The inaugural UNLOCK event recently concluded in West Palm Beach, Florida. Hosted by Volaris Group’s DeSilvester Portfolio, Unlock is a reimagined evolution of the Portfolio Summit. The event welcomed nearly 200 software leaders, representing close to 30 companies spanning the UK, US, Canada, Portugal, Netherlands, Switzerland and New Zealand.
The feedback from across our businesses was overwhelmingly positive. Among them, HGEM shared their perspective, noting that the sessions offered fresh insights into how AI can enhance user experiences, efficiency and decision-making.
For our team, Unlock is an opportunity not only to build connections but also to gain perspective from fellow leaders and to bring back strategies that strengthen how we serve our clients and their guests […] We return energised and focused, grateful to be part of a network that values innovation, collaboration, and shared success.
A New Identity with a Familiar Purpose
While the name may be new, the ethos of the event remains the same: a place where collaboration thrives, challenges are tackled collectively, and opportunities are unlocked. Portfolio Leader, Tony DeSilvester reflected on the transition:
“We chose to rebrand because this event has become more than a summit. Unlock reflects the energy, purpose, and opportunities that come when we bring our community together.”
Functional Breakouts: Sharing Expertise Across Teams
Day One of Unlock brought together peers within their respective functions to connect, share challenges, and exchange results. Many of the dynamic sessions carried an AI lens, bringing new energy and inspiration to the conversations.
Tracks included:
- Customer Care: Sessions Included: Structuring CS Function, Account Planning, Support That Scales
- Data Security & IT: Sessions Included: Security Case Study, Business Continuity Planning, AI Governance Fireside Chat
- R&D: Sessions Included: Deep Research in AI, Agentic AI in Engineering
- Human Resources: Sessions Included: Changing World of Work, AI & HR, High Performing Teams
- Professional Services: Sessions Included: AI Use Cases, Driving PS Innovation, Best Practice Workshop
- Leadership: Sessions Included: Ensuring AI Enhances Frameworks, Overcoming Stalled Sales Momentum, Rethinking Initiatives
- Sales: Sessions Included: Qualifying the Deal, CRM Forecasting, Value-Add Selling, Negotiation Tactics
- Marketing: Sessions Included: Prompt Engineering, AEO & GEO Strategies, Driving Pipeline Impact
- Finance: Sessions Included: AI for Finance, Initiative Modelling, Forecasting for Growth
- M&A: Sessions Included: Effective Discovery & Nurture, Fireside Chat with Recent Sellers
Together, these tracks pushed beyond surface-level discussions, tackling the most pressing questions facing our businesses today.
“Unlock25 will go down in my books as one of the most mind-shifting conferences I’ve attended […]. The sessions boldly tackled the most pressing questions in our field right now.”
— Bella Obeng, Product Marketing Manager, Kinetic
Unlocking Customer Value Together
Following the functional breakouts, attendees came together for a hands-on workshop focused on unlocking customer value. Guided by experienced external speakers, the sessions explored how to communicate value and price for impact.
“The sessions were incredibly engaging and the teachings, applicable. The workshop demonstrated that we have a tremendous value-based story to tell, inspiring us to re-pitch a lost deal. Cumulatively, the learnings and ‘aha’ moments provided a powerful spark and focus for our team. I cannot recall a more useful and engaging event.”
— John Boyer, CEO, RAF
Each business then applied the learnings to a real-world challenge they could bring back and action within their teams.
“We’re committed to applying what we learned to every deal; carefully considering who’s at the table, how we position our value, and reflecting on what we can learn if we don’t win. It’s a shift that brings focus and discipline to our entire approach.”
— Randy Walsh, Group Manager (CEO), AssetWorks
AI-Too Mindset
A defining theme throughout the event was the adoption of an AI-too mindset — recognizing that while AI is transformative, its greatest impact comes when applied thoughtfully alongside proven business practices. Rather than AI for AI’s sake, the focus was on how to integrate AI where it adds real value. From internal case studies to group discussions, attendees explored how artificial intelligence can be practically applied to enhance growth, efficiency, and customer experience.
What stood out was the overall mindset: the portfolio of companies is proactively considering how AI can enhance their offerings. By embedding value-add AI into their strategies now, they are positioning themselves to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.
One leader summed up the impact:
“AI is changing the world in tangible ways, but the sessions reinforced that unfocused efforts will fall short. What stood out to me is the importance of aligning AI with business transformation – ensuring we guide and direct our initiatives toward meaningful impact.”
—Clint Tyler, Group Manager (CEO), CaterTrax
Building Community Beyond Sessions
Unlock wasn’t just about structured learning; Informal networking added to the spirit of community that defines DeSilvester portfolio. A lively opening reception set the tone, a mid-event round of mini golf brought a playful break, and the closing reception with live music capped the week on a high note.
“As the week draws to a close, I feel lucky to think back over a truly fantastic week. Volaris Group’s [UNLOCK] was everything I wanted it to be. Educational, practical, challenging and importantly fun.”
—Lianne Cassidy, Operations Manager, DisplayNote
Looking Ahead
As Unlock 2025 concluded, participants departed with renewed inspiration and actionable insights. The event reinforced our collective commitment to growth and leadership development.
Claire Tolhurt, COO of SPARK TSL captured the essence of the event:
I’m back in the UK, fired up and more determined than ever to turn insights into action. Here’s to driving our business and operations forward with purpose, passion, and a whole lot of momentum. Let’s get to it!
—Claire Tolhurst, COO, SPARK TSL
Unlock is just the beginning of this new chapter, with the DeSilvester portfolio poised to unlock even greater opportunities in the year ahead.
