3:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Arrival and Registration
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Session Presentation: The Future of Consulting: Operational Excellence Meets AI-Driven Growth
The consulting industry is making the same integration mistakes with AI that we solve for clients every day. Instead of building disconnected AI point solutions, firms need an operating system that transforms individual AI tools into collective intelligence, preserving what makes each firm uniquely valuable while achieving true operational precision.
- Why piecemeal AI adoption creates the same "islands" problem consultants solve for clients
- How collective intelligence differs from artificial intelligence and why it matters
- The framework for building compound intelligence that grows with every engagement
- Practical steps to avoid AI commoditization while achieving operational excellence
Robert Ong, Founder & CEO – Moonnox
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM | Session Presentation: Innovative Profit Models for a Digital Consulting Era
The consulting industry needs to be at the forefront of transformation as we see the digital age take hold with the advancement of AI. As we are advising our clients, we need to be adaptive and use the digital tools available to evolve the overall business model to remain competitive.
- How the industry uses AI as a force multiplier and competitive advantage for the modern consulting firm
- How leaders drive process transformation to make AI a profit and efficiency enhancer
- How leaders build a platform approach to drive sustainable value
- How leaders embrace digitally driven leadership and management capabilities
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM | Panel Discussion: Closing the Loop: Industry Leaders’ Perspectives on Consulting’s AI Future
Join us as we “close the loop” on today’s presentations in a vibrant discussion with industry leaders to gain their perspectives on our industry’s AI future. Moderator Michael Webb sits down with Jay Laabs, Bill Gallagher, Michael Valocchi, and Robert Ong to discuss AI’s next frontier in professional services.
You’ll discover how these award-winning CEOs and advisors are turning disconnected AI pilots into a unified intelligence layer that drives operational excellence, protects margins and reimagines the consulting pyramid—all while preserving the human insight demanded by clients. From debunking AI myths and tackling ethical hurdles to pioneering innovative pricing strategies, this powerhouse discussion will equip your firm with the frameworks to thrive in 2025’s AI-driven landscape.
Moderator: Michael Webb, Director - Consulting Magazine
Bill Gallagher, CEO, SEI – 2025 Best Firms to Work For Honoree
Jay Laabs, Founder & CEO, Spaulding Ridge – 2025 Best Firms to Work For Honoree
Robert Ong, Founder & CEO, Moonox
Michael Valocchi, Client Solutions Advisor, Toptal
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM | Program Ends / Pre Networking Break
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Awards Cocktail Reception (For registered dinner attendees)
For information on attending the Awards Dinner, please contact Eric Gordon at 917.685.2996 or email EGordon@alm.com.
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM | Awards Ceremony Dinner (For registered dinner attendees)
For information on attending the Awards Dinner, please contact Eric Gordon at 917.685.2996 or email EGordon@alm.com.