OpenAI & Spurs: Building Human-Centered AI for Fans, Partners, and Communities
Summary
How do you scale AI without losing the human touch? In this session, leaders from the San Antonio Spurs and OpenAI share how they’re using AI to create more meaningful experiences for fans, partners, and communities. From personalized fan engagement and family-focused experiences to internal productivity and decision-making, the Spurs offer a real-world look at how purpose-built AI tools are being used on and off the court. Attendees will walk away with practical lessons on responsible AI adoption, concrete use cases from a global sports franchise, and a blueprint for putting people first while bringing cutting-edge technology to the courtside.
- Format: Panel
- Category: Panel
- Event Type: panel
- Presented By: n/a
Contributors
- RC Buford
- Chris Lehane
- Natalie Cone
- Charlie Kurian
- Jordan Kolosey
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