Gene Marks

For more than 20 years, Gene Marks has covered business technology for Forbes, reporting 6–8 times per month on the latest advances in artificial intelligence, automation, and enterprise software. In this fast-paced, practical session, he separates AI hype from business reality and explains what is actually impacting industries like construction, manufacturing, distribution, retail, and financial services.

Drawing from his interviews with Microsoft, Google, emerging AI firms, and real-world companies implementing these tools, Gene will outline where AI is delivering measurable ROI — and where businesses are wasting time and money.

This keynote focuses on:
*    AI risks and realities
*    AI agents and automation in operations
*    AI in sales, CRM, estimating, forecasting and finance
*    AI in in real life in your industry
*    Workforce implications and leadership strategy
*    AI governance, risk, and data management
*    Where to invest in 2026–2027 for competitive advantage
*    What to expect in the next 12–24 months

Attendees leave with a clear, practical technology roadmap — not theory — and a better understanding of how smart leaders are using AI to protect margins and drive growth.
 

The Hill and Guardian columnist Gene Marks explains how leaders are navigating economic changes, tariff uncertainty, workplace challenges and technology investments.

As a regular columnist for The Hill and The Guardian and frequent guest on Fox News and other national outlets, Gene Marks spends his time analyzing the political and economic decisions coming out of Washington — and translating what they actually mean for business owners and industry leaders.

In this high-energy, insightful presentation, Gene connects the dots between public policy and business strategy. He explains how regulation, trade policy, workforce shortages, midterm elections, tariffs, and inflation will directly impact hiring, costs, supply chains, and profitability over the next 12–36 months.

This keynote will address how leaders are:
*    Utilizing economic data that makes sense
*    Adapting to the regulatory environment under the current administration
*    Navigating trade shifts and tariff exposure
*    Tackling labor market dynamics and workforce shortages
*    Managing through inflation and higher costs
*    Preparing for the midterms
*    Investing in technology

This is not a partisan talk — it’s a practical business briefing designed to help leaders anticipate change, reduce risk, and position their organizations for growth regardless of political outcomes.