DAMA-Chicago 2026 Q2 Chapter Meeting
Our Second Quarter Chapter Meeting of 2026 will be on May 20th. We have two fascinating topics presented by two expert speakers for this morning meeting that will begin at 9am CT and adjourn by noon.
Manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers have a huge reliance on effective and efficient supply chain logistics – the coordination, packaging, warehousing, and movement of goods. Our first speaker will take you through a case study of a successful manufacture’s business transformation where she played a key role.
The use of AI in business ups the stakes on risk. The future of AI and its machine-driven advice and decisions require a strong emphasis on data governance. Our second speaker will present governance considerations and approach to implementing effective agentic AI.
A special thanks to Definian for hosting the meeting. The hybrid meeting will take place at 135 S. LaSalle St., Chicago and will be live-streamed via Zoom and will be recorded. I encourage everyone to attend in person to get an opportunity to network directly with our speakers. Meeting recordings and presentation copies are accessible by current paid-up Chicago chapter members.
AGENDA:
8:30 Check-in and continental breakfast
9:00 Welcome and Chapter Update
9:10 Presentation: From Spreadsheets to Supply Chain Intelligence: Building a Data Foundation for Packaging and Transportation
10:25 Break
10:35 Presentation: Agentic AI Governance: How Data Plays an Even Bigger Role
11:50 Wrap-up
12:00 Meeting adjourned
From Spreadsheets to Supply Chain Intelligence: Building a Data Foundation for Packaging and Transportation
Many supply chains still rely on spreadsheets and disconnected systems to manage packaging and transportation data. This session explores how a global manufacturer modernized its operations by implementing a unified platform that standardizes packaging specifications, manages transportation lanes, and automates carrier communication—creating a scalable data foundation that improves visibility, planning, and logistics performance.Participants will learn:
-
- How organizations can transition from spreadsheet-driven logistics processes to governed operational data platforms
- How standardized packaging and transportation data improves supply chain planning, truck utilization, and cost management
- How integrating supply chain data with EDI, program, manufacturing, and other systems improves visibility and collaboration
- How data governance and operational data models enable more reliable supply chain analytics and decision-making
- Practical lessons learned when implementing a modern supply chain data platform
Presenter: Rita Brasler
Rita Brasler is the Vice President of Insights for Definian. She is responsible for the overall business strategy and execution of delivery for the Insights Practice, with an emphasis on ensuring client and solution success. Rita loves to see clients when solutions support individual and corporate efficiency and top and bottom lines, working elbow-t0-elbow with team and client team members to drive visible results, alignment, and clarity. Recognized for her capacity to empower people at every level of an organization, she excels in establishing enduring value for clients, including numerous Fortune 500 companies and prominent household brands.
Agentic AI Governance: How Data Plays an Even Bigger Role
In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), data is the foundation that powers solutions, including machine learning (ML) models, AI applications, and generative AI large language models (LLMs). Data governance plays a big role in governing AI/ML and GenAI. However, the right quality data, in the right quantity, at the right time, is often challenging to acquire. Now with Agentic AI the role of data becomes even more important than ever. This presentation explores the critical role of data in AI, GenAI, and Agentic AI governance.
Presenter: Gokula Mishra
Gokula Mishra is the Chief Data and AI Officer at OmniProAI and founding editor on the Editorial Board of CDO Magazine. Previously, he held the role of VP of data science and AI/ML at Direct Supply and led data analytics and supply chain globally at McDonald’s. With over 30 years of experience in data analytics and AI/ML across diverse industries, he has generated enduring business value both internally and externally. Currently he advises and helps companies deliver enduring business impact fast using data, AI/GenAI/Agentic AI, and digital transformation. He also advises companies in creating and implementing data and AI strategy, governance, and management, digital transformation, digital twin, and synthetic data.