From AI Royalties to "Which Way is Up?": My Amsterdam World Summit AI Journey
Your friendly neighborhood, VP of Other is here, fresh off a transatlantic flight and still occasionally checking my pockets for my OV-chipkaart. My recent trip to Amsterdam for World Summit AI was a whirlwind of cutting-edge innovation, brilliant minds, and, let's just say, a very steep learning curve in European navigation.
As the "VP of Other," my role is to connect the dots. I was in Amsterdam with my colleagues from Monarrch, a startup laser-focused on the future of creator compensation. This lens made the summit's themes even more electric.
Here are my top takeaways from the floor and from our own keynote stage.
Key Learnings from World Summit AI: The Human is the Bottom Line
The entire event was buzzing, but a few core themes stood out.
The "Human-First" Model Isn't Just Nice, It's Necessary: This was our core message at Monarrch, and it resonated across the entire summit. I had the privilege of supporting our team's keynote, "Why the best AI models will pay royalties." Our thesis is simple: "AI Creates, But Only Because Humans Created First." We can't build a sustainable AI future on a foundation of uncompensated human data and creativity. The models must pay royalties back to the original creators. This concept of AI Royalties isn't just a fantasy; it's the next logical step to fixing the broken economics of the creative industry.
AI's Ethical Crossroads is Now a Highway: Supporting our "Human-First" argument was the dominant theme of ethics. This wasn't just a side-panel discussion; it was the discussion. Conversations around data privacy, bias in algorithms, and the need for transparent, responsible AI were everywhere. For marketers, this means our use of AI must be defensible and build trust. The "why" behind our AI choices will matter just as much as the "what."
The Human-AI Collaboration is the Real Power Play: Forget AI replacing everyone. The recurring thread was how AI augments human creativity. From content generation tools that streamline ideation to predictive analytics that unearth nuanced insights, AI is our ultimate co-pilot. The best marketing teams won't be AI-free or AI-dominant; they'll be AI-fluent, using tools to enhance their uniquely human instincts.
Measurable Impact is Non-Negotiable: The "hype cycle" is over. Investors and stakeholders are demanding tangible ROI. This is great news for marketing tech! We're positioned to provide clear metrics on how AI is optimizing campaigns and personalizing experiences. But as we argued in our keynote, that measurement must also include fair compensation for the data that feeds the models.
Amsterdam Adventures: Navigating from Sloterdijk Station to a "Stamppot" State of Mind
Now, for the "other" part of my VP of Other duties: the invaluable (and sometimes hilarious) travel wisdom gleaned from a first-time solo navigation of Amsterdam, especially with our base camp at Sloterdijk Station.
Sloterdijk is Your Friend (Eventually): If you're looking for affordable, modern accommodation just a quick train ride from the city center, Sloterdijk is fantastic. It's a bustling transport hub, meaning you're connected. The downside? It's not the quaint canalside you picture. Embrace the efficiency, and know you're just 10 minutes from Centraal Station.
Public Transport is King (and Your Google Maps Bestie): Forget taxis. The train, tram, and bus system in Amsterdam is incredibly efficient. My lifeline was Google Maps' public transport directions, which are uncannily accurate. Get an OV-chipkaart (their version of a transit pass) immediately. Top it up. Don't second-guess it. Just trust the system.
Mind the Bikes (Seriously): They're everywhere. They're fast. They have the right of way. I learned to look left, right, and then left again for bikes before stepping off a curb. It's an art form, and I almost became a part of it several times.
Walk Everywhere You Can (But Wear Comfy Shoes): Once you're in a neighborhood, Amsterdam is best explored on foot. The architecture, the canals, the hidden cafes – you miss so much in a vehicle. My pedometer hit new records, and my feet thanked me for packing my most supportive sneakers.
Embrace the Unfamiliar (and the Stroopwafels): Being in a completely new city, away from my usual routines, forced me into a different mode of thinking. This open-mindedness isn't just for travel; it's a vital skill for anyone in marketing tech, where the landscape changes daily. And for the love of all that is good, eat every stroopwafel you see. You won't regret it.
Wrapping Up
World Summit AI wasn't just about learning where AI is headed; it was a powerful confirmation that the work we're doing at Monarrch is at the absolute center of the conversation.
My brain is buzzing with new ideas, my travel skills are significantly upgraded, and I'm more convinced than ever: the future of AI is human.
Until next time, keep exploring – in tech and in life!
Best, The VP of Other
