SPM Summit North America 2023: Shaping the Future of Product Management in the AI Era

The world of product management is rapidly evolving, and nowhere was this more evident than at the first-ever SPM Summit North America, held at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley. The event, which took place on September 12th, 2023, brought together industry professionals, academics, and students to explore the theme “Product Management In The Age Of Artificial Intelligence.”

A Landmark Event at UC Berkeley

This summit was not only the first of its kind in North America but also marked the debut of a University Chapter (UC) of ISPMA hosting the annual summit. ISPMA Berkeley, led by a dedicated founding team of UC Berkeley students – Vlad, Isabelle, Ryan, Mark, Gabriella, Jacob, and David – showcased the vibrant potential of the university in shaping future product management leaders.

Pioneering Discussions and Insights

With over 70 registrations and 20 speakers and panelists, the summit offered an array of sessions, workshops, and panel discussions. The keynote address by David Riemer, titled “Get Your Startup Story Straight,” set the tone for a day of insightful discussions and groundbreaking ideas.

One of the highlights was the session by Shyvee Shi from LinkedIn on “Building User-Centric and Responsible Generative AI Products: A New Framework for Product Management.” This talk provided valuable insights into how AI is reshaping product management and offered a new framework for professionals to navigate this changing landscape.

A Full Day of Learning and Networking

The program was packed with diverse topics, ranging from “AI in HardTech” to “Empowering product managers for product ideation using generative AI.” These presentations not only offered knowledge but also sparked conversations among the attendees about the future directions in product management.

The summit concluded with a closing session led by Tony Wasserman and Haragopal Mangipudi, followed by an evening reception at The Faculty Club, providing a perfect setting for networking and reflection on the day’s learnings.

Looking Ahead

The success of SPM Summit North America 2023 has set a high standard for future events and has firmly established ISPMA’s community presence in North America. It’s a beacon for those looking to navigate the complexities of product management in the age of AI, offering a blend of academic insight and industry practice. As the field of product management continues to evolve with technological advancements, events like SPM Summit serve as crucial platforms for sharing knowledge, fostering innovation, and building a community of forward-thinking professionals.