Steve Brown on Surfing the Waves of AI

On Tuesday, July 15, IFT FIRST attendees will kick off their day with a powerful keynote from Steve Brown, former executive at Google DeepMind and Intel, and best-selling author of The Innovation Ultimatum: How Six Strategic Technologies Will Reshape Every Business in the 2020s.

Known for making complex tech accessible and inspiring, Brown will deliver a fast-paced and visually dynamic talk titled “AI Now and Next: Getting Ready for the Future of AI.”

As an AI futurist, Brown brings a rare front-line perspective to one of the most important technological shifts of our time. In this keynote, he’ll take the audience on a journey through AI’s current capabilities, what’s coming next, and—most importantly—how food and beverage professionals can position themselves and their businesses to thrive in an AI-powered world.

Expect insights that are not only inspiring but actionable, as Brown walks through emerging AI waves—agentic, spatial, and physical—and what they mean for every role in the industry, from the plant floor to the boardroom. Here’s a look at some of the recommendations Brown is expected to share with IFT FIRST attendees:

• Learn to surf the waves of AI transformation. From agentic AI (digital coworkers) to physical AI (humanoid robots), understand how these technologies are arriving in successive waves—and why preparing for each one matters.
• Double down on your humanity. Brown will emphasize the enduring value of emotional intelligence, creativity, and critical thinking in the AI-augmented workplace.
• Discover immediate opportunities for food businesses. From demand forecasting and product consistency to accelerated innovation, learn where AI is already adding value in the food system—and where it promises to go.
• Build a culture of curiosity and readiness. Hear practical strategies for boosting AI literacy, overcoming fear, and fostering responsible, ethical AI adoption in your organization.ft