Realistic AI: What Small to Mid-Size Business Leaders Can’t Afford to Overlook

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic luxury. It’s a practical, everyday tool reshaping how businesses operate, connect, and compete. In this session, we’ll break down what AI really means for small to mid-size business leaders with a core focus on retail and/or wholesale, as well as how to integrate it realistically — not reactively. From automating repetitive tasks and enhancing customer service to driving smarter marketing and inventory strategies, attendees will walk away with a grounded understanding of where AI delivers real value (and where it’s just hype). Expect honest insight, actionable ideas, and a clear roadmap for how to move forward confidently in an AI-driven world.

Attendees will learn how to:

• Identify practical, low-cost ways AI can enhance operations, marketing, and customer engagement.

• Avoid common AI traps and misconceptions that waste time and resources.

• Use AI tools to better understand customer behavior and personalize experiences that build loyalty.

• Develop a realistic action plan to introduce AI into their business — one step at a time.

By the end of this session, attendees will leave feeling empowered to embrace AI with confidence… armed with clarity, strategy, and a realistic plan to turn innovation into impact.