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Published: June 9, 2026
Last week, New York City was the stage for three standout events that brought together leaders, innovators, and alumni from across the data and technology landscape. I was proud to see our team at the heart of these gatherings, both as sponsors and active participants.
Last Wednesday, we were proud to sponsor the Big Data NYC Kick Off Event, kindly hosted by Symphony Communications at their Broadway offices. We kept the audience exclusive and intimate, which set the scene for a relaxed and informal panel discussion. The evening was filled with fantastic conversations and a panel exploring “The Irish Diaspora Shaping NYC’s Big Data Future.” The panel, moderated by Andrea Haughian, Head of Americas at Invest NI, featured Glenn Weinstein (CEO, Cloudsmith), Jane McCooey (Chief of Staff, Morgan Stanley), Conor Twomey (CEO, AI One), and our own Victoria Shanks, MD at First Derivative.
The discussion was relaxed yet inspiring, highlighting the remarkable impact Irish talent has had on New York’s big data scene. It was especially rewarding to hear stories of FD North America’s early successes, which opened doors for so many in our community. Victoria and Conor’s journeys were a testament to the opportunities and growth that have come from those foundations. There were plenty of stories from the early years making their impact on NYC, which brought lots of laughs and certainly inspired the audience. Who knew so much success could come from our little island! We closed the evening with a renewed sense of connection and pride in the Irish diaspora’s achievements.
Thursday’s main event was the Big Data New York conference, themed “AI, Data & the Edge of Intelligent Systems.” The event was hosted in the Business Insider HQ building in the heart of the Financial District, with views overlooking the bustling city. The day brought together industry leaders, technologists, and innovators for a packed agenda. Sessions explored the disruption of media by real-time data and AI, the evolution from AI adoption to AI operations, and the question of whether publishing is now fundamentally a data business.
I was honoured to participate in the “AI at the Edge of Innovation – What’s Next?” panel, alongside other industry leaders: Nicholas McFadden (Regional Director, Version 1), Scott Fischaber (CEO, Analytics Engines), and Dermot Leonard (Commercial Director, Momentum One Zero), chaired by Jane McCooey. There were some really interesting takeaways, and it’s safe to say organisations need to get in line fast as part of the AI disruption, and consider how best to manage our people in this space to keep culture alive while managing the future pipeline of talent.
It was fantastic to see our Senior kdb+/q Developer, Leah Spillane, also representing our team on stage earlier that day with Conal from our partners at KX on the “Understanding Market Volatility with AI” panel. A lively discussion from two Cork natives kept the highly technical conversation very engaging!
The energy and engagement throughout the day were a testament to the strength and ambition of the data community in New York, with many references to First Derivative’s ongoing influence and the achievements of our alumni community.
After the main event, we gathered at Treadwell Park Downtown for a post-conference happy hour, co-sponsored by Options Technology and First Derivative. This informal event provided a perfect setting for networking and catching up with colleagues, clients, and friends after a busy day of panels and discussions.
Numbers were limited, making for a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. It was a pleasure to meet with many of our FD EPAM team members on the ground in New York, as well as connect with key clients. The conversations were lively and the sense of community was strong – a welcome reminder of the value of face-to-face interaction in an increasingly digital world.
Throughout NY Tech Week, the panels and discussions repeatedly referenced First Derivative’s legacy and ongoing influence. It was fantastic to see FD alumni making their mark in impressive careers across the industry, and to witness the continued growth and success of our team in North America.
These events underscored the importance of community, collaboration, and celebrating our shared achievements. I left New York feeling inspired by the talent and energy in the room, and excited for what’s next as we continue to build on our foundations and drive innovation in the data space.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to our partners at Symphony Communications, Options Technology, and of course the team at Big Data NY, Software NI and Invest NI for making these events possible. Here’s to more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate together!
Thanks
Andy
