Tech Industry Luncheon: How DFW Airport & Michaels Run AI At Scale When Everyone Shows Up

Description

As the holiday season approaches, the pressure on operational scale and customer experience reaches its peak. Join Tech Titans for a timely fireside chat featuring two of DFW’s top technology leaders:

• Paul Puopolo – EVP & Chief Innovation Officer, DFW International Airport
• Wei Dong – VP & Chief Information Security Officer, Michaels Stores
• Andrew Hopkins  – The Privacy Chain, moderator

Discover how these enterprise leaders scale artificial intelligence during peak season, move from pilot projects to full production, and drive digital transformation at scale.

Key Takeaways & Discussion Highlights:

• From AI Pilot to Production: DFW treats AI as critical operational infrastructure, while Michaels launched Ask Mike in just weeks. Learn actionable strategies to escape "pilot purgatory."
• Moving Fast Without Breaking Trust: Balance rapid innovation with robust security in today’s AI-driven threat environment.
• CX at Scale: From DFW’s biometric boarding and AI wayfinding to Michaels’ omnichannel conversational shopping — learn how non-tech giants operate like agile tech companies.
• Cultivating an Innovation Culture: Gain practical frameworks for driving culture change, from empowering "everyday innovators" to turning developers into security champions.
• The Decision Framework (Build, Buy, or Partner): How DFW (Airports AI Alliance) and Michaels (Google Cloud & in-house builds) evaluate technology strategies to drive ROI.

Support the UT Dallas Jonsson School Career Closet
Tech Titans is partnering with the UT Dallas Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science to collect professional clothing donations at our November 19 luncheon. The Jonsson School Career Closet provides students with access to professional attire for interviews, career fairs, networking events, and research presentations. By removing the financial barriers associated with purchasing professional clothing, the Career Closet helps students feel confident and prepared as they take their next steps toward their careers.
 
Attendees are encouraged to bring new or gently used professional clothing, including suits, blazers, dress shirts, blouses, dress pants, skirts, dresses, and professional shoes. All sizes are welcome! Your donations will make a meaningful difference in helping our future engineers and technology professionals dress for success.
 
Thank you for supporting the next generation of talent!

Tech Industry Luncheon Series Sponsor: