sessions for niche interest areas through the Applied AI platform.

This event is organized and hosted by Cameron Gross, John DeBauche, and Beth-Alison Berggren.

Want to host your own community group? Reach out to team@appliedai.mn to learn more!