Fine-Tuning AI, Fueling Insights at the Microsoft AI Tour

Highlights from the Microsoft AI Tour New York 2025. Industry leaders, live demos, and cutting-edge insights on AI transformation, fine-tuning, and RAG technology

Picture this: A bustling conference hall filled with AI enthusiasts, industry experts, and curious minds buzzing with ideas. Add in the electric energy of live demos, deep-dive discussions and, most importantly, the joy of socializing with like-minded people who geek out over machine learning just as much as I do. That was the Microsoft AI Tour at the Javits Center!

Wish you were there, but if not, contact me and I'll share summaries of the key sessions I attended and how they can help future-proof your insights program.

A Day of Innovation (and Caffeine) at the Microsoft AI Tour

Fueled by coffee and curiosity, I explored ways to fine-tune MAI-A, STRATEGENCE's Generative AI in market research. With 30 years of expertise, we've built a deep understanding of consumer insights. MAI-A is the next step—harnessing AI for faster, more nuanced market insights + innovations. The Microsoft AI Tour was the perfect chance to refine its capabilities using cutting-edge advancements in AI-powered analytics.

Microsoft didn't disappoint. Experts covered everything from real-time AI-powered analytics to the ethical considerations of generative models. Each session was packed with actionable takeaways, but the real magic happened in between—during the impromptu conversations, the quick brainstorming sessions over snacks, and the shared 'aha!' moments with fellow attendees.

Collaborating, Iterating, and Leveling Up

One of the biggest highlights was getting hands-on with Azure's AI tools. Microsoft's demos showcased impressive advancements in AI model customization. I got to test-drive some of their fine-tuning capabilities on actual workstreams.

Better yet? I wasn't doing it alone. Collaborating with peers who are just as passionate about AI made the experience even more engaging. I swapped insights with researchers, engineers, and even a few entrepreneurs, each bringing unique perspectives.

The Social Side of AI

While the technical discussions were top-notch, I can't forget the best part—socializing. AI conferences have a reputation for being intense. Still, the Microsoft AI Tour perfectly balanced deep learning (pun intended) and good old-fashioned networking. Between sessions, I met some fantastic people who were equally obsessed with optimizing workflows and making AI more accessible. Some of them may even become future collaborators.

The Takeaway: AI is More Than Just Code

If there's one thing I walked away with, it's this: AI is as much about people as it is about technology. Fine-tuning models, testing architectures, and deploying solutions are crucial, but the conversations, the shared problem-solving, and the collective drive to innovate. That's where the real impact happens.

The Microsoft AI Tour reminded me that we're not just building better AI—we're fostering a more innovative, more connected community of thinkers and doers. That's what makes applying it to market research so exciting, as marketing insights + innovations increasingly become data source agnostic.

Until Next Time, Microsoft AI Tour!

For now, it's back to the drawing board. Armed with fresh insights, new contacts, and a renewed enthusiasm from the Microsoft AI Tour 2025, we are pushing the limits of what AI can do in market research.

Until then, happy fine-tuning!

Want to learn how hoe we built MAI-A, our proprietary agentic workstream, book a free consultation here or drop me an email at rsilvestre@strategence-us.com