DECATUR, Ill. – hosted the third installment of the event series on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in the University Commons Banquet Rooms. The session, titled “AI Strategies that Work: Real-World Applications for Small to Medium-Size Businesses,” invited MDEA members and their guests to explore how artificial intelligence can drive business innovation and growth.
The event was designed to give small- and medium-sized business leaders hands-on insights into leveraging AI and data-driven strategies to achieve practical results. Through a keynote presentation and interactive discussion, attendees learned how organizations can implement AI and analytics solutions, optimize operations and make data-informed decisions without large in-house technical teams.
This year’s keynote speaker, , leads the Data & AI Specialist team at Amazon Web Services, where she has spent nearly 11 years helping organizations transform their businesses through cloud technology.
In her current role, Sayali works extensively with education institutions and government agencies, helping them navigate their AI and data modernization journeys. Her approach combines strategic thinking with technical expertise, making complex concepts accessible to both technical and business audiences.
The session encouraged MDEA members to bring non-member guests, fostering networking opportunities and cross-industry dialogue. Attendees gained practical guidance on navigating AI adoption, modernizing data infrastructure and aligning technology with business strategy.
Whether participants are exploring AI for operational efficiency, customer engagement or strategic decision-making, the event offered actionable tools, professional insights and inspiration for leveraging data and AI to drive tangible results.
