B.Y.O. AI vs Shadow AI: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly of Safe AI Adoption

Quick Programming note: Denver AI is back for an energizing, informative and exciting 2026 season. We’ve got a lot of experts and content to share throughout the year. Join us as we have our first event coming up this month with a new partnership with DU! Let’s dive in to our February meetup…

The Agenda

• 4:00 - 4:30 PM: Pizza / Meet & Greet
• 4:30 - 4:45 PM: Welcome & Introductions
• 4:30 - 5:00 PM: Show & Tell: Practical, hands-on demos from community members showing the specific AI tools they’ve "brought to work" to solve real business problems.
• 5:00 - 6:15 PM: Featured Panel – BYOAI, Shadow AI, and Controlling AI
• 6:15: Head to Après AI

Details:
Howdy Pardners:, the AI Wild West is here, and every business owner and leader is on the frontier.

Forget BYOD (Bring your own Device)—the real high noon showdown is between sanctioned BYOAI (The Good) and the risky Shadow AI creeping into your operations (The Bad, and potentially The Ugly).

Join us for a panel discussion as wild as a gunslinger's duel, Pete Link where leaders and technologists will draw the line on data leakage, innovation bans, and setting the guardrails for a safer, more productive tomorrow. Don't be caught flat-footed when the clock strikes four on February 25th.

Join us on February 25th as we move from theory to practice to discuss how Denver businesses are navigating the "Bring Your Own AI" era.

Our Moderator/Panelists:

Soumava ‘Sam’ Dey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumava-dey-441294ab
Bio: Data Scientist and AI leader with 15+ years of experience driving AI and data transformation in insurance and healthcare marketing sectors, podcast co-host breaking down enterprise AI trends, and Denver AI community builder.

Jeremy Crum
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremycrum/
Bio: Jeremy Crum is a senior talent leader with 20+ years of experience helping technology organizations scale engineering and AI teams by combining deep technical fluency with consultative partnership and actionable market intelligence.

David Jitendranath
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djitendranath
Bio: David is Director of AI apps at Lantern consulting, a Microsoft AI consulting firm.

Brett Schklar - Moderator
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bschklar/,
CEO, Best Selling Author, Keynote Speaker, AI Adoption Fanatic

Pete Link - Facilitator
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petelink
Director of IT, Security & AI Enthusiast

What’ll you’ll gain:

• Practical Focus: This isn't about futuristic speculation; it’s about the tools your team is using right now.
• Bridge the Gap: Learn how to reconcile the need for innovation with the necessity of corporate security.
• Expert Access: Engage directly with leaders who are drafting the first generation of BYOAI policies.

Logistics

• Date: Wednesday, February 25
• Time: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
• Location: Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, Room 410 at the University of Denver; 2155 E. Wesley Ave, Denver, CO 80208
• Cost: Free to attend (Thanks to our sponsors!)
• Pizza Sponsor: GROW Powered
• Venue Sponsor: University of Denver
• BYOB: Bring your own Water Bottle!

RSVP now to secure your spot!

Parking and Transportation
For visiting the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Denver, you have several convenient public parking options. The building is located at 2155 E. Wesley Ave, Denver, CO 80208.

Recommended Visitor Parking

• The university uses a fee-based system for all on-campus parking. Hourly visitor parking typically costs $2.00 per hour.
• Engineering Building Lot (Lot 318): This is the most direct option, located immediately adjacent to the Engineering and Computer Science Building.
• Newman Center Garage (Lot L): Located at E. Wesley Ave and S. University Blvd, just a short walk from the building. To park here, enter from Wesley Ave and look for the designated visitor section.
• Evans Garage (Lot 301): Located at 2130 S. High St, this is a larger structure that often has visitor space available if closer surface lots are full.
• DU uses the ParkMobile app for most hourly parking payments. You can also find kiosks in major garages like the Newman Center or Evans structures that accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover).

Public Transit & Street Parking Alternatives

• RTD Light Rail: The University of Denver Station (E, H lines) is just a few blocks north of the building.
• Street Parking: There is limited street parking on the blocks west of campus (e.g., along S. High St or S. Race St). Most spots have a 1- or 2-hour limit and are strictly enforced by the City of Denver.
• RTD Parking Deck: Some visitors use the multi-floor parking deck at the DU Light Rail station, which is within walking distance.