#United States #San Diego #AI-native #Scaled Agile #SAFe Summit

Introduction

The SAFe & AI Summit, scheduled from September 14-18, 2026, in San Diego, promises to be a groundbreaking event for business leaders, Agile practitioners, and transformation experts. Hosted by Scaled Agile, Inc. (SAI), the summit aims to shed light on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can shape effective business strategies in contemporary organizations.

Event Overview

The event will be held at the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center, bringing together over a thousand professionals keen to explore AI's influence on business agility. The summit will present an opportunity for attendees to learn and adapt AI methodologies that have proven effective in transforming traditional business practices.

Significance of AI in Business

Despite several organizations investing vast resources into AI technologies, many struggle to reap tangible benefits. According to a survey by the Return on AI Institute, only 9% of C-suite executives have reported substantial value from generative AI initiatives. This disconnect primarily arises from the lack of a comprehensive operational model that adequately governs AI and harmonizes it with traditional business processes.

The Need for AI-Native SAFe

In response to the growing interest and necessity for AI literacy within organizations, Scaled Agile has developed AI-Native SAFe. This new paradigm not only caters to the need for agility but also aids organizations in integrating AI into their core business functions. It aims to transition organizations from simply adopting AI technologies to becoming truly AI-native.

Keynote Speakers and Topics

At the heart of the summit will be a keynote titled AI-Native SAFe: The Operating Model for the Age of AI, presented by Andrew Sales, SAFe's chief methodologist. He will discuss how evolution in business frameworks is crucial to birthing real value from AI. Andrew emphasizes the transition from focusing solely on accelerating processes to validating their outcomes responsibly.

Other notable speakers include:

• - Lindsay Wirthlin (Red Cross)
• - Kate O'Neill, author of Tech Humanist
• - Mik Kersten, author of Project to Product

Their sessions will delve into pivotal changes required in funding, leadership, and structure as AI capabilities mature within organizations.

Practical Workshops and Hands-On Labs

The summit boasts an engaging format that includes customer-led case studies, showcases, and hands-on labs. Participants will have the chance to construct AI-enabled workflows, establish a 90-day AI roadmap, and practice new operational methods within SAFe. These experiences are designed to convey both theoretical knowledge and practical applications, which attendees can implement post-event.

Prior to the main summit, there will be a Partner Day and a SAFe Practice Consultant Trainer (SPCT) master class on September 14 to kick off the event. Additionally, a series of follow-up training sessions will be held on September 17-18 to reinforce learnings and equip leaders with actionable plans for their organizations.

Organizations Sharing Insights

The summit will feature insights from organizations already leveraging SAFe and AI-Native SAFe effectively, such as AWS, Panasonic, and Navy Federal Credit Union. Their experiences will provide attendees with concrete illustrations of these frameworks in action.

Conclusion

As the business environment rapidly adapts to integrate AI, the SAFe & AI Summit represents a critical opportunity. Attendees will leave equipped not only with knowledge but also with practical tools to ensure their organizations can navigate this AI-driven landscape successfully. It’s time for organizations to elevate their approach towards AI, and the SAFe & AI Summit is the ideal place to start this journey.

To register and learn more about the event, visit Scaled Agile's official registration site.