Monday, 7 July 2025

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

Ascend 2025 webinar conference with people

Take Back Control with Real-Time Visibility of Parts and Productivity

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.

Sylvain at the Ascend2025 giving a speech

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.

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Want to learn more?

Sylvain hosted a live webinar with Louis Moreaux to expand on this topic. Don’t miss the chance to see how Select AI is changing the way users interact with Oracle EBS.

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.

Talan expert at Ascend2025 giving a speech with a an event apron on

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.”)

Sylvain at the Ascend2025 next to a poster of himself

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.

Keep the Conversation Going

Have an idea for a webinar topic? Want to co-present with us at an upcoming event? We’re always looking for ways to highlight real use cases and practical innovation. Reach out—we’re here to build what matters to you.

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