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Amazon re:MARS 2019 Conference: Artificial Intelligence Arrives

Amazon is set to put an even brighter, dedicated spotlight on the rise of artificial intelligence. Indeed, the technology giant is launching Amazon re:MARS 2019 -- a new conference focused on AI that's sure to attract many of the world's top influencers.

The title re:MARS is short for Machine Learning, Automation, Robotics and Space. The event is confirmed for June 4-7 at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Yes, AI has dominated many business and technology headlines for at least the past two years or so. But this conference launch signals something far more. Indeed, Amazon has a knack for taking a hot topic or key focus area -- and then rallying an entire industry around the cause.

Deja Vu: Amazon AWS re:Invent Conference

Anybody else remember how the Amazon AWS re:Invent conference started small, caught fire, and then emerged as one of the most strategic annual events for cloud, automation and business transformation strategies?

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos: Stepping down
Jeff Bezos

I suspect we'll see Amazon re:MARS 2019 become equally strategic for those seeking to understand the next AI trends, and their implications for quite literally everything around us.

As Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos puts it:

“We’re at the beginning of a golden age of AI. Recent advancements have already led to invention that previously lived in the realm of science fiction—and we’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible. AI is an enabling technology that can improve products and services across all industries. We’re excited to create re:MARS, bringing together leaders and builders from diverse areas to share learnings and spark new ideas for future innovation.”

Amazon re:MARS 2019: Partner Implications

What does all that mean for channel partners, IT consultants, MSPs and other market influencers? In many cases, AI will simply be a service that we don't really notice or think about. Example: Alexa's growing ubiquity -- though we don't necessarily "notice" the technology as it spreads around us.

AI is already reshaping IT security, help desks and IT service management and other traditional services that partners strive to monetize. It's a safe bet we'll see the next round of AI services surface at Amazon re:MARS 2019.

See you there?

Joe Panettieri

Joe Panettieri is co-founder & editorial director of MSSP Alert and ChannelE2E, the two leading news & analysis sites for managed service providers in the cybersecurity market.