Shari Lava is Group Vice-President, AI, Data, and Automation. Ms. Lava’s core research coverage includes the fast-evolving AI software market, as well as the Automation and Data foundations essential for deploying AI at enterprise scale. This includes deep analysis of market dynamics, adoption trends, and how these technologies converge to deliver superior business outcomes. She is based remotely in Toronto, Canada.

Previously at IDC, Shari led the integration and AI enablement research program within the AI, Data and Automation group, alongside the Small and Medium Business (SMB) program, enabling technology suppliers to better navigate the SMB ecosystem. Prior to IDC, she was Vice President, Marketing Intelligence at Greystone Managed Investments, an asset management firm, where she leveraged data analytics to drive success across the customer journey. Before that, Ms. Lava led the Vendor Advisory Services practice at Info-Tech Research Group, delivering actionable market insights to technology vendors. Earlier, she was a management consultant with Deloitte’s CRM and Information Management practices, specializing in implementing and integrating applications for clients of all sizes across diverse industries

Tony Olvet is Group Vice President, Worldwide C-suite and Digital Business Research at IDC. His team’s global research focuses on the connection between business transformation and digital investments across enterprises. Tony’s analysis and insights help vendors, IT professionals, and business executives make fact-based decisions on technology strategy and digital business.

Tony has worked with clients across a variety of organizations including global IT manufacturers, enterprise software vendors, telecom service providers, financial institutions and public sector organizations. He has been quoted in major business and industry media including CIO Magazine, The Globe and Mail, CBC and The Financial Post.

He is also a frequent public speaker delivering keynote presentations at conferences, IDC webinars, and virtual events for clients. Tony is member of IDC Canada’s senior leadership team and is based in Toronto, Canada.

Ivan Nekrasov is an NVIDIA AI Field Product Manager leading customer-facing engagements and sales enablement for joint Dell-NVIDIA programs across North America. With 20+ years at Dell, he drives multi-million dollar AI infrastructure initiatives that accelerate breakthroughs in healthcare, science, and enterprise innovation. A father of three, Ivan is passionate about technology’s power to improve lives globally.

Darren Head is a PreSales Solutions Consultant with Dell Technologies, specializing in Infrastructure Design and Delivery. Prior to working with Dell he spent years building, managing, and migrating Data Center infrastructure to support large organizations around the globe. When he’s not spending time experimenting with AI and Automation he can be found in the garage turning perfectly good lumber into sawdust. He resides near Calgary, Alberta with his wife, two kids, and two dogs. 

Tony Anscombe is the Chief Security Evangelist for ESET. With over 25 years of security industry experience, Tony is an established author, blogger, and speaker on the current threat landscape, security technologies and products, data protection, privacy and trust, and Internet safety. His speaking portfolio includes industry conferences RSAC, Black Hat, VB, CTIA, MEF, Gartner Risk and Security Summit, and the Child Internet Safety Summit. He is regularly quoted in cybersecurity, technology and business media, including BBC, Dark Reading, the Guardian, the New York Times and USA Today, with broadcast appearances on Bloomberg, BBC, CTV, KRON, NBC, and CBS. Tony has previously served on the board of the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF) and Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) and held an executive position with AMTSO.

Tushar Patel brings 25 years of technology leadership to the stage, including a decade driving enterprise data strategy and managing portfolios of 35–45 projects annually. As a seasoned sponsor of large-scale digital transformations, he offers rare frontline perspective on turning data investments into measurable business outcomes.