Share
Share
Share
Share1st Interior AI Summit 2024: The Wild Goose accompanies the furniture industry into the AI future
On 21 February 2024, the furniture industry in Bielefeld took a big step towards the future. Against the backdrop of a third of German companies believing they have missed the boat when it comes to artificial intelligence, Florian Goos invited guests to the 1st Interior AI Summit with The Wild Goose. Around 100 decision-makers from the industry enjoyed a day full of inspiration and ideas, which concluded with the conclusion that AI can already help companies in the furniture industry to meet economic challenges. You just have to dare to do it.
‘A complete success’, ‘well orchestrated’, ‘something for everyone’ – the feedback from participants was consistently positive, and the organisers were also satisfied with how the event went: ‘We wanted to bring together experts from different fields to convey content that would really add value for companies,’ said Florian Goos. ‘I think we succeeded in doing that – and I was also very pleased that the event provided a platform for networking that was actually used.’
AI and humans as an unbeatable team
Before the evening's get-together, where participants summarised and discussed the day's events, guests enjoyed a packed and varied programme. Florian Goos, who guided guests through the entire event, opened the 1st Interior AI Summit and clearly stated its objectives: The event aims to ‘provide information about the challenges and opportunities of AI and offer concrete decision-making aids on how AI can be relevant in companies, how projects should be set up, and how investments and return on investment can be determined.’ Neuroscientist Dr Henning Beck introduced the world of AI in his opening presentation. The expert on the human brain explained the differences between the human brain and how AI works. This presentation was a perfect start because, on the one hand, it allayed fears (AI will not replace humans) and, on the other hand, it pointed out ways in which AI can be very useful in many areas.
AI can reduce fixed costs
This was followed by specific examples of the possibilities, mostly tailored specifically to the furniture industry. Niels Ophey from Microsoft Germany explained that the tech pioneer's AI products are already bringing concrete labour savings, either by increasing the productivity of individual employees or by reducing costs. Dr Olaf Plümer and Patrick Sönke from the Data Competence Centre pointed out that the material AI works with (data) is already available in almost all companies. The step towards using AI is therefore a small one. How it can be used in communication, for example, how data needs to be processed, how AI can be used for content production – the following presentations covered a wide range of issues and never lost sight of their practical relevance. Kirk Mangels from LEMAGO Consulting, who summarised and contextualised what had been said at the end of the day, linked the topic of AI to the current challenges facing the industry: in view of the negative sales forecasts, there is a need for action in almost all companies. AI can contribute to this, for example by reducing fixed costs or opening up new opportunities.
2nd Interior AI Summit already in planning
‘That's exactly what we're all about,’ sums up Florian Goos. ‘The summit is intended to be an AI industry catalyst that shows companies the benefits and inspires them to use the technology. At the same time, we want to initiate a dialogue: in the discussions we've had, I've received confirmation that we've achieved this goal.’ For Florian Goos, the premiere was just the beginning: the 2nd Interior AI Summit is already being planned. It is set to continue on 19 February 2025. And there are further networking opportunities in store from The Wild Goose: ‘We want to stay in dialogue and tackle the challenges of this technological revolution together. That's why we developed the “Inner Circles”.’ In smaller, informal groups of industry experts, the ‘Inner Circles’, topics that are important to the industry will be discussed.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Florian Goos, Tel: +49 (40) 284 17 87 40 | Email: f.goos@the-wild-goose.com
The Wild Goose GmbH & Co. KG | Geibelstraße 46a | 22303 Hamburg.
