Dublin set to host Digital Global Summit in 2017

Dublin is to host a new

summit that will bring executives from all over the world to Dublin Castle to discuss how best to become digital enterprises.

The conference, Digital Global Summit, will also showcase Ireland as a technology hub in Europe. Around 300 executives will come to Dublin to discuss and learn about strategies for modern businesses in a digital age during the two-day event.

Set for May 10th and 11th next year, the event is expected to target industries from retail, consumer products and capital markets to manufacturing, professional services and health. Speakers will range from those with a high-tech background to industry experts.

The event is being organised by Omniscient Technology Group, a Seattle-based firm that specialises in helping firms to find the best digital strategy for their company and implement it.

It was founded by former Dell chief information officer, Irishman Paul Walsh, who said the digital transformation is affecting every industry, and businesses need to be aware of the necessity to make changes within their organisation.

Digital predators

“All these companies are trying to figure out what’s their strategy, how are they going to attack this digital transformation. Are they going to be a Netflix or a Blockbusters – or in Ireland, an Xtravision?” he said. “We’re going to be one of two things: we’re either going to be a digital predator or digital prey.”

The event will bring discussions on digital strategy to the fore, and give attendees the chance to network and learn at the event.

Focusing on the technology aspect of things isn’t the best way to solve the problem either, Mr Walsh said.

“It shouldn’t be a technology driven discussion; it’s more of a business model discussion – what business model are they going to deliver against in the next five years,” he said.

“It’s not just a CIO [Chief Information Officer] problem, it’s across the board. It’s a discussion about how we define our strategy across business models, understanding what technology should put in place, and then understanding which is the right structure to make all this happen.”

Mr Walsh decided Dublin was the best place to hold the event for a number of reasons. The former Dell executive, who was born in the city, firmly believes it has much to offer as a technology hub.

“Even when I was CIO in Dell, I brought back 400-450 or so jobs to Dublin because the amount of talent, it’s second to none,” he said. “I feel this is great both for the city and the country, but it also shows the rest of the world what it means to be in a digital hub. In my mind, that is Dublin.”