Atita Arora is an AI Search Expert with nearly 2 decades of hands-on engagements across ecommerce, health, media, finance, legal, enterprise, geospatial, and government platforms. She has held senior search and AI roles at Voyager Search, Qdrant, and OpenSource Connections, and runs an independent AI advisory and solution consulting practice. https://speakerdeck.com/atarora 2026-06-26 13:50:42 -0400 Delivered it as part of https://maven.com/p/49843c/your-agents-are-only-as-good-as-your-retrieval Why this topic matters Agents can only reason over what they retrieve. As systems gain more autonomy—and MCP gives them access to more tools and sources—a weak relevance layer can turn one bad result into a confident, consequential action. Before investing in orchestration, teams need to know whether their agents are finding the right evidence in the first place. Delivered it as part of https://maven.com/p/49843c/your-agents-are-only-as-good-as-your-retrieval Why this topic matters Agents can only reason over what they retrieve. As systems gain more autonomy—and MCP gives them access to more tools and sources—a weak relevance layer can turn one bad result into a confident, consequential action. Before investing in orchestration, teams need to know whether their agents are finding the right evidence in the first place. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/your-agents-are-only-as-good-as-your-retrieval https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/your-agents-are-only-as-good-as-your-retrieval Neural search (a.k.a. Vector search) has rewritten the standards of information retrieval in many different domains. Vector search can help you gather a better understanding of the user query intent, drive product recommendations, search across different source data (text, images, audio, video), deliver better results, improve personalization and create a more successful user experience. Vector search goes beyond keywords to harvest the potential of graphs and embeddings to match users to the intended document, product, job, picture, song, or video. As fascinating as this may sound it's easy to find ourselves lost in the deluge of new information. If you're struggling to get started, understand what vector search can bring to the party, add cool new models such as OpenAI models and want to avoid common pitfalls, this talk is for you. Video here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7PQNyeQrXQ Neural search (a.k.a. Vector search) has rewritten the standards of information retrieval in many different domains. Vector search can help you gather a better understanding of the user query intent, drive product recommendations, search across different source data (text, images, audio, video), deliver better results, improve personalization and create a more successful user experience. Vector search goes beyond keywords to harvest the potential of graphs and embeddings to match users to the intended document, product, job, picture, song, or video. As fascinating as this may sound it's easy to find ourselves lost in the deluge of new information. If you're struggling to get started, understand what vector search can bring to the party, add cool new models such as OpenAI models and want to avoid common pitfalls, this talk is for you. Video here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7PQNyeQrXQ Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/june-2023-vectorize-your-open-source-search-engine https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/june-2023-vectorize-your-open-source-search-engine Vector search has transformed the landscape of information retrieval across various domains. By transcending traditional keyword-based approaches, vector search offers a semantic understanding of user query intent, improves result precision by leveraging various data sources (text, images, audio, video), and delivers superior search results, ultimately enhancing user experiences. Join us as we explore the realm of neural search and its game-changing impact. We will delve into the fundamentals of vector search, uncover its remarkable capabilities, and reveal practical strategies for implementation. Additionally, we will showcase how to integrate state-of-the-art LLMs and multimodal models to augment the power of vector search. By attending this talk, you will gain invaluable insights, guidance, and techniques to embrace neural search and supercharge your information retrieval systems. More info - https://communityovercode.org/past-sessions/community-over-code-na-2023/ Vector search has transformed the landscape of information retrieval across various domains. By transcending traditional keyword-based approaches, vector search offers a semantic understanding of user query intent, improves result precision by leveraging various data sources (text, images, audio, video), and delivers superior search results, ultimately enhancing user experiences. Join us as we explore the realm of neural search and its game-changing impact. We will delve into the fundamentals of vector search, uncover its remarkable capabilities, and reveal practical strategies for implementation. Additionally, we will showcase how to integrate state-of-the-art LLMs and multimodal models to augment the power of vector search. By attending this talk, you will gain invaluable insights, guidance, and techniques to embrace neural search and supercharge your information retrieval systems. More info - https://communityovercode.org/past-sessions/community-over-code-na-2023/ Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/oct-2023-transforming-your-search-with-cutting-edge-techniques-and-llm-models https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/oct-2023-transforming-your-search-with-cutting-edge-techniques-and-llm-models In this presentation, Atita aims to illuminate the transformative influence of vector search on generative AI (Gen AI) applications by comparing purpose-built and traditional databases integrated with vector capabilities. Their goal is to showcase the pivotal role of database selection in the success of Gen AI applications, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing quality over convenience. Through a detailed examination of the complexities and operational limitations faced by traditional databases adapting to vector search, speaker highlights how purpose-built solutions offer unparalleled efficiency and reliability in meeting the evolving demands of Gen AI applications. Atita hopes that their audience will gain a deep understanding of the impact of vector databases on the performance and scalability of Gen AI applications, enabling them to make informed decisions when choosing between purpose-built and traditional databases for vector search. Ultimately, this presentation seeks to clarify the need for the adoption of advanced database solutions that can empower Gen AI applications to deliver real-time responsiveness, contextual relevance, and optimal performance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. More info - https://events.pinetool.ai/3254/#sessions/107999?referrer%5Bpathname%5D=%2Fsessions&referrer%5Bsearch%5D=&referrer%5Btitle%5D=Sessions In this presentation, Atita aims to illuminate the transformative influence of vector search on generative AI (Gen AI) applications by comparing purpose-built and traditional databases integrated with vector capabilities. Their goal is to showcase the pivotal role of database selection in the success of Gen AI applications, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing quality over convenience. Through a detailed examination of the complexities and operational limitations faced by traditional databases adapting to vector search, speaker highlights how purpose-built solutions offer unparalleled efficiency and reliability in meeting the evolving demands of Gen AI applications. Atita hopes that their audience will gain a deep understanding of the impact of vector databases on the performance and scalability of Gen AI applications, enabling them to make informed decisions when choosing between purpose-built and traditional databases for vector search. Ultimately, this presentation seeks to clarify the need for the adoption of advanced database solutions that can empower Gen AI applications to deliver real-time responsiveness, contextual relevance, and optimal performance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. More info - https://events.pinetool.ai/3254/#sessions/107999?referrer%5Bpathname%5D=%2Fsessions&referrer%5Bsearch%5D=&referrer%5Btitle%5D=Sessions Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/nov-2024-impact-of-vector-search-unraveling-purpose-built-vs-traditional-databases-for-gen-ai-applications https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/nov-2024-impact-of-vector-search-unraveling-purpose-built-vs-traditional-databases-for-gen-ai-applications Information retrieval-based techniques to get best out of you RAG ! Information retrieval-based techniques to get best out of you RAG ! Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/oct-2024-without-good-retrieval-rag-is-just-ag-all-guesswork https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/oct-2024-without-good-retrieval-rag-is-just-ag-all-guesswork Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) has become a cornerstone for integrating domain-specific content and addressing hallucinations in AI applications. As the adoption of RAG solutions intensifies across industries, a pressing challenge emerges: understanding and identifying where within the complex RAG framework changes and improvements can be made. This talk delves into the methodology of extracting crucial indicators from your RAG pipeline, empowering informed decision-making during experimentation. Join us as we navigate an end-to-end process for RAG experimentation and evaluation, offering insights into optimizing performance and addressing hurdles along the RAG implementation journey. Recorded live in San Francisco at the AI Engineer World's Fair. Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DId2KP8Ykz4 Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) has become a cornerstone for integrating domain-specific content and addressing hallucinations in AI applications. As the adoption of RAG solutions intensifies across industries, a pressing challenge emerges: understanding and identifying where within the complex RAG framework changes and improvements can be made. This talk delves into the methodology of extracting crucial indicators from your RAG pipeline, empowering informed decision-making during experimentation. Join us as we navigate an end-to-end process for RAG experimentation and evaluation, offering insights into optimizing performance and addressing hurdles along the RAG implementation journey. Recorded live in San Francisco at the AI Engineer World's Fair. Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DId2KP8Ykz4 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/june-2024-navigating-rag-optimization-with-an-evaluation-driven-compass https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/june-2024-navigating-rag-optimization-with-an-evaluation-driven-compass Join us for an enlightening exploration into the world of Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) systems, where we uncover the intricacies of evaluation criteria and demystify the role of existing tools and frameworks. In this presentation, we'll dissect the essential components necessary for robust RAG evaluation, contrasting them with the offerings of current frameworks. From semantic understanding to content coherence, we'll highlight what truly matters in the evaluation process, empowering you to make informed decisions in the ever-evolving landscape of RAG systems. Video here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swI4SLDTFH0 Join us for an enlightening exploration into the world of Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) systems, where we uncover the intricacies of evaluation criteria and demystify the role of existing tools and frameworks. In this presentation, we'll dissect the essential components necessary for robust RAG evaluation, contrasting them with the offerings of current frameworks. From semantic understanding to content coherence, we'll highlight what truly matters in the evaluation process, empowering you to make informed decisions in the ever-evolving landscape of RAG systems. Video here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swI4SLDTFH0 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/june-2024-cracking-the-code-deciphering-evaluation-essentials-for-rag https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/june-2024-cracking-the-code-deciphering-evaluation-essentials-for-rag Agentic AI systems are emerging as powerful tools that can anticipate needs and make autonomous decisions. In this session, Atita Arora Independent Solution Architect, ex-Qdrant explores the practical applications and implications of these proactive AI agents across industries. We'll examine: Core principles of agentic AI and how it differs from traditional reactive systems Real-world case studies in healthcare, finance, and customer service Potential benefits, including improved efficiency and decision-making accuracy Challenges in implementation, including integration with existing systems and processes Ethical considerations and the need for human oversight Through concrete examples and critical analysis, we'll assess whether agentic AI represents a genuine leap forward in decision-making or if it's an overhyped trend. Attendees will gain insights into the current state of agentic AI and its potential impact on their industries. Video here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXYHwmKT7mw Agentic AI systems are emerging as powerful tools that can anticipate needs and make autonomous decisions. In this session, Atita Arora Independent Solution Architect, ex-Qdrant explores the practical applications and implications of these proactive AI agents across industries. We'll examine: Core principles of agentic AI and how it differs from traditional reactive systems Real-world case studies in healthcare, finance, and customer service Potential benefits, including improved efficiency and decision-making accuracy Challenges in implementation, including integration with existing systems and processes Ethical considerations and the need for human oversight Through concrete examples and critical analysis, we'll assess whether agentic AI represents a genuine leap forward in decision-making or if it's an overhyped trend. Attendees will gain insights into the current state of agentic AI and its potential impact on their industries. Video here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXYHwmKT7mw Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/from-reactive-to-proactive-is-agentic-ai-the-future-of-decision-making https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/from-reactive-to-proactive-is-agentic-ai-the-future-of-decision-making The AI agent revolution promises to transform products, but reality is more nuanced. This session brings together three perspectives: where the hype originates, what users actually need vs what’s promised, and the technical limitations we face today. Through startup investment, product management, and AI architecture lenses, we’ll bridge the gap between market excitement and practical implementation. Attendees will learn how to build AI agents that solve real problems rather than chase technological possibilities. Video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1eR4hsnWh0 The AI agent revolution promises to transform products, but reality is more nuanced. This session brings together three perspectives: where the hype originates, what users actually need vs what’s promised, and the technical limitations we face today. Through startup investment, product management, and AI architecture lenses, we’ll bridge the gap between market excitement and practical implementation. Attendees will learn how to build AI agents that solve real problems rather than chase technological possibilities. Video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1eR4hsnWh0 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/ai-agents-from-hype-to-reality https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/ai-agents-from-hype-to-reality What you'll learn Misunderstood failure patterns holding back your AI search Most search failures are misdiagnosed. Learn to name what you're experiencing before you reach for the wrong solution. Decades of wisdom from the front-lines of top search teams Lessons learned across diverse clients of companies like at Qdrant, Voyager Search, Lucidworks, OpenSource Connections. 10 patterns. Every search system fits one. A diagnostic map across ecommerce, media, legal, finance, geospatial and more, with the signature failure mode for each. Agentic retrieval inherits your broken archetype It's not a new problem. It's your existing problem, now with an agent on top. Why this topic matters Many teams waste time implementing AI Search solutions that solve the wrong problem. They keep rebuilding relevance when they have a catalog problem. They add vector search when there's a schema problem. They tune ranking, but have no signal. Every search failure belongs to a recognizable pattern, and this session gives you the diagnostic layer top search consultants learn, but most teams skip. What you'll learn Misunderstood failure patterns holding back your AI search Most search failures are misdiagnosed. Learn to name what you're experiencing before you reach for the wrong solution. Decades of wisdom from the front-lines of top search teams Lessons learned across diverse clients of companies like at Qdrant, Voyager Search, Lucidworks, OpenSource Connections. 10 patterns. Every search system fits one. A diagnostic map across ecommerce, media, legal, finance, geospatial and more, with the signature failure mode for each. Agentic retrieval inherits your broken archetype It's not a new problem. It's your existing problem, now with an agent on top. Why this topic matters Many teams waste time implementing AI Search solutions that solve the wrong problem. They keep rebuilding relevance when they have a catalog problem. They add vector search when there's a schema problem. They tune ranking, but have no signal. Every search failure belongs to a recognizable pattern, and this session gives you the diagnostic layer top search consultants learn, but most teams skip. Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/youre-solving-the-wrong-problem-with-ai-search https://speakerdeck.com/atarora/youre-solving-the-wrong-problem-with-ai-search