The AI conversation has flipped from potential to practice. Across industries, the critical question now is where to apply AI for maximum impact, and how to implement it within a safe and ethical framework.

These were top themes at Ai4 in Las Vegas, the largest gathering of AI researchers, business leaders and practitioners in North America. Our team was there as both presenters and exhibitors. 

Here are five shifts that stood out to them:

1. Agentic AI is moving from hype to pilots

Agentic AI dominated the conversations. Executives are mapping out deployments and piloting AI agents to solve customer inquiries, automate internal processes and take certain actions on people’s behalf.

In a fireside chat with Regal CEO, Alex Levin, TaskUs Chief Customer Officer, Jarrod Johnson, explored use cases and the lift it takes to get voice AI agents ready for customers. He pointed out that training requires extensive testing, scoring and QA to make agentic systems safe and effective to deliver real ROI.

2. Scaling responsibly is not easy

As AI systems get smarter and more autonomous, governance concerns are growing. Who’s accountable if an AI makes a wrong decision? How do you track and audit what the model did? 

Without transparency, auditability and safety built in from day one, many speakers warned that companies are setting themselves up for trouble as they roll out models. 

3. Adoption is accelerating, but speed alone is not enough

AI is no longer just for tech giants. Businesses, especially small and mid-size, are adopting AI faster thanks to plug-and-play, no-code/low-code platforms. 

However, speed doesn’t guarantee success. To turn experimentation into meaningful impact, organizations need a solid data foundation, strong governance and the right expertise to implement AI effectively.

4. The most effective AI is human-centered

In their keynotes, Geoffrey Hinton and Fei-Fei Li, dubbed as the Godfather and Godmother of AI, both emphasized that AI should serve people, not replace them. Geoffrey urged builders to design with collaboration and compassion, while Fei-Fei said that the most powerful systems amplify human potential.

5. AI is becoming part of the core infrastructure

Several speakers compared AI to electricity — no one thinks about the power grid every time they flip a switch; it’s simply there, powering everything. Similarly, experts believe AI will become just as essential and invisible, seamlessly integrated into everyday life.

Companies that treat AI as a foundational layer and bake it into their products, operations and strategy stand to get ahead versus those treating it as an experiment on the side.

Our team’s consensus: AI is moving faster than most people expect. The winners won’t be the ones with the most advanced models unless they’re deployed thoughtfully, with people and accountability at the core.

Curious about what AI can do for your business? Let’s talk about your goals.