Artificial intelligence, AI agents and low-code platforms are creating new opportunities to improve productivity, streamline operations and accelerate innovation. Across organisations, teams are experimenting with copilots, automations and agent-based solutions to solve business challenges and unlock new value.

As adoption grows, however, so do the challenges. Demand for AI and automation is increasing faster than many specialist teams can support. Business users are building solutions themselves, pilot projects struggle to scale, and questions around governance, ownership and support become increasingly important.

During this executive roundtable, we will bring together IT, digital and business leaders to discuss how organisations can successfully scale AI and automation while maintaining control, security and long-term value.

Together, we will explore questions such as:

• Where can AI and automation deliver the greatest business impact?
• How can organisations meet growing demand without creating new bottlenecks?
• What changes when business users start building agents and automations themselves?
• Why do promising prototypes often fail to reach production?
• How do you maintain governance, ownership and support as adoption scales?

To help frame the discussion, we will share practical experiences and briefly explore emerging Microsoft innovations, including Microsoft Scout, Copilot Cowork and Agent 365. These examples are intended as inspiration and conversation starters rather than product demonstrations.

This is not a sales presentation or methodology workshop. The objective is to create an open environment where peers can exchange experiences, discuss challenges and share approaches with others facing similar opportunities and questions.

Central question:
How can we turn growing AI and automation demand into sustainable business value without losing control?

Practical information

Date:

25 September 2026

Agenda

09:00 – 09:30
Welcome & coffee

09:30 – 12:15
Roundtable discussion

12:15 onwards
Networking lunch

Speakers:

Thomas Daman
AI Workforce Solution Advisor, Microsoft

Benny Van de Velde
Managing Partner, The Flow

Pieter Op De Beeck
Trusted Advisor & Microsoft M365 Copilot MVP, The Flow

Maarten Eekels
Microsoft Tech Lead & Microsoft MVP, Cronos

Location

Van der Valk Hotel Mechelen
Rode Kruisplein 1, 2800 Mechelen

Parking Keerdok is located just a two-minute walk from the venue.

Registration

Participation is free, but places are limited to ensure an interactive discussion.