Learning from the IT Community: Clark CGA at SpiceWorld Conference 2025

In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the digital landscape, maintaining the technology behind a research center requires constant adaptation. Staying ahead of these trends is critical for ensuring that Clark Center for Geospatial Analytics (Clark CGA) remains a secure and efficient environment for students and faculty. To navigate these shifting standards, Clark CGA looks to industry leaders and peer communities for the latest insights in IT management and cybersecurity.

This focus on community and shared knowledge was the driving force behind Clark CGA IT Specialist Pete Wason’s recent attendance at the SpiceWorld Conference 2025. Organized for users of the Spiceworks software ecosystem, the event distinguished itself from massive industry trade shows by maintaining an intimate, community-first atmosphere. Moreover, the conference prioritized peer-to-peer problem solving over sales pitches, allowing IT professionals to discuss real-world solutions.

A central theme of this year’s gathering was the complex role of AI in modern networks. While AI was integrated into every session and keynote, the reception among attendees was mixed. Wason noted a distinct divide between industry voices positioning AI as an inevitable tool for efficiency and the professionals who remain skeptical about its reliability. He further highlighted a compelling statistic shared at the event which suggested that nearly two-thirds of IT professionals are hesitant to integrate AI into their systems.

This hesitation often stems from the nature of Large Language Models, which can be difficult to secure and prone to errors. Despite this caution, the conference emphasized the necessity of adapting to AI-driven threats. Additionally, these sessions illustrated how automation is accelerating the speed of external cyber attacks, leaving internal teams with less time to react to security breaches. The consensus was that even if IT managers are wary of using AI, they must be prepared to defend against it.

For Clark CGA, participation in these events provides tangible benefits beyond high-level theory. The conference served as a vital networking hub where Wason connected directly with key vendors, including Dell, whose hardware is integral to the center’s operations. By maintaining these relationships and understanding the problems other technical teams have already solved, Clark CGA ensures its infrastructure is ready to support the next generation of geospatial research at Clark University.