WHAT: Public panels, demonstrations, and a keynote on AI’s impact on Alaska’s economy, workforce, communities, and schools
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 25, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; keynote at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: University of Alaska Anchorage. Daytime sessions in CPISB 120; keynote in the ART 220.
COST: Free and open to the public. Most sessions will also be available online.
Friday Highlights:
- AI in Anchorage (9:30 a.m.). Civic leaders, K-12 educators, and nonprofit and business representatives on how AI is already reshaping their sectors, including the Municipality of Anchorage’s chief innovation officer and a rep from the Anchorage School District.
- Student and faculty innovation showcase (11:00 a.m.) Short talks from UA researchers and students, including MBA students working on applied AI
- Community engagement and workforce development (2:15 p.m.) What AI is doing to Alaska’s hiring pipeline and entry-level jobs, with participants from the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, UAA Career Services, and the energy sector.
- AI and Alaska (3:45 p.m.). Rural connectivity and compute, Alaska Native language and data sovereignty, and why locally controlled models matter.
- Keynote: Bryan Alexander (7:00 p.m.) The national futurist and higher education writer on AI’s trajectory and what it means for Alaska,
- followed by audience Q&A.
Saturday’s sessions turn to UA-specific questions – teaching, research funding, and information security – and Sunday closes with a strategy session for the statewide AI advisory council. Members of the press are welcome at all three days.
Registration is encouraged; it helps us plan and will allow us to get folks parking, room, and Zoom details closer to the event. Register here.
For Questions: Contact: Andrew H., ajharnish@alaska.edu
