The AI Series

Closing the Tech ROI Gap: Turning AI and Automation into Measurable Results

AI is no longer a future-facing technology conversation. It is now a boardroom, strategy, productivity and investment conversation.

For many organisations, the question is no longer whether to explore AI and automation. The real question is how to turn that investment into measurable business value.

Join The CEO Institute, in partnership with First Focus, for a practical national breakfast series designed specifically for CEOs, business owners and senior leaders. Led by NSW member, Ross Sardi, CEO of First Focus, this series will help leaders move beyond AI experimentation and understand how to connect technology decisions to commercial outcomes, risk, governance and performance.

What you'll walk away with

This series is designed to help you assess AI and automation through a practical business lens, with a focus on measurable return, disciplined adoption and real organisational impact.

You can expect:

A clear framework for defining ROI before investing in AI or automation
Practical guidance on measuring adoption, productivity, efficiency, revenue growth, quality and risk
Commercial insight into how leaders can avoid wasted spend and ensure AI initiatives translate into real business outcomes

Who should attend?

This series is best suited to:

CEOs, Managing Directors and Business Owners
Senior leaders responsible for strategy, technology, transformation, finance, risk or operational performance
Leaders exploring how AI and automation can create measurable value across their organisation

Series Format

Each session is a focused, practical morning designed for decision-makers.

- Breakfast event with arrival networking session

- Keynote-style presentation from Ross Sardi, CEO of First Focus

- Practical frameworks and examples to help leaders assess AI investment and ROI

- Peer discussion with other senior leaders navigating similar decisions

Event Details

Queensland: Thursday 3rd September 2026. The Brisbane Club, Edinburgh Room. 7,00am - 9.00am
New South Wales: Friday 4th September 2026. The Langham Sydney. 8.00am - 10.00am
Victoria: Friday 11th September 2026. Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club. 8.00am - 10.00am.
South Australia: Thursday 17th September 2026. Gilbert Suite, Adelaide Convention Centre. 7.30am - 10.00am

Members: If you’re a CEO Institute member, your invitation is included with your membership and free of charge. You do not need to complete the registration form below. Your Member Experience team will confirm your seat directly.

Non-Members: Guests are welcome and free of charge, subject to availability. If you’d like to attend as a guest, please complete the registration form below and our team will confirm your place.

Note: Seats are limited in each city to protect the quality of the room. We recommend registering early.

Supported by First Focus

The AI Series is delivered with the support of First Focus, bringing deep expertise in technology, cloud, AI and automation to help Australian business leaders make clearer, safer and more commercially confident technology decisions.

Availability is limited. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.