Thu. Feb 13th, 2025
Blue and Orange Poster saying "Welcome to the Executive AI Conference" Sponsored by Polyrific
@2024 Jarod Struminger

Syracuse N.Y. (NCC News) – Over 100 business leaders and employees gathered Thursday morning at the Syracuse Oncenter for the Executive AI Conference, hosted by Polyrific, a software and artificial intelligence company. The event explored how AI can help businesses increase profits and streamline operations.

Artificial intelligence, or AI, refers to technology that mimics human thinking to perform tasks like analyzing data and automating processes. Polyrific CEO Matt Cashatt compared AI to a calculator, emphasizing its role as a tool to assist workers.

“So what you need there is a large language model to act as your calculator for language—that’s the way I look at it,” Cashatt said. “It’s not long division happening with a pencil and paper; we use calculators for that, right? Because it’s faster and we all know how to divide. It’s just not important anymore; use the electronics for it.”

The Syracuse conference was part of Polyrific’s national tour, which has included stops in Los Angeles, Colorado, and Texas. Cashatt, a Central New York native, brought the event to Syracuse in part because of Micron’s historic $100 billion investment in the region.

That investment, signed in 2022 with support from President Joe Biden, is expected to create nearly 50,000 jobs, spurring economic growth and consumer spending. Polyrific hopes the influx of business will create demand for its AI tools.

Isaac Abouaf, an employee at Raymond who attended the event, said he sees potential for AI to transform work and life.

“When, let’s say, at a certain point, AI gets capable to replace pretty much every job, you don’t have to work anymore,” Abouaf said. “You can just pursue your passion and spend time with loved ones. That would be pretty cool.”

Despite lingering concerns about AI misuse, adoption is steadily growing. A recent study by IBM found that nearly 35% of businesses have incorporated AI into their operations.

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Struminger: Early this morning, over a hundred business executives and employees gathered at the Syracuse Oncenter for the Executive AI Conference. The event, hosted by Polyrific, an Artificial intelligence and software company, explored how AI can help businesses grow their profits exponentially.

Cashatt: “So what you need there is a large language model to act as your calculator for language—that’s the way I look at it. It’s not long division happening with a pencil and paper; we use calculators for that, right? Because it’s faster and we all know how to divide. It’s just not important anymore; use the electronics for it.”

Struminger: AI, or artificial intelligence, is a technology designed to think and problem-solve like humans. It can analyze data, automate processes, and make businesses more efficient. Polyrific has been traveling the country, and hosting events to teach companies how to use AI effectively.

Struminger: “With events so far this year in Los Angeles, Colorado, and Texas, Central New York was just the next stop in Polyrific’s AI circuit. Matt Cashatt, the CEO and Central New York Native wanted to bring the convention to Syracuse, thanks in part to the 100 Billion dollar deal Micron signed with President Biden in 2022.

Struminger: Businesses are optimistic that Micron’s historic investment, expected to create nearly 50,000 jobs, will boost local consumer spending. Polyrific is hopeful these growing businesses will turn to their AI software for support. Employees are excited about this possibility

Isaac Abouaf, an employee at Raymond, attended several panels focused on using AI to sort, clean, and optimize data. He says AI could one day reshape work as we know it.

Abouaf: “When, let’s say, at a certain point, AI gets capable to replace pretty much every job, you don’t have to work anymore. You can just pursue your passion and spend time with loved ones. That would be pretty cool.”

Struminger: While some people are still unsure about AI, more companies are using it every day. In fact, a recent IBM study says about 35% of businesses have already adopted AI into their operations.

Jarod Struminger, NCC News.