Beyond the Hype: Practical AI, Human-Centered Work
Join us for the UMD AI Summit: Beyond the Hype: Practical AI, Human-Centered Work on Monday, October 12, 2026 in UMD's Kirby Ballroom.
This AI Summit will bring together business leaders, educators, students, and community members to explore how AI is being used in practice, where the technology is headed, and why human judgment, creativity, ethics, and leadership remain essential.
The program will feature a keynote address, four AI Spotlight Talks, and a panel conversation with leaders from business and higher education.
Agenda:
12:30 p.m. Check-in/registration table opens
1:00 p.m. Welcome!
1:15 p.m. Keynote speaker Nancy Lyons
The Future of Work
1:45 p.m. AI Spotlight Talk w/ Dr. Galin Jones
Minnesota's AI Ecosystem: Building a Resilient, Human-Centered Future
2:00 p.m. AI Spotlight Talk w/ Luis Lopez Garay
Transformation in Action: Turning AI Investment into Measurable ROI
2:15 p.m. AI Spotlight Talk w/ Caroline Swift Holden
AI Spotlight Talk title to come!
2:30 p.m. AI Spotlight Talk w/ Dr. Pradeep Jacob
AI Spotlight Talk title to come!
2:45 p.m. Break
3:00 p.m. Panel Conversation with John Soderberg, Dr. Melanie Talaga, Mike Miller, Janie Moore and Jason Davis
3:45 p.m. Closing remarks
4:00 p.m. Social and reception
5:00 p.m. End AI Summit