Robert Polding's Home

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the AI & Big Data Expo in Amsterdam, and I’m still buzzing with excitement from everything I learned and experienced. As someone who works in computing and data science education, events like these remind me why I love this field so much.

What is the AI & Big Data Expo?

For those who haven’t heard of it, the AI & Big Data Expo is one of Europe’s largest gatherings of AI and data professionals. Imagine 8,000+ people from around the world, all passionate about artificial intelligence, machine learning, and how data is transforming our lives. The event is part of TechEx, and your ticket gives access to eight different technology conferences happening at the same time – everything from cybersecurity to IoT to digital transformation.

Why I Was Impressed

What struck me most was how practical everything was. This wasn’t just theoretical discussions or abstract concepts. Companies like Dell, NVIDIA, IBM, and dozens of innovative startups were sharing real stories about what worked, what didn’t, and what they learned along the way.

As educators, we often talk about the gap between academia and industry. This expo showed me that gap is getting smaller. The conversations I overheard weren’t just about the latest algorithms – they were about ethics, governance, implementation challenges, and how to build AI systems that people can actually trust.

My Favorite Moments

The Start-Up Area was incredibly inspiring. Seeing young entrepreneurs pitch their AI solutions reminded me of our own students at IE University. Their energy and creativity were contagious. Some of the ideas were truly groundbreaking – from AI tools that help doctors diagnose diseases earlier to systems that make supply chains more sustainable.

The panel on Ethical AI hit home for me. We teach our students about responsible AI development, but hearing industry leaders openly discuss their mistakes and struggles with bias in algorithms was refreshingly honest. One speaker said something I’ll remember: “Building AI isn’t just about making it work – it’s about making it work for everyone.”

The networking was exceptional. I met professors from other universities, data scientists from Fortune 500 companies, and even a few IE University alumni who are now leading AI teams. These connections are invaluable for our students who will soon enter this job market.

What I’m Bringing Back to Madrid

I’m returning to IE University with several ideas:

First, we need to expose our students to more real-world case studies. The expo featured dozens of companies sharing how they moved from AI proof-of-concept to full deployment. These are the stories our students need to hear.

Second, the importance of interdisciplinary thinking became crystal clear. The most interesting sessions weren’t just about technology – they brought together perspectives from business, law, ethics, and design. This is how we should be teaching.

Finally, I’m more convinced than ever that Europe has a unique role to play in shaping the future of AI. The conversations about privacy, ethics, and regulation here feel different from what I hear about Silicon Valley. We’re not just asking “Can we build this?” but also “Should we build this, and how should we build it?”

Should You Attend?

If you work in AI, data science, or digital transformation, I’d highly recommend it. The expo runs in three locations throughout the year: Amsterdam, London, and Santa Clara (California). There are free expo passes available, which is great for students or those just starting to explore AI.

Whether you’re a beginner curious about AI or an experienced practitioner looking to stay current, there’s something for everyone. Just be prepared for information overload – in the best possible way!

Looking Forward

Events like the AI & Big Data Expo remind me that we’re living through an extraordinary moment in history. AI is no longer science fiction – it’s reshaping every industry, every profession, every aspect of how we live and work.

As educators our job is to prepare students not just for the world as it is, but for the world as it will be. Events like this help us stay connected to that rapidly evolving future.