Discover New Worlds: Taking Predictive Analytics to a New Level

13:00 - 14:00 Monday

Join Rob Ashe and Deepak Advani to hear about the newest advances in predictive analytics, and the importance of this capability in the IBM portfolio. Discover how leading organizations are using analytics to solve problems, increase revenue, improve productivity, and cut costs. You'll also get a firsthand look at the latest breakthrough capabilities in decision management and its critical role in predictive analytics.

Santina Franchi will join Deepak and Rob to talk about IBM's commitment to the continued innovation of SPSS solutions. You'll hear about the critical role of SPSS in IBM's most important initiatives, including Smarter Planet, Information Agenda and Business Analytics Optimization services. And how the IBM ecosystem benefits you with better use of information for smarter business outcomes.

We invite you to be part of this compelling leadership conversation where we'll explore trends and best practices, provide a glimpse into what the future holds, and address audience questions.

The Predictioneer's Game

14:00 - 14:45 Monday

Professor Bueno de Mesquita's keynote presentation may startle you – or even shock you – but it will certainly change how you understand the world and manage the future.

He will reveal how game theory, computer algorithms and insights into human motivations and behaviour can be used to model political, business and personal events, as described in his recent book, The Predictioneer's Game.

You may not see life as a game, but Professor de Mesquita does. And his surprising and savvy insights will have you re-examining the strategies you use for any number of daily activities, including closing sales, negotiating with partners or vendors, or mapping out your career path.

Bruce Bueno de Mesquita is a celebrated expert on geopolitics and foreign policy who has worked with the US State Department, Defense Department and Central Intelligence Agency, and has become an important contributor to the formation of US foreign and national security policy. He is also given Fortune 500 companies correct forecasts about the course of their legal, regulatory and merger and acquisitions activities.

He is the author or co-author of fifteen books and more than one hundred articles and other contributions to newspapers and magazines. His other books include The Logic of Political Survival, War and Reason, Predicting Politics, and The War Trap.

In a 2005 survey conducted by Foreign Policy magazine, Professor Bueno de Mesquita was identified as one of the ten most influential political scientists in the foreign policy arena. In 1992, he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Smart Communication in Tough Times

11:10 - 12:10 Tuesday

If you can communicate effectively with clients and colleagues, you're far more likely to secure their co-operation, which can lead to increased opportunities for successful partnering and business growth. This sounds simple – but it's far from simple to do.

Mark Jeffries, a former stockbroker and now an author and frequent guest on TV news shows such as NBC's Today Show, BBC News and Fox Business, and knows the secrets to communicating with others to reach positive outcomes. He'll share these secrets with Directions attendees during his compelling and useful keynote speech.

Jeffries' speech will cover topics discussed in his book What's up with your handshake? Now only will he describe how to influence others, the golden rules of networking, making more powerful and effective presentations and pitches, he'll also discuss ‘techniquette' – the etiquette of technology. Recognizing the power of today's communications technologies, Jeffries will also speak about how organisations can use IBM SPSS technology to deliver personalised messages will be welcomed and relevant to the people receiving them.

Mark Jeffries, who divides his time between Europe and North America, is an expert in strategic communication and ‘soft skills’. His advice is widely sought by large corporations such as Microsoft, IBM and Boeing.

An experienced and entertaining speaker and Master of Ceremonies, Jeffries will leave delegates with a valuable collection of innovative ideas for fostering client relationships and dealing with organisational challenges.