Chandra R. Srikanth, the Deputy Executive Editor at Moneycontrol, has emerged as a key figure in the success of the first-ever CNBC TV18 and Moneycontrol Global AI Conclave held in Bengaluru last Saturday. This groundbreaking event showcased Srikanth’s leadership and the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team that made it the most ambitious and challenging initiative to date.
The Chandra R. Srikanth-led team at Moneycontrol has a track record of organizing impactful events, including the Moneycontrol Fintech Conclave, Moneycontrol Startup Conclave, Policy Next Karnataka, and Moneycontrol Creator Economy Summit. However, the Global AI Conclave stood out not only in terms of scale and scope but also as the first ticketed event hosted by Moneycontrol. This added an extra layer of responsibility, making the team extra paranoid about ensuring the event’s worthiness for the attendees.
The recently concluded Global AI Conclave boasted an impressive lineup of nearly 40 speakers, with 2 participating virtually and the rest in person, representing not just India but also the US and Singapore. The event comprised 19 sessions, running from 9:50 am to 8:00 pm, showcasing the comprehensive nature of the discussions and the commitment of both speakers and attendees.
The speaker lineup included luminaries from various domains, ranging from AI and academia to policy, innovation, and funding. Notable figures such as Dr. Andrew Ng, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge, Cerebras founder Andrew Feldman, Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu, Sharad Sharma, Peak XV’s Shailendra Singh, Bhashini CEO Amitabh Nag, Accel’s Prashanth Prakash, Microsoft’s Mary Snapp, Google’s Pandu Nayak, SAP Labs Sindhu Gangadharan, and Chip war author Chris Miller graced the event with their presence.
The spotlight also shone on exciting AI startups like Sarvam.AI, Karya.ai, and Sigtuple, alongside top executives from firms such as Palo Alto Networks, Manipal, Narayana Health, Zepto, EY, and research heads of IBM, Google, Microsoft, Yotta, Nvidia, Soroco, and People + AI. Additionally, representatives from IIT Madras Research Park, ARTPARK @ IISC, and top officials from states like Uttar Pradesh, contributing to AI learning in government schools, added a diverse and impactful dimension to the conclave.
Acknowledging the monumental effort required to organize such an event, Chandra R. Srikanth emphasized the collective strength of the team, stating, “It takes a village.” From bosses to editorial, sales to marketing, IPs to production, social media to the desk, every aspect of the team played a crucial role in the conclave’s success.
Despite the inevitable challenges faced by organizers of large-scale events, Srikanth’s leadership, combined with the dedication of the tech and startup team, ensured the Global AI Conclave’s seamless execution. Srikanth candidly shared, “Like all big events, there were a couple of very dramatic and emotional days when I felt like the entire event would collapse. I think I almost made myself sick with the stress.” This vulnerability and honesty underscore the passion and commitment invested in delivering a top-notch event.
As 2023 came to a close, the Global AI Conclave marked a perfect end for Chandra R. Srikanth and his team. Expressing gratitude to all speakers and their teams, Srikanth concluded, “Couldn’t have asked for a more perfect end to 2023. A big big thank you to all speakers and their teams. Thank you team Network 18.” The event not only showcased the vibrant AI landscape but also celebrated the collaborative spirit that defines the tech and startup community. Bengaluru, with its amazing turnout and well-informed questions, reinforced its position as a hub for innovation and knowledge in the field of artificial intelligence.
