Responsible AI for Organizations
Governance, readiness, analytics strategy, implementation risk, and accountable adoption for organizations moving from AI experimentation to operational use.
Speaking Engagements & Keynotes
Sidney's speaking work draws from his academic research on responsible AI adoption, business analytics, social innovation, and organizational transformation. His talks help leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and community organizations understand how emerging technologies can be adopted responsibly and strategically.
Articles & guides: Evergreen thought-leadership pieces on organizational AI readiness, higher-education governance, and generative AI for small business — read the articles.
Latest webinar
CAFA Leading Learning Webinar #2: The Amazing and Alarming Spectre of Gen AI in Alberta Higher Ed | May 26, 2026
Confederation of Alberta Faculty Associations (CAFA) — Panel discussion on generative AI in post-secondary education with Professors Brenda Austin-Smith and Eric Legge. The conversation focused on helping students understand emerging tools while also developing critical thinking, academic integrity, ethical reasoning, and the judgment needed when human expertise matters most.
Featured talk
AI and Us: Building a Human Future in a Machine World | Oct. 30, 2025
PUBlic Professor Series, University of Lethbridge — Public lecture on the practical realities of generative AI, responsible adoption, and human-centered futures.
Speaking Topics
Speaking topics are organized around the same research program that informs my publications, teaching cases, applied partnerships, and public scholarship. Each session can be tailored for executive audiences, educators, entrepreneurs, public-sector leaders, nonprofit teams, or community partners.
AI, Work, and the Future of Skills
How AI changes work, decision-making, professional judgment, digital literacy, and the skills leaders and teams need to evaluate emerging tools responsibly.
Digital Transformation for SMEs and Nonprofits
Practical approaches to data systems, dashboards, process change, technology adoption, and AI readiness for smaller organizations and community partners.
AI, Education, and Critical Thinking
Research-informed sessions on AI in teaching and learning, academic integrity, critical thinking, public literacy, and responsible use in educational settings.
Social Innovation and Community Impact
Talks and workshops on community analytics, nonprofit data systems, public-sector innovation, immigrant integration, social enterprise, and using emerging technologies to support social impact.
Recent Speaking Engagements
2026 engagements
Keynote Keynote Speaker — Rotary Ag Scholarship Awards Dinner
Keynote at the annual Rotary Ag Scholarship Awards Dinner, supporting Southern Alberta's next generation of agricultural leaders.
Keynote Practical AI in Agriculture: Opportunities, Risks, and Better Decisions — RDAR Round-Up 2026
This keynote will examine how AI and automation are beginning to show up across agriculture in practical ways, from crop and livestock monitoring to recordkeeping, traceability, and operational decision support. The session will focus on advances in AI, what these tools are good at today, where they require caution, and how producers can evaluate them to improve decision-making without adding unnecessary complexity.
Training AI and the Potato Industry
Training session on AI for growers, industry, and support organizations in the potato sector.
Past
Video The Amazing and Alarming Spectre of Gen AI in Alberta Higher Ed
Panel on generative AI in post-secondary education with Professors Brenda Austin-Smith and Eric Legge. Watch above. Reflection on LinkedIn.
Keynote AI, Virtual Care, and Accreditation: Strengthening Indigenous Health Systems Through Responsible Innovation
Presentation to regional accreditation leaders and coordinators from First Nation community health centres and NNADAP treatment centres across Saskatchewan.
Training Microsoft 365 Lecture and Training
Corporate training on Microsoft 365 applications and productivity tools.
Workshop Data and AI Literacy Session Using Microsoft 365 Copilot
Workshop on AI literacy and practical use of Microsoft 365 Copilot for municipal staff.
Keynote Consulting in the Age of Disruption: How AI is Reshaping the Consulting Profession
Keynote and panel participation on AI's impact on consulting and professional services.
Keynote AI's Role in Digital Research: Infrastructure Challenges and Strategic Considerations
Examining the current and emerging role of AI in Canadian research, with focus on infrastructure challenges and strategic considerations.
Video AI and Us: Building a Human Future in a Machine World
Public lecture on the practical realities of generative AI, responsible adoption, and human-centered futures. Watch above.
Keynote Artificial Intelligence for Business and Manufacturing
Board presentation on AI applications in manufacturing and business operations.
Workshop Data and AI Literacy Learning City Session
In-person workshop on data and AI literacy for municipal learning initiatives.
Keynote AI, Tech, and Innovation in Supply Chain & Business Operations
Keynote on AI applications in supply chain and business operations.
Podcast Stop Believing the AI Hype: What AI Really Can (and Can't) Do
Discussion on limits, strengths, and responsible use of AI across education and applied settings.
Keynote AI Not Ready to Take Over the World: Realistic Uses and Misconceptions
Talk focused on practical AI applications, misconceptions, and the role of human oversight.
Speaker Testimonials
"Dr. Shapiro's keynote on AI implementation was both insightful and practical. His ability to bridge theoretical concepts with real-world applications made the session incredibly valuable for our organization."
"Sidney delivered an exceptional presentation on digital transformation that resonated deeply with our leadership team. His expertise in data analytics and strategic thinking provided actionable insights that we've already begun implementing. Highly recommended for any organization looking to navigate the AI landscape."
"We were fortunate to have Dr. Shapiro speak at our conference. His engaging style and deep knowledge of AI in education transformed what could have been a technical lecture into an inspiring and accessible session. Attendees are still talking about it months later."
Ready to book? Contact Ken for speaking inquiries
Book Sidney for Your Next Event
Available for keynotes, workshops, and corporate training on:
- Responsible AI for organizations
- AI, work, and the future of skills
- Digital transformation for SMEs and nonprofits
- AI, education, and critical thinking
- Social innovation and community impact
- Municipal and public-sector AI, including Microsoft 365 Copilot
- Applied business analytics and data-informed decision-making
- Agriculture, manufacturing, and regional innovation contexts
Speaking Inquiries
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