On May 15, 2025, the FutureIT Los Angeles 2025 conference convened at The Biltmore Los Angeles, bringing together IT leaders, technologists, and innovators to discuss pressing challenges and opportunities in the tech industry. The event, organized by Foundry and CIO, focused on advancements in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity threats, digital transformation strategies, and workforce development.
Keynote Sessions and Strategic Insights
The conference featured a series of keynote sessions and panel discussions aimed at providing actionable insights and fostering collaboration among industry professionals. MJ Petroni, Cyborg Anthropologist and Chief Exponential Officer at Causeit, Inc., delivered a keynote on “Leading Exponential Initiatives,” exploring how organizations can bridge gaps in vision, expectations, accountability, and resources to foster exponential innovation.
Another notable session, “Enhancing Customer Experience with AI and Automation,” featured Jamie Exon, Senior Director at SDG&E Technology, and Justin Skelton, SVP & CIO at DINE Brands. The discussion delved into practical applications of AI, including personalized interactions, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation, to streamline customer journeys and improve satisfaction.
Aligning IT Investments with Business Strategy
Mara Puisite, VP of Product Management at Planview, led a session on aligning IT investments with business strategy. She emphasized the importance of connecting IT strategy to business outcomes through smart prioritization, scenario planning, and agile execution. The session provided insights into shifting from reactive spending to intentional investing, ensuring IT organizations become true drivers of growth and resilience.
Modernization and AI: Productivity and On-Device AI
Sudhir Rajagopal, Research Director at IDC, conducted a Q&A session focusing on the differences between on-device and cloud-based AI, particularly emphasizing productivity. The discussion highlighted the importance of creating optimal AI experiences for PC users and the collaborative efforts between business partners like Lenovo and Microsoft in ushering in intelligent, empathetic experiences.
FutureCast Roadmap Initiative
A unique feature of the conference was the introduction of the FutureCast Roadmap, an initiative aimed at capturing the top technologies, strategies, and ideas attendees plan to implement in the next 12 months. Midway through the day, attendees were asked, “What is one thing you plan to implement in the next 12 months based on what you learned today at FutureIT?” Responses contributed to the FIT LA Report, a custom post-event snapshot sent exclusively to attendees, and the National FutureCast Report, combining insights from Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York.
Networking and Collaboration
The event provided ample opportunities for networking and collaboration among attendees. Guided networking sessions allowed participants to build professional connections in a stress-free environment. The day concluded with a cocktail and networking reception, offering refreshments and a chance to win a Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition Intel by visiting the Lenovo + Microsoft booth.
Los Angeles as a Hub for Technological Innovation
The FutureIT Los Angeles 2025 conference underscored Los Angeles’s growing role as a hub for technological innovation and leadership. With participation from organizations such as the Walt Disney Company, JPMorgan Chase, the City of Los Angeles, the U.S. Department of Defense, Northrop Grumman, UCLA, and the LA Times, the event highlighted the city’s significance in shaping the future of enterprise technology.