While enterprise giants pour billions into AI, mid-market companies face a very different challenge: how to adopt AI strategically,
affordably, and in a way that actually drives measurable value.
Join VirtuousAI as we unveil the State of AI in the Mid-Market—a candid look at what CEOs are really doing with AI today, what’s
working, and where most organizations are stuck. This session cuts through the hype and delivers a CEO-level blueprint for moving
beyond experiments and building an AI foundation that multiplies growth, efficiency, and competitiveness.
You’ll see a practical, step-by-step roadmap, supported by real client examples, showing exactly how mid-market companies are
walking, running, and scaling AI initiatives that deliver outcomes instead of overhead.
CEO, VirtuousAI
Founder & CEO, Mugsy
Learn how Chief Executive Group collects, uses and protects your data by reviewing our privacy policy.
0
CEO, VirtuousAI
Chris Happ is the CEO of VirtuousAI, where he’s pioneering a new era of execution for mid-market businesses with BAIO—the world’s first Business Automation, Intelligence & Outcomes platform. A serial entrepreneur and seasoned technology leader, Chris has spent his career transforming how companies operate, scale, and win with data.
Driven by a deep understanding of the challenges mid-sized businesses face, Chris launched VirtuousAI to close The Execution Gap, the costly distance between a company’s strategic goals and its ability to deliver. Under his leadership, VirtuousAI is redefining how businesses compete in the AI era: not by outspending the giants, but by out-executing them. His mission is to empower mid-market leaders to move faster, work smarter, and achieve measurable outcomes that drive sustainable growth.
Before founding VirtuousAI, Chris built and exited multiple successful ventures at the intersection of finance, supply chain, and enterprise software. His background blends deep operational knowledge with a visionary approach to automation and business intelligence, making him a trusted voice on the future of work, data, and strategic AI.
Connect with Chris:
VirtuousAI.com
IN: linkedin.com/in/clhapp
IG: @VirtuousAI_official
FB: https://www.facebook.com/VirtuousAIOfficial/
Founder and CEO, Mugsy
Leo Tropeano is the founder and CEO of Mugsy, the men’s clothing brand redefining comfort and style. His journey began over a decade ago when, frustrated by a failed trip to find jeans that both looked sharp and felt good, he set out—despite having no apparel experience—to re-engineer men’s denim from scratch. After years of research and countless prototypes, Mugsy launched its first pair of jeans, offering men the unheard-of combination of style and sweatpants-level comfort.
Leo received his graduate degree from Miami University (OH) in accounting and economics, then honed his business skills as a CPA working at PwC before starting Mugsy. Under Leo’s leadership, Mugsy has grown from a single-product denim disruptor into a full lifestyle brand, relentlessly focused on delivering clothes that look great and feel even better. In recognition of his entrepreneurial vision and impact, Leo was named EY’s 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Midwest and his story is proof that with grit, creativity, and a customer-first mindset, it’s possible to change an industry–one pair of jeans at a time.
Connect with Leo:
mugsyjeans.com
IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-tropeano-30113732/
IG: @mugsy
FB: https://www.facebook.com/mugsyjeans
1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
