I’m back with another day of insights from #AIAgentCopilotSummit! Day 1 was all about career transformation in a post-AI world, but Day 2 shifted focus to something equally compelling: AI’s role in redefining work itself.

Daily Themes:

1. From Users to Creators – AI isn’t just something we use; it’s something we shape. Everyone can become a builder, creator, or entrepreneur with AI.
2. Copilots and Agents Are the New Apps – AI-driven agents are not just RPA 2.0; they redefine workflows, augment human decision-making, and break down silos.

Full Agenda Here       

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Morning Sessions & Insights

🔹 Keynote: How AI Agents Are Defining the Future

Speaker: Ray Smith (VP of AI Agents, Microsoft)

• AI transformation is outcome-driven, impacting employee productivity, process efficiency, and product innovation.
• Copilots function as the UI for AI – they are the bridge between users and intelligent agents.
• The evolution of AI-driven work:
  • Human-first
  • Human + Agents
  • Agents-first
  • Agents-only (the future?)
• Memorable quote: “Technology is no longer the limiting factor—creativity and use cases are.”

🔹 Fireside Chat: Microsoft Partner Alithya

Speaker: Jason Wickman

• “Time to remedy”—the speed at which AI can solve bottlenecks in business is critical.
• Copilot Academy is emphasizing education first—because understanding personal productivity gains leads to enterprise adoption.

🔹 From Board Members to Staff: How to Set Organizational Priorities for AI Success

Speaker: Kirstie Tiernan

• AI adoption isn’t just about tools—it’s about strategy, risk, and culture.
• Three key AI governance challenges: cost, regulatory compliance, and data security.
• AI literacy is becoming a core skill across all job roles—not just Gen Z.
• Memorable quote: “AI isn’t just a tool, it’s a mindset.”

🔹 Building AI Literacy

Speakers: Brent Wodicka, Prashant G Bhoyar

• AI vs. Machine Learning: All ML is AI, but not all AI involves ML.
• Foundational AI concepts: training data, transformer models, RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation).
• The importance of System 1 & System 2 thinking (fast vs. slow reasoning) when designing AI solutions.

🔹 How Agents & Copilots Are Redefining the Value of Dynamics 365

Speaker: Cecilia Flombaum

• AI-driven automation is turning Dynamics 365 into a business transformation powerhouse.
• 10 pre-built AI agents in D365 offer solutions for sales, supply chain, and finance.

🔹 Industry AI Panel: Accelerating Innovation & Streamlining Supply Chains

Speakers: S. David Brown, Tom Gerdes, Kenny Mullican, Tony Uphoff

• AI is accelerating operational change in manufacturing, finance, and HR.
• Use cases include automating field procedures, financial reporting, and accounting workflows.
• Memorable quote: “Start where you are. AI isn’t a future thing—it’s already here.”

🔹 How PriceSmart Executive Leadership Aligns Business and Tech Strategy Around AI

Speakers: Francisco Velasco, David Price, Wayne Sadin

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Afternoon Highlights: AI Solution Showcases

Attendees could choose from these showcases:

1. Al Financial Insights in Dynamics 365 Business Central
2. How to Automate Copilot Testing
3. From Hours to Minutes: Real-World Al Wins with Copilot
4. Get Al Ready: Creating a Copilot Roadmap
5. Prepare for Al with a Modern Data Platform
6. Revolutionizing Dynamics 365 with Copilot: Faster, Smarter, More Cost-Effective Implementations

🔹 Session 8: Revolutionizing Dynamics 365 with Copilot

Speakers: Lucas Diaz, Rachel Profitt

• The Challenge: Traditional Dynamics 365 implementations often suffer from long deployment times and reliance on extensive consultant support.
• The Goal: Reduce implementation time and shift consultants’ roles from configurators to business enablers.
• Key Features:
  • Focus on process optimization rather than repeatable configuration tasks.
  • Configuration Copilot simplifies and accelerates deployments.
  • Business Process Excellence provides an end-to-end view of Dynamics 365 processes.
• Demo: Showcased the role of Copilot in streamlining business processes, reducing redundant configuration efforts, and enhancing implementation efficiency.

Afternoon Highlights: Masterclasses

Attendees had the option to dive deep into AI applications with six different Masterclasses:

1. AI Data Readiness Masterclass
2. Building Agents & Copilots in Copilot Studio & Azure AI Foundry Masterclass (Attended—see notes below.)
3. Responsible AI & Cybersecurity Masterclass
4. Using Agents & Copilots in D365 Business Central Masterclass
5. Using Agents & Copilots in M365 Modern Work Masterclass
6. Using Agents & Copilots in Power Platform Masterclass

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Masterclass: Building Agents & Copilots in Copilot Studio & Azure AI Foundry

🔹 Copilot Case Studies: Profiles in Transformation

Speakers: Joel Oleson, Geoff Ables, Kenny Mullican

• AI-powered Teams Premium with AI notes was a standout case study.
• Articulating the ROI of AI adoption is key—data governance plays a major role.
• Memorable quote: “Don’t get stuck. Ready, aim, fire! Or fire, aim, ready! Either way—start.”

🔹 Master Class on Building AI Agents and Copilots with Copilot Studio

Speaker: Dewain Robinson

• Microsoft Copilot Studio is the Visual Studio for conversational AI development.
• What’s the difference? Agents are what we build; Copilot is what Microsoft builds.
• Key Features of Copilot Studio:
  • Topics
  • Knowledge
  • Actions (just went GA yesterday)
  • Analytics
  • Channels
  • Variables
• Implementation options & connectors expand the use cases.
• Generative orchestration makes Copilot Studio a conversational agent that adapts dynamically.
• Hands-on Demos:
  • Flow-based automation with triggers and actions.
  • Integration into Teams Apps and Manage Apps.
  • Component collections—create once, use across multiple applications.
• New analytics portal for better performance insights.
• Try it now: aka.ms/trycopilotstudio

🔹Empowering Businesses with AI Agents: Harnessing Microsoft Copilot & Azure AI Foundry

Speakers: Samiullah Khan, Brian Ashbrook

• Not all AI is equal—there’s a clear distinction between Chatbots, AI Assistants, and AI Agents.
• Where AI delivers maximum value:
  • Reducing manual data work.
  • Improving visibility across departments.
  • Speeding up decision-making with AI-powered insights.
  • Democratizing expertise—making knowledge more accessible.
• The AI Implementation Approach:

• Identify high-value opportunities (target 10-30% ROI potential).
• Assess & prioritize (focus on data-ready processes).
• Implement with clear metrics (measure efficiency & strategic impact).
• Scale & expand (accelerate AI adoption across teams).

• Use Cases:
  • Coordinated project management.
  • AI-driven talent acquisition.
  • Predictive operations management.
  • Enhanced customer engagement.
• Business Impact: For every $1 invested in AI, businesses see a $3.70 return.
• Quick Challenge: Identify one workflow in your company that suffers from manual data work, siloed knowledge, or delayed decisions.

🔹 Empower Your Enterprise: Building an AI Copilot for Operations

Speaker: Chris Savage

• Why AI in Business Operations? AI enhances efficiency by automating workflows while keeping humans in control.
• Steps to Build an AI Copilot in Copilot Studio:
  • Define the key operational needs.
  • Design workflow automation with AI agents.
  • Implement AI-powered decision support.
• Live Demo: Showcased an AI Copilot optimizing business operations.
• Best Practices & Considerations:
  • How to integrate AI without disrupting existing processes.
  • Measuring the impact of AI automation.

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🔹 Cocktail and Dinner reception

• Honestly, their definition of “dinner” is not the same as mine. But at least there was booze.
• Here is where I heard my favorite quote of the day: “Here I am, drinking Prosecco in a wine glass.”

🔹 Fireside Chat with Marshall Toplansky & Bob Evans

Topic: How AI is changing how people learn

• AI can personalize education at an unprecedented level, but context matters.
• “Micro-certifications are replacing degrees.” The way people prove expertise is shifting.
• AI should enhance critical thinking, not replace it.

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Key Takeaways from Day 2

✅ AI Agents are the new apps. Instead of asking, “What software do we need?” companies are asking, “What AI agent can solve this?” ✅ AI’s value isn’t in automation—it’s in augmentation. The best AI strategies enhance human decision-making, not replace it. ✅ Data matters more than ever. If your AI’s results aren’t great, check your data—garbage in, garbage out! ✅ AI education is non-negotiable. AI literacy isn’t just for IT anymore; it’s becoming a must-have skill across industries. ✅ “Time to value” is key. Successful AI adoption isn’t about launching new tools—it’s about how fast teams see tangible benefits.

Disclosure

AI assisted with this post!