From October 25-27, CIONET and Red Hat transformed Madrid into a hub for digital trailblazers at Score with AI, an event where insights on AI-driven transformation flowed alongside the excitement of one of the world’s biggest football matches, El Clásico. Bringing together top European Digital Leaders, this exclusive two-day programme showcased the true power of AI in business, revealing how it’s reshaping industries, spurring innovation, and even changing workplace dynamics.

“AI needs to complement rather than replace engineers, focusing on efficiency and productivity”

- Paolo Torelli, Head of Test Factory - Crédit Agricole Group Solutions.

An All-Star Lineup of AI Insights

The first day of Score with AI didn’t just tiptoe into the world of AI—it cannonballed right in. Julio Guijarro, EMEA CTO at Red Hat, Miguel Ángel Leal Góngora, CTIO of LaLiga, and Kim Smets, VP Data & AI at Telenet, led engaging sessions tackling AI-Driven Business Models, Workforce Transformation, and AI Governance. From data centre automation to crafting AI-ready workforces, these talks were packed with real-world insights. Post-lunch, the energy shifted to a two-hour panel with top Digital Leaders, keeping the conversation rolling and minds buzzing with strategy and innovation.

Key Takeaways:

1. Reskilling for the AI Era: Red Hat's new centre in Ireland exemplifies the value of investing in talent, reinforcing the need to continuously reskill and upskill teams.
2. Top-Down Vision: Leadership alignment is crucial, with strategic direction empowering teams to implement AI in meaningful ways.
3. Internal Testing First: AI's customer-facing potential starts with rigorous internal testing, ensuring the solutions are ready to meet user needs.
4. AI as a Collaborative Tool: AI isn’t here to replace but to enhance roles by taking over mundane tasks, enabling employees to focus on more impactful work.
5. Patience with Adoption: AI is still in its early stages. Leaders must balance excitement with realistic timelines for implementation.

A Taste of Spain and the Thrill of El Clásico

On Saturday, we took a cultural turn, bringing attendees into the heart of Spanish life. The day began with a lively Spanish cooking class where guests learned the secrets of local cuisine, sharing laughs and flavors over lunch. The experience seamlessly blended networking with culinary tradition, setting the tone for the day’s grand finale: El Clásico. VIP seats in the Santiago Bernabéu gave everyone a front-row experience of the legendary rivalry between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona—a truly electrifying end to an extraordinary event! This seamless blend of inspiration and action reflects Red Hat and CIONET’s commitment to fostering a vibrant community of AI-forward thinkers ready to make their mark.

A Winning Experience for Digital Leaders

Score with AI proved to be a unique blend of business insight and cultural immersion, underscoring how AI innovation and local experiences together create lasting connections. From AI governance to goal-side seats at El Clásico, the event showcased the power of community in driving digital transformation. CIONET and Red Hat are proud to champion these conversations, helping to shape the future of technology and digital leadership.

Stay tuned for more transformative gatherings as we continue to bridge tech and human connection!

Check out upcoming CIONET events here.