From the Booth to the Chef’s Table: Highlights from Ascend 2025

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When your team returns from an event like Ascend 2025, you expect good stories, new insights, and maybe a few tired feet. Some bonuses that you could get; a cooking-themed tech session, a star speaker award, and a flood of conversations about the future of AI in Oracle environments. 

In a recent webinar recap, Monty Latiolais and Sylvain Martel of Talan—formerly Insum—shared their favorite takeaways from this year’s OATUG Ascend conference. If you missed it, here’s what stood out.

A Conference That Clicked

Let’s start with logistics—because when the venue works, everything else flows. Held again at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, the setup proved to be a sweet spot: all-in-one accommodations, great food options, and a layout that encouraged networking. According to Monty and Sylvain, it struck a rare balance between convenience and energizing.

The conference app also got a glowing review. (These two are Conference Professionals!) From seamless session tracking to real-time attendee networking and even local recommendations, it raised the bar for event tech. Other conferences, take note.

The AI Everywhere Moment

If there was one theme that dominated Ascend, it was AI. From hallways to session rooms, AI was everywhere—and for good reason.

Sylvain’s session, “AI-Powered Data Queries: Simplifying Oracle E-Business Suite,” showcased one of the most practical use cases: enabling users to query enterprise data using natural language. No complex syntax. Just ask a question—and get results.

The result? A packed room, engaged questions, and a clear takeaway: AI isn’t replacing your job—but someone who knows how to use it just might.

Cooking Up Innovation with Oracle APEX

Let’s talk about the session that had people calling out “Chef Martel!” in the conference halls.

In a twist on your typical workshop, Monty, Sylvain, and Oracle’s Jason Haynes brought “Cooking with APEX” to life—literally. Styled after a culinary showdown, this session broke down how to integrate Oracle APEX with EBS using Oracle’s new integration patch. Attendees followed along as ingredients (a.k.a. APEX features) were combined into functional, real-world applications.

The format was unexpected, the engagement was high, and the laughter was real. Even Oracle’s product leads were in the audience, taking notes and applauding creativity. And yes—there’s a cookbook coming soon, with step-by-step “recipes” to re-create the session’s integrations. If you attended and missed the session or are a member of OATUG, make sure to check out the recorded version.

Booth Buzz + Business Realities

This was our first time at the booth as Talan, as we recently took the leap to completing our transition from Insum to Talan. The attendees we spoke with were clearly focused, with meaningful questions around modernization, APEX, EBS and AI integration.

A Standing Ovation

We couldn’t wrap up without shouting out Sylvain Martel, who was named Star Presenter of the Year! A well-deserved recognition for someone who makes complex topics accessible—and fun. (Even while being called “Chef.”)

What to Watch for Next

So, what should organizations be paying attention to?

1. AI – And not just generative AI. Think: natural language querying, automation, data augmentation, and decision-making support.
2. Oracle APEX – With continued investment and rapid updates, it’s more powerful and versatile than ever.
3. Oracle EBS – Still alive and well, with Oracle continuing to invest in modernization and cloud-friendly integrations.

Whether you're on-prem, in the cloud, or somewhere in between, the message was clear: these tools aren’t just sticking around—they’re evolving fast.