Latest news with #industryexperts
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
Agentic AI Is The New Vaporware
The hype term 'agentic AI' repackages pie in the sky AI ambitions, but does not allude to any ... More particular advancement that might achieve them. The hype term 'agentic AI' is the latest trending buzzword to repackage pie in the sky AI ambitions, but it does not allude to any particular advancement that might achieve them. It amplifies the overpromising narrative that we're rapidly headed toward a great leap in autonomy – most extraordinarily, toward the most audacious goal of all, artificial general intelligence, the speculative idea of machines that could automate virtually all human work. Setting unrealistic expectations compromises real value. Generative AI and predictive AI deliver concrete opportunities that will continue to grow, but the claim that technology will soon hold 'agency' is the epitome of vaporware. It only misleads, setting up the industry for costly, avoidable disillusionment. Most high-tech terms – such as machine learning, predictive modeling or autonomous driving – are legit. They represent one of two things: a specific technical approach or a novel goal for technology. But the terms 'agent' and 'agentic' fail in both respects: 1) Most uses of 'agentic' do not refer to any novel technical methodology and 2) the ambition of increasing autonomy is not new – even as the word falsely implies otherwise on both accounts. Here's a breakdown of those two failings and their ramifications. 1) 'Agentic' Does Not Refer To Any Particular Technology Or Advancement 'Agentic AI' poses as a credible near-term capability, but it represents only the most self-evident goal there could be for technology – increased automation – not a means to get there. Sure, we'd like a large language model to complete monumental tasks on its own – including gathering and assimilating information and completing online tasks and transactions – but labeling such ambitions as 'agentic' does not make them more feasible. The term 'agentic AI' intrinsically misleads. Its sheer popularity widens the belief that technology will soon become capable of running much more autonomously, but the buzzword does not refer to any particular technical approach that may get us there. Its trendiness serves to institutionalize the notion that we're nearing great new levels of automation – 'agentic AI' is so ubiquitous that it may sound 'established' and 'real' – and this implies the existence of a groundbreaking advancement where in fact there is none. Despite the fact that the vast majority of press about 'agentic AI' only promotes this hype narrative with no substance to support it, autonomy itself is often a worthy goal and researchers are conducting valuable work in the pursuit of increasing it. For example, a recent collaboration between Carnegie Mellon University and Amazon curates a large testbed of modest tasks in order to assess how well LLMs can manage them autonomously. This study focuses on information retrieval tasks, such as 'Retrieve an article discussing recent trends in renewable energy from The Guardian' and 'Retrieve a publicly available research paper on quantum computing from MIT's website.' The study evaluates clever approaches for using LLMs to navigate websites and automatically perform such tasks, but I would not say that these approaches constitute groundbreaking technology. Rather, they are ways to leverage what is already groundbreaking: LLMs. As the study reveals, the state of the art currently fails at these modest tasks 43% the time. 2) 'Agentic' Presents No New Goal Or Purpose 'Agentic AI' spotlights machine autonomy as if it were a new ambition, but it's an old, self-evident goal. There's no new, revolutionary thrust at play. While the buzzword is somewhat malleable and fuzzy, it generally refers to the desire for increased autonomy – 'agentic AI' means hypothetical machines that could perform substantial tasks on their own. This has always been a core, fundamental objective. The very purpose of any machine is to automate some or all of what would otherwise be carried out by a person or animal. Put another way, we build machines to do stuff. By reiterating our innate desire to automate, 'agentic' only states the obvious. Sure, the more machines can safely do for us, the better. But there's a fairly stubborn limit to the scope of tasks that can be fully automated with no human in the loop. For example, predictive AI instantly decides whether to allow each credit card charge, whereas the wholesale replacement of physicians with machines is a very long way off at best. 'Agentic AI' is as redundant as 'evil Sith Lord,' 'book library' or 'data science.' To be clear, autonomy is often a worthy goal and there is potential for LLMs to excel, at least where the scope of automation is somewhat modest. Economic interests exert pressure to increase autonomy – and various societal concerns exert pressure in both directions. But the scope of unleashed machine autonomy only increases quite slowly. One reason is that technology doesn't improve as quickly as advertised. Another is that cultural and societal inertia tends to spell slow adoption. The Farfetched Notion Of Machine 'Agency' There's another problem with using the words 'agent' and 'agentic' to evoke the goal of autonomous machines: Crediting machines with 'agency' is fantastical. This doubles down on AI's core mythology and original sin, the anthropomorphization of machines. The machine is no longer a tool at the disposal of humans – rather, it's elevated to have its own human-level understanding, goal-setting and volition. It's our peer. Essentially, it's alive. The spontaneous goal-setting that comes with agency – and its resulting unbottleability – have been seeping into the AI narrative for years. "AI that works doesn't stay in a lab," writes Kevin Roose in The New York Times. "It makes its way into weapons used by the military and software used by children in their classrooms." In another article, he wrote, 'I worry that the technology will... eventually grow capable of carrying out its own dangerous acts.' Likewise, Elon Musk, one of the world's most effective transmitters of AGI hype, announced safety assurances that cleverly imply a willful or dangerous AI. He says that his company's forthcoming humanoid robot will be hardwired to obey whenever anyone says, 'Stop, stop, stop.' The story of technology taking on a life of its own is an age-old drama. We need to see this high tech mythology for what it is: a more convincingly rationalized ghost story. It's the novel Mary Shelley would have written had she been familiar with algorithms. The implausible, unsupported notion that we're actively progressing toward AGI – aka artificial humans – underlies much of the hype (and often overlays it explicitly as well). 'Agentic' invokes this narrative. Despite the unprecedented capabilities – and uncanny, seemingly humanlike qualities – of generative AI, the limit on how much human work can be fully automated will continue to only very slowly budge. I believe that we will generally need to settle for partial autonomy. Don't buy 'agentic AI' and don't sell it either. It's an empty buzzword that, in most uses, overpromises. The AI industry runs largely – although certainly not entirely – on hype. To the degree that it continues to overinflate expectations, the industry will ultimately face a commensurate burst bubble: the dire disillusionment and unfulfilled debt that result from unmet promises.
Zawya
20-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Call for Entries: Africa Property Investment Awards 2025 Submit Your Applications by 30 June!
The countdown is on for the prestigious 9th Africa Property Investment (API) Awards 2025, part of the highly anticipated API Summit themed 'Growth Through Adventure' taking place on 18 and 19 September 2025 at The Westin Hotel, Cape Town. The deadline for submissions has been extended to 30 June 2025, giving developers, consultants, suppliers, professional teams, and property owners across Africa an exciting opportunity to showcase their excellence in the continent's dynamic real estate sector. Why enter the API Awards? The API Awards are the continent's definitive recognition platform celebrating outstanding achievements in African real estate. Open to a wide range of participants —from developers and consultants to suppliers and property owners— the awards highlight innovation, sustainability, and impactful growth in the industry. Judged by a distinguished panel of over 20 industry experts and thought leaders, the awards ensure impartiality and credibility, making being named a finalist or winner a coveted accolade that significantly boosts brand exposure and credibility. This year, the judges will evaluate submissions across three key categories: Development; Personnel; Service, Technology, and Innovation. These categories reflect the multifaceted nature of the real estate ecosystem. Spotlight on 2024 winners: Success stories that inspire The impact of winning an API Award is profound and far-reaching. Last year's winners have not only gained industry recognition but have leveraged their awards to accelerate growth, attract investment, and amplify their influence across Africa's property landscape. AlleyRoads: Best Affordable Housing Development 2024 AlleyRoads, a South Africa-based developer, won the Best Affordable Housing Development award for their innovative Inkanyezi Village project in Katlehong, Gauteng. Ivan Pretorius, Founder and CEO of AlleyRoads, shared how the award has been transformative: 'Winning the Best Affordable Housing Development award has highlighted that AlleyRoads plays an important and instrumental role in affordable housing development across South Africa. It has attracted select investors to invest in our group and demonstrated our dedication to improving all aspects of affordable housing.' Pretorius also emphasized the broader social impact of the Inkanyezi Village project that was recognised by the API Awards. Inkanyezi Village in Katlehong boasts 378 apartments that cater to lower-to-middle income households. The apartments are powered by solar panels and a battery system, ensuring supply of electricity even during load-shedding. 'The award raised significant awareness about affordable housing in Katlehong, particularly the innovative use of off-grid power systems. Traditionally a feature of high-end residential projects, off-grid power solutions designed for affordability have improved quality of life in the lower end of the affordable housing market,' says Pretorius. This recognition has not only enhanced AlleyRoads' reputation but also underscored the potential for sustainable, affordable housing solutions across the continent. REdimension Capital: Dealmakers of the Year 2024 REdimension Capital, led by Peter Clark and Matt Marshall, was honoured as Dealmakers of the Year for their outstanding deal-making prowess in the South African property investment market. REdimension Capital is a South Africa based investment firm that funds early-stage technology companies improving real estate through innovation and sustainability. The API accolade has had a tangible impact on REdimension Capital. Says Clark and Marshall: 'Receiving the Dealmakers of the Year award was a meaningful milestone recognizing the significant work we have undertaken. It has enhanced our visibility and credibility within the property and venture investment ecosystem, reinforcing our position as a trusted partner for real estate stakeholders and technology founders.' The pair says the award has also opened new doors for REdimension Capital, helping the company with its capital-raising efforts and expansion of strategic networks. 'Since receiving the award, we have executed additional deals, deepened our pipeline, and been able to provide credible support for our portfolio companies as they add scale. It has also helped strengthen our position as a leader in driving innovation in the built environment—something we are deeply committed to as we continue to bridge the gap between traditional real estate and the next generation of technology-enabled solutions.' Submit Your Entry Today – Deadline Extended to 30 June 2025 The API Awards 2025 are your platform to showcase excellence and innovation in African real estate. Whether you are a developer pushing boundaries in sustainable housing, a consultant delivering cutting-edge solutions, or a supplier enabling transformative projects, your achievements deserve to be celebrated on the continent's biggest stage. Don't miss this chance to join the ranks of Africa's most respected property leaders. Visit the official API Summit Awards page for detailed criteria and submission guidelines: The API Summit is Africa's premier real estate investment event, bringing together industry leaders, investors, government officials, and innovators to explore opportunities and challenges shaping the continent's property market. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of API Events. Distributed for API Events by Dmix: API Events Murray Anderson-Ogle Email: Murray@ Contact: +27 71 890 77 39 Social Media: Website: Facebook: Instagram: @ APIsummit LinkedIn: API Events
Washington Post
17-06-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
Businesses jump on cannabis drink craze as lawmakers try to crack down
States are rushing to ban or restrict sales of intoxicating cannabis drinks that have exploded in popularity in a market lacking many of the regulations imposed on marijuana. The drinks get their psychoactive properties from hemp, marijuana's less potent and less regulated cousin. They can be sold outside dispensaries — in some states, to minors — and are increasingly drawing a variety of consumers including sober-curious drinkers and craft beer enthusiasts, industry experts say.
Skift
14-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
The Spotlight Fades on Celebrity Speakers
As budgets tighten and return on investment comes under scrutiny, planners are rethinking the value of high-priced celebrity speakers. Instead, they're prioritizing industry experts who offer actionable insights, often for a fraction of the cost. Planners are increasingly passing on celebrity speakers in favor of subject matter experts who deliver deeper value at lower cost. It's a shift speaker bureaus are tracking closely. Mike Taubleb, founder of Promenade Speakers Bureau, said his company has experienced not only a shift away from high-profile speakers with steep fees, but fewer inquiries overall, and longer decision-making lead times. 'Some clients are simply unable to commit to premium fees,' said Taubleb. Demand for Celebrity Speakers Declines Once a major draw, big-name motivational speakers are no longer a priority, said Ken Holsinger, global events company Freeman's senior VP of strategy. 'Attendees want substance, not celebrity,' he said. Only 1% of event attendees want to hear from celebrity speakers, compared with 37% who want to hear from industry experts, according to a Freeman survey of attendees. 'Celebrity speakers will not boost registrations. Unless they're experts in a relevant vertical, celebrities don't drive behavior,' said Holsinger. Freeman's data reflects what event consultant Lea Worth has seen firsthand. Last year, she surveyed a conference of 1,500 people asking what type of speakers they wanted at their next event. 'Celebrity speakers ranked dead last,' she said. I'm contracting with a conference company now that has a policy of no celebrity speakers because they're too expensive with not enough ROI.' Insider Expertise Preferred As expectations shift, companies are increasingly turning to internal talent and senior leaders who can speak authentically to business realities and challenges. 'While celebrity speakers can still draw initial intrigue, audiences today, especially in B2B and healthcare spaces, are hungry for real, actionable insights from people who live the business every day,' said Monique Rochard-Marine, head of global commercial services at Cordis who manages the company's global meetings. 'Panels and fireside chats that feel like candid conversations resonate more than polished keynote monologues.' Some planners see value in a blended approach. 'The value of a celebrity speaker isn't gone, it just needs to be purposefully aligned to the message and audience. If they can connect to the industry or deliver a deeply human story that supports the business narrative, it still lands. But today, relatability and relevance often outperform star power,' said Rochard-Marine. Ira Ozer, founder of Innovation Meetings, recommends using both types of talent for maximum impact. 'One big-name speaker supplemented by those who know the inner workings of your industry is preferred,' said Ozer. Even confirmed engagements are being canceled. Jim Carroll, a futurist and keynote speaker for more than 30 years, said a recent engagement in San Diego was canceled due to funding cuts. 'They used someone internally instead,' said Carroll. 'That's become more common, but often it's a mistake, because they end up listening to the same old id To navigate the shifting landscape, Taubleb encourages planners to work closely with their bureaus. 'There's still tremendous value in bringing in a professional speaker,' he said. 'But we're now advocating for cost-effective talent.' To keep costs low he recommends looking for speakers within driving or train distance and negotiate lower fees. Another tip he offers is to book 'rising stars' without national name recognition.
Associated Press
09-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Talentuch Introduces Webinar Series Featuring Industry-Renowned Speakers
Leading IT recruitment Services Provider Now Offers Exclusive Access to Insights and Knowledge from Industry Titans In Paid Live Sessions and Webinar Archive 'In our webinars, we bring visionaries and industry experts whose insights are typically shared only at global industry conferences. We democratize access to professional development for HRs.'— Angelica Maria Marin Suarez, PR/Marketing Manager at Talentuch. CHICAGO, IL, UNITED STATES, June 9, 2025 / / -- Talentuch, an international IT recruitment services provider and an expert in professional development for HR specialists, launched a premium webinar series featuring renowned HR speakers and thought leaders in the industry. The company is introducing a fee-based model for live high-value webinars. Apart from live sessions, the company provides the recordings of both free and paid webinars in a comprehensive webinar library that provides on-demand access to all company content. The premium webinar series shows Talentuch's significant commitment to delivering exceptional educational experiences for worldwide audiences. Attendees who invest in the live sessions gain direct access to globally recognized experts and the unique opportunity to take part in real-time Q&A discussions. In each premium session, the participants receive actionable insights and transformative knowledge from the industry's most sought-after speakers. 'We're elevating the standard of online professional development by bringing world-class expertise directly to our audience, said Angelica Martin Suarez, a Marketing Manager at Talentuch. 'Our premium webinars aren't just presentations – they're interactive experiences where participants can engage with thought leaders, ask their questions, and gain insights that would typically require significant investment to access at exclusive conferences or private consultations.' The company's Webinar Library maintains recordings of all premium webinars as well as free webinar recordings, and Talentuch's collection of professional development content for HR specialists and business leaders, serving as a comprehensive knowledge hub. Webinar Library ensures that valuable insights are easily accessible to everyone, even those who couldn't join the live events, allowing professionals to learn at their own pace and revisit main concepts whenever needed. Key features of Talentuch's HR webinars platform include: - Exclusive Live Access: Premium ticket holders participate in live sessions with renowned speakers - Direct Q&A Opportunities: Real-time interaction with experts during live broadcasts - Comprehensive Library Access: On-demand viewing of all recorded sessions, including both premium and complimentary webinars - Lifetime Value: Permanent access to purchased premium content for continuous learning The premium webinar series covers diverse topics crucial to professional success, including leadership development, launching new departments, innovation strategies, entering new high-value markets, and industry-specific insights from sectors ranging from technology to creative industries. Professionals interested in advancing their careers and gaining exclusive insights from industry leaders can set up an account on the Talentuch Webinar Library and access the recorded sessions for industry professionals. Registration provides immediate access to the full archive of on-demand content and ensures members receive notifications about upcoming sessions. Register for the Webinar Library and join thousands of professionals who are already transforming their careers with Talentuch's expertise. About Talentuch Talentuch is a leading IT recruitment services provider dedicated to connecting ambitious professionals with world-class expertise and transformative learning experiences. Through innovative online sessions, premium webinars, and comprehensive educational resources, Talentuch empowers individuals and organizations in the HR sphere to achieve their full potential in the professional landscape. Yana Yarotska Talentuch +1 6306609512 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
