There’s a powerful moment happening right now with generative AI — and it’s easily one of the most consequential shifts in business technology in decades. It’s not buzz anymore. Companies are deploying it, teams are experimenting with it, and real value is happening for those who know how to use it. But here’s the catch: most people still don’t use it effectively.

A recent survey from Pew Research found that about one in six U.S. workers say they use AI as part of their job, yet most people aren’t tapping into its fuller potential beyond a few basic tasks. Another industry study conducted globally found that just 22% of organizations report using generative AI effectively across business functions — meaning most companies aren’t getting the returns they expect.

That gap between access and effective use is exactly why events like the Generative AI Expo — part of the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW — matter.

The Difference Between Using AI and Using AI Well

Every day you hear about another AI tool or platform. ChatGPT triggered a tidal wave of interest, but it was really only the beginning of a much deeper shift. At the Expo, you’re not just seeing marketing slogans or vendor pitches — you’re seeing context, use cases, and practical workflows that organizations are implementing right now.

Research shows that adoption alone isn’t enough: tools don’t deliver value just because they exist. People have to know how to integrate them into workflows, handle data responsibly, and scale them across teams — that’s where most organizations struggle.

And that’s exactly what this conference delivers.

Real Learning, Not Just Demonstrations

The sessions at Generative AI Expo and the broader ITEXPO are structured around application and adoption, not just technology hype. You’ll find content that:

• Breaks down what works in real environments — including things like prompt proficiency, change management, and bridging the gap between pilot projects and enterprise rollout.
• Connects generative AI to business outcomes, from customer experience and automation to operational efficiency.
• Explains where companies currently are, not where we might be five years from now.

This is important because most professionals today use AI in limited ways — often just for small productivity gains — and very few have a roadmap for broader impact. That’s a big missed opportunity.

Networking — Not Just Learning

Attending in person also gives you something you can’t replicate with online articles or videos: context. You can meet peers wrestling with the same questions you are, hear how others are solving them, and build relationships with both technical leaders and business stakeholders. Events like this aren’t just about presentations. They’re about shared understanding — the kind that fuels adoption when you return to your desk.

A recent industry analysis pointed out that companies with clear internal support, especially from leaders and managers, are significantly more successful with AI adoption than those that rely on organic, unstructured use. Live events accelerate that shared learning, because everyone gets a chance to align on strategy and best practices together.

It’s Not Just About AI — It’s About Integration

The Generative AI Expo sits inside ITEXPO, which covers communications, cloud, managed services, cybersecurity, and other technologies that AI touches. If your business is thinking about digital transformation at a tactical or strategic level, this isn’t a niche event — it’s a cross-functional learning opportunity.

Whether you’re in sales, marketing, operations, or IT, generative AI is already influencing your tools and workflows. The earlier you see how it’s being applied across departments, the better prepared you’ll be to drive value at your organization.

Bottom Line

We’re no longer in the early days where AI is just a curiosity. We’re in the phase where tools are mature enough to change how work gets done — but not mature enough that they work without guidance. That’s why real, hands-on events still matter.

If only one in six workers are currently using AI at work, and even fewer are using it effectively, showing up isn’t just about learning — it’s about closing that gap for yourself, your team, and your business.

The Generative AI Expo gives you context, clarity, and connections — all in one place — to turn AI from a tagline into a business advantage. See you Feb 10-12, 2026 Fort Lauderdale, Florida… Register now.

Aside from his role as CEO of TMC and chairman of ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW Feb 10-12, 2026, Rich Tehrani is CEO of RT Advisors and a Registered Representative (investment banker) with and offering securities through Four Points Capital Partners LLC (Four Points) (Member FINRA/SIPC). He handles capital/debt raises as well as M&A. RT Advisors is not owned by Four Points.

The above is not an endorsement or recommendation to buy/sell any security or sector mentioned. No companies mentioned above are current or past clients of RT Advisors.

The views and opinions expressed above are those of the participants. While believed to be reliable, the information has not been independently verified for accuracy. Any broad, general statements made herein are provided for context only and should not be construed as exhaustive or universally applicable.

Portions of this article may have been developed with the assistance of artificial intelligence, which may have contributed to ideation, content generation, factual review, or editing