This intensive one-day workshop brought to you by VISION Consulting at Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge, offers a comprehensive exploration of generative AI and large language models (LLMS), focusing on their transformative potential across various sectors, including finance, communications, and regulated utilities.

Led by Dr. M. J. Weeks, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Cambridge, and supported by industry experts from Amazon, this workshop provides a unique opportunity to understand the cutting-edge developments in AI technology and their practical applications in business and regulatory environments.

The workshop delves into the core technologies that underpin large language models (LLMs), which form the foundation of many applications. Participants will gain insight into how these models mimic human learning processes, particularly in their ability to understand and dynamically interpret the meaning of words and phrases based on their surrounding context. We explore how this allows LLMs to handle complex language tasks, from understanding nuanced queries to generating coherent, contextually appropriate responses.

These capabilities make LLMs incredibly versatile, forming the basis for a wide range of business applications including expert assistants, conversational agents, content generation tools, and sophisticated data analysis systems. The workshop will reference frameworks like LlamaIndex, which provide powerful tools for building AI applications on top of LLMs, allowing businesses to leverage these models for specific use cases based on enterprise data.

Understanding the underlying technology is crucial for companies looking to harness the power of generative AI in their product offerings. The workshop emphasizes why CEOs and decision- makers need a foundational grasp of these concepts, allowing leaders to better evaluate the potential and limitations of AI technologies and make informed decisions about implementation.

In addition, a basic understanding of LLM technology allows executives to engage in meaningful dialogue with data scientists and ML engineers. In enabling decision makers to pose pertinent questions about the choice of LLM, data requirements, and potential biases or limitations, we bridge the gap between technical capabilities and business objectives. This knowledge also helps set realistic expectations for AI projects and identifies unique opportunities where their company’s data and domain expertise can be combined with LLM capabilities to create innovative solutions.

The workshop is structured into several sessions ensuring a thorough understanding of the subject matter. Given the depth and breadth of the content, time constraints may limit our ability to cover all aspects in exhaustive detail during the main workshop.

To enhance the learning experience and ensure thorough coverage of the subject matter, we will provide a series of follow-up webinars. Dependent on feedback from participants, these additional sessions will complement the main workshop by offering:

  • Extended discussions on complex concepts
  • Opportunities to address questions that may arise after reflection on the workshop content

Session Agenda

 

Session 1 sets the stage by examining current challenges across sectors and introducing the concept of the Information Pyramid in low-information environments. This foundational knowledge is crucial for appreciating the transformative potential of generative AI.

Session 2 delves into the technical aspects of generative AI and LLMs, providing attendees with a clear understanding of key concepts such as natural language processing, transformer architecture, and the evolution from search engines to reason engines. This technical grounding is essential for grasping the full capabilities and limitations of these powerful tools.

Session 3 explores the economic implications of generative AI, focusing on its impact on growth, productivity, and customer value propositions. This session is particularly valuable for decision-makers looking to leverage AI for strategic advantage and improved operational efficiency.

Session 4 offers hands-on experience working with LLMs, including practical demonstrations using tools like ChatGPT and Claude. Participants will gain insights into sentiment analysis, classification, and other natural language processing techniques, equipping them with the skills to apply these tools in their own organizations.

Session 5 focuses on the practical considerations of deploying generative AI, addressing critical issues such as fine-tuning models, prompt engineering, and retrieval augmented generation (RAG). This session is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and real- world implementation, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of AI deployment.

Throughout the workshop, participants will benefit from a mix of theoretical discussions and practical applications, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of generative AI and LLMs. The seminar will cover both the potential benefits and the challenges associated with these technologies, including ethical considerations and regulatory implications.

By the end of the day, attendees will have gained a comprehensive understanding of how generative AI and LLMs can be harnessed to drive innovation, improve decision-making processes, and enhance customer experiences across various industries. They will be equipped with the knowledge to evaluate the potential impact of these technologies on their own organizations and to develop strategies for their effective implementation.

Who is this workshop for?

 

This workshop is ideal for executives, managers, and professionals in finance, utilities, communications, and other regulated sectors who are looking to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. It is also highly relevant for policymakers and regulators seeking to understand the implications of these technologies for governance and oversight.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights into the future of AI and its potential to transform your industry, complete the form and we will be in touch. The cost of the full day workshop is £2,300.