For all of the physical manifestations we see of digital transformation ,from mobile devices to video boards at stadiums to streaming the stadium experience to any viewer on any screen, it is what we don’t see that is perhaps the most dynamic part of the transformation: data.

From the quality of the data to its accessibility to the speed at which it can be accessed, as well as converted into actionable insights, this “hidden” component is transforming sports and many other industries. Bill and Timothy will discuss the following topics:

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• When the Giants moved to San Francisco in 1958, computer technology was truly nascent, and Silicon Valley was yet to be born. Bill, if you were to pick three big technology shifts that have impacted the sport in the past few decades since being CIO for the Giants, what stands out?

• Like the Giants, who moved from New York, IBM was also founded in New York. From your perch Tim, what would you highlight as some of the more significant trends over the last few decades?

• Regardless of all the technology advances, the players on the field still make the game what it is. However, technology means that more and more statistics are tracked, as well as more and more data on player’s health and performance, too. How do you manage the quality of this data? Its privacy and security? How do you convert it into actionable intelligence for the players and coaching staff?

• As you layout your technology roadmap for the organization, Bill, how do you balance player investments, operational investments, stadium investments and fan experience? Tim, how are you seeing other industries balance these same decisions across their organizations?

• With the massive explosion in data Bill and the ability to deliver customized experiences to fans that come to the ballpark, what are some of the more exciting trends you are seeing with the fan experience? How does that impact not just their experience of the game but concessions and other entertainment at the park? How are you translating that in-stadium experience to fans watching somewhere else? 

• Bill, how are you harnessing data to manage both physical and cyber-security? Tim, how are you seeing those same issues playing themselves out in other industries?

• What are the biggest obstacles to data quality and accessibility? How do you manage the privacy and security of all this data?

• Bill, what are you most excited about in the next few years for the sport? For its use of technology? When you think about what has never been done before with data, technology and the sport of baseball, what jumps to mind as ground-breaking?

• What is one last technology insight or leadership insight you’d both like to share with the audience.