The Leadership Summit 2025
"Leading with AI: From Big Innovations to Everyday Wins"
February 26 - March 2, 2025 | Vienna
"Leading with AI: From Big Innovations to Everyday Wins"
February 26 - March 2, 2025 | Vienna
Join us for an inspiring blend of talks, workshops, networking, cultural highlights, and an unforgettable ballroom dancing event!
The Leadership Summit is a five-day journey in the heart of Vienna, focused on discovering how to lead with AI in ways that truly work. Join top experts for inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, and dynamic discussions that cut through the AI-noise to deliver real, actionable insights for modern leadership.
A standout feature of this Summit is that the speakers and experts will be present throughout the entire event, offering ample opportunities for you to engage with them one-on-one and work toward concrete solutions tailored to your specific interests and objectives.
And it’s not all business—this program is tailored for you to bring your partners and families and immerse yourselves in Vienna’s cultural charm with exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours and cap off the experience with a grand ballroom event at the historic Hofburg Palace. It’s going to be unforgettable blend of learning, inspiration, networking, and celebration.
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 18:30 – 21:00: Reception & Get-Together Welcome reception and drinks. |
Thursday, February 27, 2025 9:30 – 12:30: Opening session Introduction, Keynotes, and Talks AI Horizons: What lies ahead for Leaders and Organizations AI and the Future of Management: Balancing Autonomy and Algorithm AI in Action: Best Practices for Everyday Leadership Wins" 14:00 – 17:00: Workshop Sessions: ACE Your AI: How to make the most of AI in Leadership - and what really works Real-life AI applications and best practices Free Evening at Leisure |
Friday, February 28, 2025 9:30 – 12:30: Workshops & Teamwork Sessions Where Human Creativity Meets AI" From Knowing to Doing: How AI Agents Are Turning Business Intelligence into Business Action and how you can leverage their power. 14:00 – 16:00: Teamwork, Talks & Panel Discussions 16:30: Closing Session 19:00: Gala dinner with "Leading your AI Awards" |
Saturday, March 1, 2025 Morning & Early Afternoon: Cultural sessions & Tour of Vienna Afternoon: Ballroom Brush-Up – Dancing Lessons Evening: Private Reception and Ball at The Hofburg Palace, Vienna Sunday, March 2, 2025 (Not too early) Morning: Farewell Breakfast |
Register for the Leadership Summit 2025!
More details on the sessions will be announced soon.
Get a clear view of the AI-driven changes coming in the next months and years, including the rise of AI agents, advanced automation, and smarter decision-making tools. This keynote will explore the tangible impacts AI will have on leadership and organizational strategies, from transforming workflows to reshaping team dynamics. Learn what to expect as AI integrates deeper into everyday business practices and discover how to adapt and prepare your leadership approach to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape business landscapes, senior executives, business owners, and entrepreneurs face a pivotal challenge: how to leverage AI's capabilities without losing the essence of human judgment, expertise, and entrepreneurial vision. This keynote session will explore the balance between AI-driven insights and human decision-making, focusing on how AI can enhance, rather than replace, leadership in business operations.Whether you're leading a corporation or building your own business, this session will equip you with insights to navigate the evolving landscape of leadership and entrepreneurship in the AI age.
Amid the hype surrounding AI, many leaders are still figuring out how to go beyond simple tasks like generating blurbs or translations. This keynote dives into practical, real-world applications of AI for performance improvement, decision-making, talent development, and accelerating learning. Learn how to harness AI effectively in your daily leadership with concrete, ready-to-use tools and best practices. Walk away with actionable insights on using AI to drive measurable results and empower your team for success.
Success goes through phases—Address, Create, and Execute—whether launching a product or seizing an opportunity. This session explores how to use AI in each phase: Address challenges, Create solutions, and Execute plans. By understanding AI's role in these areas, you'll grasp both its potential and limitations. “ACE Your AI” is the key to leveraging AI as a powerful collaboration tool for real-world success.
In this breakout session, participants will engage in teamwork to tackle real challenges or opportunities they are currently facing. You'll leverage the combined power of human creativity and AI tools, working together to brainstorm and solve problems. This is where the true magic happens—when human ingenuity meets artificial intelligence to create innovative solutions.
We're witnessing a fundamental shift in AI's capability: from systems that provide knowledge to agents that take action. For business leaders, this represents a transformative moment - one that requires rethinking how work gets done, as AI agents become a new type of digital coworker in your organization. You will learn how this shift from knowledge-based AI to action-based agents is revolutionizing how leading companies operate how you can take practical steps to turn business intelligence into business action
More speakers and panelists to be confirmed soon.
You can run an AI event without Maks Giordano—but you shouldn’t. And we definitely won’t. As one of Europe’s foremost AI experts, Maks delivers absolutely eye-opening and thought-provoking presentations around AI and it's potential.
Professor Eric Weber, former dean of IESE Business School’s New York campus and member of the Harvard-IESE committee, has been an early adopter of AI, integrating its potential and challenges into his teaching and research.
Long before AI became a buzzword, Dirk Hofmann was already at the forefront of the field, pioneering innovative ways for global enterprises to unlock the potential of data and AI.
As the Head of the Autoris Leadership Institute Academy, Verena co-develops and runs programs such as "ACE Your AI", "Leading with AI", and the "ACE it! Master Certification" for organizations around the globe.
Matthias Ehrhardt is tthe Founder and CEO of the Autoris Leadership Institute, specializing in leadership development at the crossroads of AI, technology, and the humanities.
More details will be announced soon.
Also located steps away from our venue, the Albertina Museum is a must-see for art enthusiasts. Housing one of the most significant collections of classical modern and contemporary art, the museum showcases masterpieces from Monet to Picasso. Our exclusive guided tour will offer an in-depth look at its celebrated exhibits, providing a perfect blend of culture and inspiration.
If you’d like a bit of preparation beforehand, feel free to watch the video above. Then join us on Saturday afternoon for a fun and entertaining brush-up lesson at a Vienna dance school. We’ll get you up to speed on all the steps, so you can glide across the dance floor with confidence. And remember, dancing has a lot to do with both leadership and partnership—so get ready to lead and follow with style!
We will spend an unforgettable night at the prestigious Juristenball at the Imperial Palace, one of Vienna's most renowned events. With 3,000 attendees and nine dance floors, there’s something for everyone—from classical waltz and Latin music to traditional Viennese orchestras and even a disco in the basement. The evening kicks off with a reception at 7:00 p.m. and runs through to 5:00 a.m., ending with a final waltz. For those who still want more, an early breakfast awaits. (And don’t worry—you don’t have to be a member of the legal profession to join the fun!)
For those who feel that they could do two ballroom events within one week, Thursday evening offers the chance to attend the Opernball ("Ball of the Opera"). Hosted at the famous Vienna Opera, just across the street from our venue, this is a unique opportunity to attend one of the most sought-after ballroom events in the world. (Please note that this event is not part of the official program of The Leadership Summit.)
Additional venues will be announces soon.
Also located steps away from our venue, the Albertina Museum is a must-see for art enthusiasts. Housing one of the most significant collections of classical modern and contemporary art, the museum showcases masterpieces from Monet to Picasso. Our exclusive guided tour will offer an in-depth look at its celebrated exhibits, providing a perfect blend of culture and inspiration.
The Hofburg Palace, once the heart of imperial Vienna, is where we’ll gather for the prestigious Juristenball. It’s an evening of tradition, live music, and waltzing in the palace’s grand halls. With its rich history and timeless elegance, the Hofburg sets the perfect stage for a truly memorable night.
The Austrian National Library (Österreichische Nationalbibliothek), located in Vienna's Hofburg Palace, is Austria's largest library with over 12 million items, including rare manuscripts, maps, and photographs. Highlights include the grand baroque State Hall (Prunksaal) and specialized collections like ancient globes. As both a research institution and cultural hub, it offers exhibitions, tours, and historical archives. The Austrian National Library is just that—an intellectual and inspirational highlight, sparking curiosity and new ideas.
The Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) is one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, renowned for its rich history and exceptional performances. Since its opening in 1869 with Mozart's Don Giovanni, it has been a stage for both timeless classics and innovative productions. Hosting over 350 performances a year, the Opera offers a diverse repertoire, ranging from grand operas and ballets to contemporary works. The Vienna State Opera is just that—a place where creativity, innovation, and breakthrough ideas have ignited and continue to do so.
The Leadership Awards 2024/2025:
"Leading with AI"
Leaders: Executives, managers, and team leads who want to stay ahead of AI trends and integrate proven practices into their leadership approach.
Entrepreneurs: Startup founders and business owners ready to leverage AI to drive innovation, optimize operations, and gain a competitive edge.
Business Family Members: Members of business families seeking to understand AI's impact on the future of family enterprises and how to navigate this transformation effectively.
Startup Enthusiasts: Innovators who are keen to explore how AI can accelerate growth and transform business models in a fast-paced environment.
AI Enthusiasts: Anyone passionate about the big trends and latest developments in AI, who wants to cut through the noise and focus on practical, real-world applications.
Program Participation: Your partner and children are more than welcome to attend the sessions and workshops. Experience has shown that participating together, especially in breakout groups, can create a fantastic learning experience for all generations.
Generational Learning: Time and again, it is great to see how much we can learn from the younger generation regarding all things AI.
Tailored Cultural Programs: Additionally, there will be a special program designed just for them, making this event truly enriching for everyone.
Benefits and Take-Aways
Concrete Best Practices: Learn actionable strategies for implementing AI tools in your daily leadership. Discover hands-on techniques to enhance team performance and streamline workflow.
Creative Problem-Solving: Discover how to effectively blend human creativity with AI tools to develop innovative solutions, keeping you ahead of the curve in any situation.
Participant Fee: 6800 EUR (Early bird fee) |
Partner Fee: 3800 EUR (Early bird fee) |
Teenager Fee: 2000 EUR (Early bird fee) |
The fees covers access to all keynote sessions and workshops, all materials, most meals, cultural programs, the dancing lesson event, as well as entrance and a reception before the Juristenball at the Hofburg Palace. Additional fees may apply for optional events like the Vienna Opera Ball. All fees are plus 20% Austrian VAT (where applicable). |
Register for the Leadership Summit 2025!
Please don't hesitate to reach out to
Verena Lauffs, Head of Autoris Academy
or go to our Contact page.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The summit focuses on leading with AI, exploring both big innovations and practical, everyday applications of AI in leadership. Sessions include keynotes, workshops, and discussions on how to integrate AI into organizational strategies and workflows.
The summit is designed for leaders, executives, managers, entrepreneurs, business family members, startups, and AI enthusiasts. We also warmly welcome families, with a special program tailored for partners and teenage children (15 years and older).
Attendees will gain insights into the latest AI trends, learn actionable strategies for AI integration in leadership, explore creative problem-solving methods, and network with fellow leaders in an intimate, prestigious setting. Additionally, participants will enjoy cultural
Yes! One of the unique features of the Leadership Summit is that all speakers will be present throughout the entire event. They will be readily available to sit down with you for personalized discussions, answer your questions, ensuring you get the insights and guidance you need.
Yes! The summit offers a cultural tour of Vienna, a ballroom brush-up dancing lesson, and culminates in a grand Viennese Ball at the historic Hofburg Palace. Additionally, there are behind-the-scenes tours of Vienna's cultural highlights, including the Albertina Museum.
Yes! The summit encourages you to bring your partner and teenage children (15 years and older). They can participate in the sessions and workshops and have access to a special cultural program.
The participant fee covers access to all keynote sessions, workshops, all materials, most meals, cultural programs, the dancing lesson event, as well as entrance and a reception at the Juristenball at the Hofburg Palace. Additional fees may apply for optional events like the Vienna Opera Ball.
To register, please visit the provided registration link and select the appropriate participation package.
We do not have specific hotels selected, as we know people have their own preferences and loyalty programs. However, if you'd like, we’d be happy to send recommendations tailored to your needs.