Brian Laughlin
2026 Speaker

Brian Laughlin

Technical Fellow / Systems Engineer, Digital Transformation (DTx)

Boeing

About

A problem-solving, business solutions architect, and usability expert (33+yrs, 28 at Boeing), specializing in Web/Internet/ Advanced Visualization, XR, Mobile technologies, with an extensive Lean process improvement background in IS/IT, engineering and manufacturing production environments, with a proven record of strategic business innovation, collaboration, and leadership resulting in hundreds of millions in direct savings, and estimated totals of over 2 billion. Brian has a Ph.D. in Human Factors and Masters in Experimental Psychology. A prolific inventor, Brian has 126 invention disclosures, patents (both pending and granted ) and trade secrets, with more in process, in the areas of: Supply Chain Management, XR, Security, eBusiness Processes and Utilities, Advanced Visual Display technologies, Deep Brain Stimulation, Drone Swarm, etc. Brian also has many awards attesting to his role as an innovator and problem solver including: 2 Tech Replication, 3 Special Invention, 5 Meritorious, an Ed Wells Innovation and Jack A Kraft Innovation, and WSU Alum of the year in Psychology, Awards. Leveraging his extensive manufacturing and Lean process improvement background, and intimate understanding of our airplane business, he is a serial innovator of high-value, business process improvements using leading edge, emerging technologies, across a plethora of business needs. Specialties: User Experience/UI, Human Factors Psychology, Usability, Innovation, Visioneering, Problem Analysis and deconstruction, Lean computing (IS/IT), Business Process Re-engineering, Lean Business Solution Development, Web, Internet/Mobile, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, RFID, Technology, Cloud, Virtual, IT Architecture, Systems Thinking, Business Systems Design, Business Process Re-engineering, Lean Manufacturing, Process Improvement, Leadership, Executive Teaching, Coaching, Mentoring and Consulting.

2026 Sessions

Oct 134:20 PM5:05 PM
Main StagePanel

(Panel) Return on Technology: Measuring the Success of AI, XR & Digital Twins

Atrium Ballroom A

While many organizations have validated AI, XR, and digital twin use cases, translating early success into sustained investment – especially amid economic uncertainty and workforce upheaval – requires clear, defensible ROI. In this session, enterprise leaders share best practices for defining, measuring, and communicating the business value of emerging technologies. Topics include prioritizing measurable use cases, capturing both quantitative and qualitative impact, managing stakeholder expectations, and more: Success criteria : Establishing baselines; aligning technical metrics with business KPIs (productivity, revenue, cost) Use case selection : Prioritizing use cases with measurable outcomes, accessible data, and low integration overhead  Data capture & KPIs : Capturing reliable data, connecting to analytics systems, and tracking outcomes like time-to-proficiency, error reduction, and downtime avoidance Cost modeling : Evaluating total cost of ownership vs. projected savings and revenue  Indirect value : Incorporating qualitative factors like employee experience, safety, and engagement  Benchmarking : Comparing results against legacy processes, alternatives, and industry benchmarks  Communicating the business case : Translating results into financial terms (ROI, payback period, NPV) Managing expectations : Setting realistic timelines for early results vs. scaled impact Organizational enablers : Role of executive sponsorship, internal champions, and cross-functional alignment