2026 IT Program Book

Program Book 13 SESSION 2.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM AI-enabled Excellence: Your Five-Year Roadmap for Transforming your Organization Afternoon Sessions COURSE DESCRIPTION: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a future concept — it is actively transforming behavioral healthcare delivery today. Designed for mental health and addiction service leaders, this session will deliver a practical, five-year roadmap for implementing AI technologies that improve clinical outcomes, increase operational efficiency, and reduce staff burnout. Moving beyond industry hype, the presentation will highlight real-world AI applications already available in behavioral health settings. It addresses critical leadership priorities, including: • Regulatory compliance and data privacy • Algorithmic bias and health equity • Vendor selection and technology evaluation • Workforce training and change management • Demonstrating measurable return on investment Participants will leave with a structured, year-by- year implementation framework — from foundational readiness and early pilot programs to advanced, enterprise-wide AI capabilities. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of this session, attendees will be able to: 1. Identify and evaluate practical AI solutions across clinical, operational, and compliance functions, and prioritize implementation based on organizational needs and return on investment. 2. Develop a phased AI adoption strategy with clear milestones, measurable outcomes, and change management strategies to support sustainable integration. 3. Apply governance, privacy, and bias-mitigation practices to ensure secure, transparent, and equitable use of AI in behavioral health settings. Ravi Ganesan, MBA Founder and CEO Core Solutions S P E A K E R SESSION 2.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Beyond the AI Hype: A Practical Guide for Practice Leaders Chris Knotts CEO, PEAKE Technology Partners (Omega Systems) S P E A K E R COURSE DESCRIPTION: Healthcare organizations face a flood of artificial intelligence (AI) tools promising to reduce administrative burdens, address staffing shortages, and transform patient care. However, poorly selected AI solutions can disrupt workflows, frustrate clinicians, and introduce compliance risks. This session will move beyond the hype to give practice leaders a structured, practical approach to evaluating and implementing AI effectively. Attendees will learn how to separate meaningful solutions from marketing noise; understand AI’s current impact on medical practices; and evaluate operational, clinical, and compliance implications. By the end of the session, participants will have actionable criteria and a roadmap to adopt AI responsibly — enhancing efficiency, aligning with strategic goals, and avoiding regulatory pitfalls. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of this session, attendees will be able to: 1. Develop a practical framework for evaluating AI solutions in healthcare settings. 2. Differentiate between AI use cases and deployment models. 3. Create a responsible AI adoption roadmap tailored to their practice.