The second edition of the Entrepreneurial Advent at Aspira called “Artificial Intelligence: Weight or Inspiration” filled the largest hall, which exuded Christmas flair and quality discussion about artificial intelligence. The event started at 18:00 with the dean’s introduction, followed by the keynote speaker’s speech, followed by a debate, after which everyone continued to socialize with an acoustic concert and cocktails and delicacies from Aspira’s kitchen.
The event was opened by Aspire dean Alen Jerkunica, who emphasized the importance of gathering and encouraging quality discussions.
– The idea of Entrepreneurial Advent is networking, i.e. networking and exchange of experiences, but with a casual approach and interactivity. Today we will gain new experiences, and maybe we will agree on new jobs and partnerships. I am sure that this will be a nice gathering at, possibly the only entrepreneurial advent in the world, the Entrepreneurial Advent Jerkunica opened.
After the introduction, Sandro Kraljević took the keynote, who in a half-hour lecture covered the topic: “Can we (and how) deal with continuous entrepreneurial stress?”.
– Entrepreneurial stress doesn’t stop, it just changes its form and depends on the stage your business is in. To begin with, how to find the first client, and then how to deal with finances. When your business grows a little, we come to the question of how to hire the first person and then how to deal with potential financial losses. And because of all this, it is important to act proactively. There is a journey to every goal, and it is important to know that the achievement of the goal itself will not be complete if we are not satisfied with the way we got there, explained psychologist and entrepreneur Sandro Kraljević.
The central part of the event was a debate in which four speakers debated the topic “Artificial intelligence: Weight or inspiration” moderated by Pinija Poljaković.
Toni Boban and Nina Erceg debated as advocates of artificial intelligence, while Dragana Eterović and Martina Raškaj were on the other side.
– In our panel tonight, we will find out the arguments for and against. We will see where artificial intelligence needs and can help us, and where its dangers are hidden. We will find out if they will ever replace us or if the human factor will continue to be decisive in many professions, moderator Pinija Poljaković opened the discussion.
After that, the argumentative exchange of views began.
– While I was at university, artificial intelligence was not available, mostly only at a theoretical level. In the last 15 years, artificial intelligence has become such a broad field that it is a real inspiration. Also, it is important to know what the model is trained for and how best to use it, because otherwise the results will not be what we might expect. It is necessary to look at technology as it can help people the most, Nina Erceg began with her argument.
Then Martina Raškaj continued with her opinion.
– The human factor is extremely important in service activities. Nothing can replace warmth and a human smile because it’s all part of business. Artificial intelligence is a valuable tool, but I believe that, for now, it cannot replace knowledge when creating resumes and similar consultative tasks, said Raškaj.
Then Toni Boban stepped in brilliantly.
– The prevailing opinion was that creative professions would remain exempt, but the development of artificial intelligence has largely affected the creative industry as well. Personally, I’m still actively working on creative stuff without AI, but the things and the number of iterations that AI can create is astounding. I believe they will turn my industry upside down, said Boban.
Dragana Eterović continued the debate.
– When it comes to a large hotel, artificial intelligence is desirable, while in a small hotel it can often be counterproductive because human contact is an experience that is expected from this type of hotel. Artificial intelligence cannot convey an apology or the warmth that needs to be conveyed to a guest in mutual interaction, Eterović told her experience.
After more than an hour of discussion with a whole series of questions, the formal part of the Entrepreneurial Advent was concluded with a raffle.
All those present then moved to the Aspirin bar, where they were welcomed by Jelena Bikić with her brand of natural cosmetics Silvan, Vice Damjanović, who is the co-owner of String’s bar and the owner of Liquid Entertainment, with cocktails from String’s bar, and Goran Čipčić with Zorina masti. Exhibitors donated their products to lucky raffle winners.
Socializing with business connections lasted for a few more hours, which was completed with a great concert by the band The Fire.
This year, Entrepreneurial Advent lived up to its reputation and set the bar even higher. Such events combine knowledge, business connections and learning in the best possible way into a memorable joint experience.