Looking Ahead with Elevate: Chris Stanley Recaps Dell Technologies World 2025

By Chris Stanley, Elevate Board of Directors President

Each year, Dell Technologies World brings together innovators, technologists, and leaders to explore what’s next in IT and 2025 was no exception. The energy, the breakthroughs, the urgency of staying ahead in a rapidly evolving tech landscape all left a lasting impression.

As I reflect on my experience, a few moments stand out.

One of the biggest highlights was the debut of the Dell Pro Max Plus, an enterprise-grade AI-enabled laptop featuring a discrete Qualcomm AI 100 NPU for on-device inferencing of large models. So much power packed into such a small machine, it’s the kind of leap forward that gets people talking.

Another standout was Dell’s Automation Platform. It’s clear that Dell Technologies is listening to its communities and developing solutions that genuinely support IT leaders like us. Tools that make it easier to manage rollouts and migrations are a big win. They’re not just innovating for innovation’s sake, but they’re actually solving problems we face.

As always, the keynotes set the tone. Michael Dell shared some staggering data, like the fact that 80% of all data is currently in cold storage. That stat alone made me rethink how we as IT professionals are managing    and accessing information. He also highlighted that there are already 3,000 AI Factory customers, which shows just how quickly AI is being adopted across industries. Jeff Clarke’s message was equally resonant: “If you haven’t started, you’re behind.” I could see that line hitting home for a lot of attendees.

So what does this all mean for our Elevate community?

The pace of innovation is relentless. Technology isn’t just changing what we do but it’s also reshaping our roles, our strategies, and sometimes even our careers. That’s why staying plugged into events like DTW should be a priority. We’re surrounded by talk of AI, and for good reason: the use cases are everywhere. If you haven’t begun your AI journey, or if you feel stuck, please know you’re not alone. And more importantly, know that Elevate is here to help.

The insights we gain from events like DTW directly influence how Elevate operates. They spark conversations at the board level and beyond, guiding the kind of content, experiences, and conversations we aim to bring to our members. Whether it’s through webinars, conferences, or virtual sessions, we’re committed to making sure the most relevant insights reach you, when and how you need them.

On a personal note, I found this year’s Dell Technologies World energizing and full of purpose. In a world where in-person interaction is becoming less frequent, being surrounded by people who share a passion for technology and innovation was incredibly meaningful. Events like this remind us why community matters.

If you missed Dell Technologies World this year, I encourage you to dig into the key takeaways and keep the conversation going with your Elevate peers. And if you attended, let us know what stood out to you.

We’ll see you at an upcoming Elevate event soon: https://elevatetechcommunity.org/events