At SEICon NYC last month, Gabi Salomon (SSRS Sports, Entertainment and Lifestyle Group) spoke on the emergence of AI and its impact on consumer data. As part of a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Rodney Paul (Syracuse University), Gabi and Adam Wohl (Award-Winning Creator, Writer and Strategist) spoke about their use of AI, and how and where we will see its future growth.
Innovation vs. Ethics
After an engaging morning of networking, attendees at SEICon NYC 2024 eagerly started discussing the likely revolutionary impact artificial intelligence (AI) will continue to have on the sports and entertainment industries.
Faculty from Syracuse University’s Falk College set the stage with a captivating historical overview of AI, tracing its roots back to the 1950s. Highlights included two dominant perspectives: the “alarmists” who see AI as an existential threat, and the “altruists” who view it as a solution to global challenges. Which category best describes you?
During the first panel, Gabi highlighted SSRS’s commitment to responsible research solutions and storytelling, highlighting the risks of AI producing inaccurate and biased outputs and emphasizing SSRS’ dedication to ensuring accessibility and representation in our work. Fellow panelist Adam Wohl echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of protecting creative intellectual property and the need for regulation to prevent job displacement and minimize biases.
The day continued with dynamic break-out sessions focused on the cautions that AI presents, such as ethical considerations, public safety, VR/AR integration, and the risk of drawing wrong conclusions—providing a balanced view of the potential pitfalls and challenges associated with AI.
Later, discussions shifted to more positive aspects, including leveraging AI for a comprehensive understanding of fans and consumers, enhancing fan and community engagement, and AI’s role in the creative process. Attendees left inspired and better equipped to navigate the evolving AI landscape with both caution and optimism.
At SSRS, our Sports, Entertainment, and Lifestyle team is driven by a genuine curiosity that’s central to our culture. Currently, many of our team members are leveraging AI to automate routine tasks, optimize resources, and enhance project management. Looking ahead, we plan to explore AI’s capabilities to uncover deeper narratives and stories about sports fans. Our curiosity, paired with a strong sense of responsibility, will help us continue pioneering efforts to help leagues and teams anticipate any possible shifts in fan behavior and preferences.
As AI continues to emerge as a powerful tool in the industry’s arsenal, the SSRS Sports, Entertainment, and Lifestyle Group is excited to harness its potential. We are committed to applying AI responsibly and effectively, enhancing the intelligence we provide, and delivering inclusive, data-driven insights.
