The Business Case for Ongoing AI/ML Training and How to Choose Quality Providers

Every company has a mission in the coming years — finding the most practical and lucrative way to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into its business model. This can take years of finessing, especially when it unravels alongside employee training programs. These are crucial for ensuring ethical and productive use of these tools, but it is challenging to know where to start with so many options available. Where can you find AI experts who speak about machine learning?

Importance of Ongoing AI Learning for Companies

As organizations undergo digital transformation and adopt disruptive technologies such as ML and AI, there must be a shift in workplace culture. There must be unified buy-in among employees, with a willingness to change workflows and embrace upskilling opportunities. AI and ML are evolving fields, which means even the industry’s most talented experts need to embrace continuous learning as part of their responsibilities.

Consistent education on AI and ML is also important because it helps organizations stay competitive. Those who are fastest at finding their niche in AI could find more success. Research shows AI-driven enterprises already see increases in team productivity, with innovation rising as a bonus — and those who invest in comprehensive training see an even bigger benefit, with up to 40% productivity gains across industries. A workforce that has adopted more familiarity with AI and ML will be more open to experimenting and growing with the technology instead of resisting it.

This curiosity helps organizations keep pace as the industry develops. Ongoing learning anticipates that AI technologies will evolve and grow, adjusting the workforce’s expectations to be more adaptable and willing to mitigate risk through learning. This could help staff feel more committed to, rather than overwhelmed by, their work environments, potentially reducing turnover by empowering their skills.

How to Vet Providers of AI and ML Training

Companies are responsible for finding the best educational resources. Follow these steps to evaluate potential providers:

• Define your training goals: Determine what you want to get out of your training program. For example, maybe you’re looking for hands-on training to develop technical AI/ML capabilities, or you need a program with recognized credentials for compliance purposes.
• Check provider credentials: Organizations can review training platforms and experts based on real-world experience and exposure to AI development, client reviews and testimonials, and industry-approved certifications.
• Evaluate curriculum quality: For written training, AI/ML content should be updated regularly. The platform or speaker you choose should also provide statements of what participants will be able to do after training. You should also determine whether the given training is beginner-friendly or more advanced technical content.
• Assess delivery format and support: Multiple training formats are available based on team needs. For example, do you need a full self-paced training program or a speaker to motivate and inspire your team?

Types of AI/ML Ongoing Learning Opportunities

Businesses have a few methods for teaching their staff, and using multiple avenues may be the best way to appeal to the wide variety of learning styles in the workforce. Understanding when to use each format is key:

• Awareness and inspiration formats: Keynotes from industry experts are best for conferences, annual meetings and initiative launches to build excitement and organizational buy-in. Executive briefings provide high-level strategic overviews for leadership teams.
• Skill-building formats: Bootcamps and workshops offer intensive, hands-on sessions for rapid skill development. Online courses provide structured, self-paced or cohort-based programs with certifications. Microlearning modules deliver short, focused lessons for ongoing skill reinforcement, while mentorship programs offer one-on-one guidance for applying AI/ML in specific roles.

Also read: AI in Employee Learning: Transformative Impact of Artificial Intelligence in LMS

Where to Find Keynote Speakers for AI Awareness and Inspiration

Calling in an expert who’s uniquely qualified to speak about AI and machine learning is an ideal way to inspire your workforce and create buy-in. Choose a keynote speaker when you need to:

• Launch an AI initiative and build buy-in across a large audience
• Inspire leadership and employees at conferences or all-hands meetings
• Provide big-picture context without hands-on training
• Create excitement and urgency around AI adoption

The following are some of the best places to source keynote speakers who can speak on AI and ML topics.

1. Leading Authorities, Inc.

Leading Authorities, Inc. is the leading agency in the U.S. for sourcing top lecture and thought leadership talent, including experts in the fields of AI and machine learning. It has access to Fortune 500 CEOs, innovative minds in politics and media, and pop culture icons. Its team is made of experts with decades of consulting experience, bringing the most important ideas to conventions and workplaces alike, even for evolving topics like AI and ML. Leading Authorities prides itself on matching clients with the right speakers based on needs, personality and goals for the most client-focused learning opportunity possible.

Choose Leading Authorities if: You want high-profile, Fortune 500-level AI speakers for major corporate events and want personalized consultation to match speakers to your specific goals.

2. Gotham Artists

Gotham Artists is a bureau full of experts, including professionals in the AI and ML space. They include diverse perspectives to fit any organization’s needs. Marketing companies can hear from entrepreneurs with AI expertise, while universities can hear from researchers. They are capable of providing in-depth analyses of these topics, from big-picture overviews to target employee bases of all skill levels. The team has transparent speaker fees, making every learning opportunity accessible.

Choose Gotham Artists if: You want diverse AI speaker perspectives (entrepreneurs, researchers, practitioners) with transparent pricing and a streamlined booking process.

3. BigSpeak Speakers Bureau

BigSpeak Speakers Bureau specializes in connecting organizations with top artificial intelligence and technology experts. The bureau curates speakers who can address audiences ranging from technical teams to C-suite leaders, offering both deep technical expertise and accessible explanations of AI’s business implications.

Choose BigSpeak if: You want access to AI pioneers and technology innovators who can speak to both technical and business audiences with credible, hands-on AI development experience.

Where to Find Structured Training Programs for AI Skill-Building

If you need more ongoing AI training and support, a structured training program is ideal. Choose structured training when you need to:

• Build hands-on AI/ML skills for technical or business teams
• Provide certification for career advancement
• Measure training outcomes
• Develop ongoing capabilities, not just one-time inspiration

If you need a structured AI/ML training program, the following are some top-rated options.

Also read: How AI Can Enhance Employee Training

1. Wharton Executive Education

Provided by the University of Pennsylvania, the Wharton Executive Education training program for AI for Business is a wonderful resource for budding professionals in the space. Managers can use these foundational insights to design an organizational strategy that supports ethical incorporation of AI. The courses use real-life examples to show students the actual impacts of adopting and continuing to learn about AI.

Choose Wharton if: You’re training executives and senior managers on strategic AI integration and business transformation, and want a prestigious university credential.

2. MIT Sloan Executive Education

If companies are going to learn from the brightest minds and experts in curriculum-building, MIT Sloan Executive Education may be the best resource. These tech experts have designed the best AI and ML courses and targeted programs for businesses. Its focus on strategic implementation is a primary highlight, as it makes it simple to imagine how to integrate the technologies and learnings in the most appropriate ways for the specific business.

Choose MIT Sloan if: You need technical depth in AI implementation with hands-on components, and your team has some technical background.

3. LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning offers a comprehensive library of AI and ML courses suitable for all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. With an unlimited subscription model starting around $40 per month per user, it’s one of the most cost-effective options for organizations wanting to provide broad access to AI training. Courses are bite-sized and practical, making them ideal for busy professionals. While not as deep as university programs, LinkedIn Learning excels at foundational knowledge and skill refreshers.

Choose LinkedIn Learning if: You need budget-friendly, foundational AI awareness training for large teams across multiple departments with varying skill levels.

Where Can You Find AI Experts Who Speak About Machine Learning?

Organizations must invest significant time in their staff and technology to ensure AI and ML utilities are integrated thoughtfully. By understanding the difference between awareness-building keynotes and skill-building training programs, you can choose the right format for your specific goals.  Spending time researching ways to upskill the workforce should not be part of the equation when resources are better spent on finding ways for these tools to provide more value to customers and employees. Contact one of these professionals today to see how teams can level up their AI knowledge in the coming quarters.