VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSU) – Researchers, industry practitioners, educators and thought leaders comprise a list of presenters scheduled Sept. 26 for the inaugural North Dakota AI Conference hosted at Valley City State University (VCSU) at the Larry J. Robinson Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear about the evolving relationship between humans and AI in the context of work, society, personal development and what it will mean for all North Dakotans.
The event theme is “Being Human and Working in the Age of AI.” Presenters will explore how users can leverage the transformative power of AI while maintaining human connection across all sectors of society.
“Every day, we see the advancement in AI technologies and the expansion of its uses. AI is here and is altering how we live, work and interact with one another,” said North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott. “It’s important for all North Dakotans to understand the implications for AI use and development, particularly how it will challenge the use of our humanity, creativity and compassion for one another. This conference will be a great opportunity to have these conversations so we can better prepare for the future ahead.”
Keynote speakers for the conference include the Honorable James E. Baker who is the director of the Syracuse University Institute for Security Policy and Law and professor at the Syracuse College of Law and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, associate vice president and professor for the Center for Cybersecurity at the University of West Florida, also will present. El-Sheikh’s talk, titled “Building an AI-enabled Future Workforce,” will focus on how AI is transforming the workforce and how academic institutions can prepare skilled professionals who recognize AI’s benefits and pitfalls and are ready to use technologies across all sectors and work roles.
Also joining the event during a “fireside chat” will be Chancellor Hagerott and Monsignor James Patrick Shea, University of Mary president. They will share the stage to focus on the conference’s theme of “Being Human and Working in the Age of AI.”
Additionally, several panels will feature presenters from multiple professional disciplines, including those in business, government, education, health science and technology.
The statewide conference is a partnership between Valley City State University, University of Mary, the Dakota Digital Academy, North Dakota University System, North Dakota Information Technology and North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.