LEDEX Forum brings the Algarve AI expertise

Augustas Kligys, founder of LEDEX Forum, told The Portugal News that he is excited to bring an international event to the Algarve, spoken in English, that will give attendees practical advice on AI for business leaders and owners worldwide.

The Portugal News (TPN): Why is AI an interesting topic to you?

Augustas Kligys (AK): AI interests me because I have seen how technology can change the way a business works. I studied computer science and used to be a programmer, but for around 10 years I have also run an online business organising virtual summits, conferences and forums for Amazon sellers. From that perspective, I can see how AI can help businesses improve their processes and move projects forward faster. I find it exciting because it gives entrepreneurs more ways to turn an idea into something practical.

TPN: From that interest, how did you come up with the idea of the LEDEX Forum?

AK: Two years ago, everybody started to talk about automation, how you should automate processes. Then, like, a year and a half ago, everybody started doing these processes with AI. I have a technical background because I studied computer science; therefore, I have wanted to create some kind of business event in the region for two years. I used to be a programmer, and I find everything around AI very interesting. I also think these AI tools are very easy and accessible.

However, companies may not realise that, or they may be afraid, and they may just use AI for chatting. With LEDEX, I wanted to show how accessible AI tools are: cheap and easy to set up. And it can boost your business a lot if you set it up properly.

But the main idea behind bringing this AI event to the Algarve is to educate. I would really like to reach Portuguese native speakers. Even though I am not fluent in the language, maybe not in the first event, but in the future I want this exposure so that Portuguese native speakers and business owners can see it.

TPN: How do you think AI can help business leaders?

AK: AI can help in making some decisions, because sometimes, you know, as a human, you need to analyse maybe documents or a situation. And as for me, I’m an entrepreneur, and sometimes I need to make a decision, and it’s sometimes hard to decide. AI can give you a few angles and options.

If you are not tired of thinking, you’re using that information to help you decide. It can automate some processes. If someone is entering supplier invoices in a retail shop manually, they could easily automate these tasks, especially if the invoices come digitally and are saved to cloud storage or emails.

This, together with AI and some automation, could improve and speed up the processes. It’s not necessarily that they need to fire people, but the people who work for them now have more time to do what they are good at and express their talents. And in this, of course, to amplify the whole process of the company, revenue and some speakers.

TPN: So, at LEDEX Forum, people can expect to learn more about those tools?

AK: They can expect to open their eyes. It’s only one day with like eight speakers; it’s not a two-month program to educate them. But my goal with this event is to open their eyes to what’s available and what’s possible, and to give them access to people who know about it, including speakers.

Most of them are serving companies with this kind of solution. We’ll also have sponsors in the audience who provide these kinds of solutions to businesses. The aim is to give them access to understand what’s available, what they can do with it, what the results could be, and to connect directly with other people so they can network with like-minded business leaders facing the same problems.

When business leaders or owners cannot afford a service provider right now, they can brainstorm together and combine different experiences.

LEDEX Forum is like a conference with a stage and eight speakers. Each speaker will present for 30 minutes, and attendees can ask a few questions after each presentation. We’ll also have a few breaks and other activities where attendees can network and get to know each other better.

But of course, the main attraction is the stage presentations, which open attendees’ minds and spark ideas. And of course, it’s not a sales pitch. It’s like the sellers and speakers will not be selling their products.

TPN: What differentiates LEDEX from other conferences?

AK: I would say LEDEX Forum is probably the first AI-related conference in the Algarve region.

In other events, the presentations feel more general, maybe more future-focused. I’ve also seen events where presentations are 15 or 20 minutes to fit more speakers on the agenda. But in the LEDEX Forum case, if presentations are medium length- not too long and not too short- 30 minutes is enough. I call it on the website: practical AI in practice. This way, each presentation aims to show at least one practical takeaway attendees can bring to their team or office.

Another possible differentiator may be the intimate environment of an event held in the Algarve, with a capacity for 100 or 150 people, compared to an event in Lisbon or Porto, with the capacity of hosting around 500 people. From my experience, I hope that on LEDEX Forum people start feeling like a family.

TPN: Are there still tickets available? Where can people find them?

AK: On ledexforum.com, there is also a TPN10 coupon code for The Portugal News readers, which gives a 10% discount on the ticket.

There are three ticket types: the standard ticket, which does not include lunch but still lets you attend the full event and listen to presentations. There is also the Business Pass, which includes lunch, the chance to talk with other attendees at lunch at the hotel, and some souvenirs. There is also a VIP pass, which includes dinner with speakers at the end of the event. Nevertheless, I try to lower the cost for attendees who cannot afford the regular price.

The event, taking place in the Algarve in mid-October, is the perfect time to learn how to use AI effectively in a company, while also enjoying warm temperatures and a great time in southern Portugal.