Three-City AI Symposium Tackles the Real-World Challenge of Responsible Enterprise AI Implementation

The Challenge is Real—and Immediate 

While organizations race to implement AI solutions, the stakes have never been higher. Regulatory violations, security breaches, reputational damage, and operational failures represent just the tip of the iceberg for companies that get AI implementation wrong. Yet most organizations are moving forward with incomplete knowledge, building strategies on assumptions rather than expertise. 

“We're seeing a critical gap between the urgency to implement AI and the understanding of how to do it safely,” explains Lea Bendaly, program director of Executive Education at Northeastern. “This symposium represents our commitment to bridging that gap with practical, actionable solutions grounded in both rigorous research in technology and real-world application.” 

A Strategic Response Spanning Three Innovation Hubs 

Recognizing that AI leadership transcends geographic boundaries, Northeastern University is bringing this essential conversation to three of the nation's most important technology centers:

• in Boston on October 28: “Reducing and Mitigating the Challenges and Risks of Enterprise AI Implementation: Emerging Technical and Business Solutions from Industry and Academia,”
• in Seattle on October 29: “Navigating AI Implementation with Confidence: A Strategic Workshop for Business and Technical Leaders,”
• and in Silicon Valley (date TBD).

This multi-city approach ensures that industry leaders across the country can access critical insights without compromising their demanding schedules. 

This symposium represents a unique collaboration between Northeastern University, cross-sector industry leaders, and the globally recognized nonprofit consortium of industry leaders, governments, and practitioners, Cloud Security Alliance (CSA). With major technology corporations and Fortune 500 companies among its corporate membership base (e,g. Google, Oracle, and Microsoft), CSA brings unparalleled enterprise-level expertise and real-world implementation experience to this critical dialogue. 

Beyond Theory: Practical Solutions for Real Challenges 

This isn't another theoretical discussion about AI's potential. This is an intensive, solutions-focused experience that directly addresses the specific challenges keeping executives awake at night. Participants will engage with recognized AI safety experts from CSA, leading industry practitioners, and Northeastern researchers in productive discussions that drive actionable outcomes. 

The symposium addresses critical decision points that organizations face daily: 

• Whether to use publicly available large language models, develop internal systems, or pursue hybrid approaches 

• How to implement concrete risk assessment frameworks like the CSA AI Controls Matrix (AICM) 

• Strategies for creating common vocabulary and models for ongoing C-suite and boardroom discussions 

• Pathways to building organizational expertise through programs like the CSA Trusted AI Safety Expert (TAISE) certificate, created in collaboration with Northeastern University 

“We're not just presenting best practices—we're creating an environment where industry leaders can exchange their specific challenges with recognized experts,” notes Horace Ling, Associate Director of Executive Education at Northeastern University. “This reflects Northeastern's commitment to use-inspired research that creates immediate value for our participants and their organizations.” 

A Model for Industry-Academic Collaboration 

This initiative exemplifies Northeastern's approach to addressing complex global challenges through strategic partnerships. By combining the university's research capabilities with CSA's industry expertise and the diverse perspectives of cross-sector leaders, the symposium creates a unique learning environment that neither academia nor industry could achieve alone. 

Limited seats are available for this intensive symposium series. Organizations interested in participating should act quickly to secure their place in this essential conversation about the future of responsible AI implementation. 

Taking Action in an AI-Driven Future and Building Long-Term AI Leadership Capacity 

About Northeastern University Executive Education: Northeastern's Executive Education programs leverage the university's experiential learning model and industry partnerships to deliver practical, immediately applicable solutions for today's business challenges. Through innovative programming that combines academic rigor with real-world application, Executive Education serves professionals and organizations around the world committed to staying ahead of rapidly evolving business landscapes. 

• Learn more about Executive Education with D'Amore-McKim School of Business