Last week, the Wellspring team joined a diverse mix of hundreds of knowledge exchange professionals at KEUK 2026 in Newport. After all was said and done, we came away with plenty to noodle over.
This year’s conference felt a little different. There was a broader emphasis on knowledge exchange, not just technology transfer, which widened the scope of conversations on the floor and in the sessions. Attendees ranged from early-stage teams still building out their foundational processes to well-established offices fine-tuning what’s already working. That mix made for genuinely interesting, nuanced dialogue.
Amid all the variety, a few consistent themes kept surfacing.
AI Has Moved From “Soon” to “Now”
If there was one message that came through loud and clear, it was that AI adoption is no longer a horizon topic. Future-ready operations are already in it. They are working through how to use it responsibly and effectively, not debating whether to start.
The conversations we had reflected that shift. The question isn’t whether to bring AI into knowledge exchange workflows; it’s how to do it in a way that actually delivers value. From identifying opportunities and analyzing data to streamlining day-to-day operations, organizations recognize that embracing AI is essential to remain competitive, efficient, and impactful in an increasingly complex environment.
The interest is real and momentum is building.
The Value of a Trusted Partner
Something else stood out: organizations aren’t just looking for software, they’re looking for support. They are seeking the help of trusted partners in combining the right tools with strategic guidance. That combination is what resonated most when we talked about what Wellspring brings to the table.
Whether teams are navigating a specific challenge or working through a larger transformation, having a partner that understands both the technology and the process seems to matter more than ever.
It Was Good To Be in the Room
Events like KEUK reinforce the importance of community, shared learning, and adaptability. You rarely get this many TTO professionals in the same place, talking openly about what’s working and what isn’t. While everyone faces different day-to-day realities, there was a strong sense of alignment around key priorities, particularly the adoption of AI and the need for effective, scalable support systems.
The conversations we had at the booth, between sessions, and over coffee reinforced a lot of what we hear day to day and gave us a few new angles to think about too.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by or found time to meet. If we didn’t manage to connect in Newport, we’re always free to talk.