2026 CONFERENCE GUIDE
2026 FUTURIST OF THE YEAR DARÍO GIL, PH.D. UNDER SECRETARY FOR SCIENCE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
CONFERENCE HOST
October 9-10, 2026 Baltimore Convention Center • Baltimore, MD
PREMIERE AND FOUNDING ACADEMIC PARTNER
2026 TECHNOLOGIST OF THE YEAR ISABELLA PIÑA CEO, PRESIDENT, & FOUNDER INSPIRED SOLUTIONS
B U I L D I N G A M E R I CA’ S A I WO R K FO R C E Artificial intelligence is reshaping how America works, creating new roles, transforming existing careers and accelerating demand for skills across nearly every industry. AI NEXTGEN America brings employers, educators, workforce organizations, students, veterans and professionals together to connect talent readiness with real hiring needs and career pathways.
Presented by Career Communications Group, Inc. | Powered by STEM City USA
Information contained within is accurate at press time and is subject to change.
WELCOME
welcome to
WELCOME FROM THE CONFERENCE
Welcome to the 2026 AI NEXTGEN America Conference. Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant possibility; it is reshaping how we learn, work, compete and solve problems across every sector of the American economy. Our responsibility is not simply to observe that transformation, but to prepare people to lead it. Under the theme “Building America’s AI Workforce,” this conference connects students, professionals, educators, employers and community leaders with the knowledge, relationships and opportunities needed to thrive in an AI-powered future. From education and health care to cybersecurity and finance, our sessions are designed to make AI understandable and actionable at every stage of a career. We are especially pleased to welcome the University of Maryland Global Campus as our conference sponsor. UMGC’s commitment to accessible education and workforce readiness reflects the very purpose of this gathering, and we appreciate its partnership in opening doors and strengthening talent pipelines. At the AI NEXTGEN Career Expo, I encourage you to connect directly with organizations seeking talent, ask questions and explore where your skills can make an impact. And your learning does not have to end when the conference does. STEM City USA Ascend LMS™ offers self-paced courses and industry-recognized credentials for students, veterans, professionals and organizations. Learn more on page 8 or visit ascend. stemcityusa.com. We will also celebrate the AI NEXTGEN Futurist Awards honorees—visionaries whose leadership turns innovation into meaningful progress and shows that technology reaches its highest value when it expands opportunity and serves the public good. Engage fully. Attend a session outside your expertise, introduce yourself to someone new and consider the role you can play in shaping what comes next. Thank you for joining us in Baltimore. We hope you leave informed, inspired and prepared to help build an AI future that works for everyone. Welcome to the future—and welcome to the 2026 AI NEXTGEN America Conference.
Tyrone D. Taborn Publisher and CEO Career Communications Group
WELCOME FROM UMGC
On behalf of University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), welcome to AI NEXTGEN America! We are proud to serve as the conference’s premier and founding academic partner, and to embrace a shared commitment to preparing people for success in a world that is being rapidly transformed by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. Through this partnership, UMGC and AI NEXTGEN America are exploring ways to strengthen connections between workforce needs, continuing education, and career development opportunities. Since 1947, UMGC has focused on helping working adults, military service members, veterans, and lifelong learners build the knowledge and skills they need to adapt and thrive as the world changes and industries evolve. Today, that focus is more important than ever; as technology reshapes how we study and work, learners and employers alike are seeking ways to continuously develop new capacity and capabilities. Tomorrow’s workforce will be defined by more than technological expertise, and success will be a product of adaptability, critical thinking, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Postsecondary education, employers, government agencies, and workforce organizations each have an important role in creating pathways that help learners gain relevant skills, pursue meaningful careers, and contribute to their communities. I encourage you to take full advantage of the conversations, ideas, and connections this conference makes possible. And while you’re here, be sure to connect with the UMGC team to learn more about the opportunities available to help learners and organizations prepare for what’s next. Thank you for joining us, and best wishes for a productive and inspiring conference!
Gregory W. Fowler, PhD President University of Maryland Global Campus
NAVIGATING THE CONFERENCE
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Welcome to AI NEXTGEN America! All events are occurring in the Baltimore Convention Center.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM EDT
Registration
Third Floor Lobby
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM EDT
Opening Ceremony
Rooms 301–302
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM EDT
Keynote: Maryland at the Center of America’s AI Future
Rooms 301–302
10:30 PM - 11:30 PM EDT
AI Is Already in Your Life
Rooms 301–302
What it is, what it is not and why it matters
11:45 PM - 12:45 PM EDT
Will AI Take My Job?
Rooms 301–302
The jobs changing, the jobs growing and the skills America needs now
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
Powering the AI Economy
Rooms 301–302
Energy, infrastructure and Maryland’s competitive advantage
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM EDT
Who Powers AI?
Rooms 301–302
Data centers, energy, the electric grid and your community
4:30 PM -5:30 PM EDT
From the Shipyard to the Smart Factory
Rooms 301–302
AI, skilled trades and advanced manufacturing
5:45 PM -6:45 PM EDT
Humans and AI Sponsored by UMGC
Rooms 301–302
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM EDT
Registration
Third Floor Lobby
10:00 AM – 10:300 AM EDT
Keynote: Building America’s AI Builders:
Rooms 301–302
A Blueprint for Growing Technical Talent (Sponsored by Amazon)
10:45 AM - 11:45 PM EDT
Will AI Change the Way My Children Learn?
Rooms 301–302
Schools, teachers, college and education in the AI age
10:00 PM - 4:00 PM EDT
AI NEXTGEN Career Expo
Rooms 309–310
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT
Can AI Help Me Live Longer and Better?
Rooms 301–302
Health care and the future of medicine
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM EDT
Can AI Keep America Safe?
Rooms 301–302
Cybersecurity, veterans, defense and national security
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
Is AI Coming for Your Money?
Rooms 301–302
Banking, investing, fraud and the future of finance
3:45 PM - 4:30 PM EDT
Workforce Forum—Show Me the Jobs:
Rooms 301–302
Your personal road map into the AI economy
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT
VIP Reception—Invite Only
Room 301
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT
AI NEXTGEN Futurist Awards Ceremony
Rooms 307–308
Doors open at 6:30 pm INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN IS ACCURATE AT PRESS TIME AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
We’re glad you’re here! The following links will make your AI NEXTGEN America Conference experience the BEST it can be! AI NEXTGEN MAGAZINE Read all about this year’s honorees in AI NEXTGEN Magazine’s conference edition
OFFICIAL CONFERENCE WEBSITE For all things conference, visit the AI NEXTGEN America Conference’s official website
WATCH SCUSA TV! Interviews, honoree info, a word from our partners and so much more—STEM City USA TV has it all!
VISIT STEM CITY USA Flip through the digital pages for all you ever needed to know about the WOC STEM Conference!
LEARN MORE WITH ASCEND Heard it on stage? Now learn it online. Ascend turns the ideas you hear at AI NEXTGEN America into skills and credentials you can put to work.
SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE Don’t miss that session you’ve been waiting for! Plan your day and make the most of every event. A quick look at all AI NEXTGEN America has to offer.
VISIT THE CAREER EXPO
AI NEXTGEN AMERICA PHOTOS
Take a look at the exhibitors attending the conference waiting to hear from YOU!
Save this link to order your photos from the official conference photographer!
SUPPORT THE FUTURE The AI NEXTGEN America Futurist Awards Ceremony is proud to benefit the FEDI Foundation. Your donation helps empower students, job seekers, and communities through education, workforce development, and technology-driven opportunities. Please consider making a contribution. Every donation makes a difference.
Your Career in AI Starts Right Here Heard it on stage? Now learn it online. Ascend turns the ideas you hear at AI NEXTGEN America into skills and credentials you can put to work. Ascend is STEM City USA’s online learning platform, built by Career Communications Group to prepare Americans for the AI economy. Learn from industry experts at your own pace, earn employer-recognized credentials and build job-ready skills—no prior tech experience required.
10 ACADEMIES · 87 COURSES · 3 CREDENTIAL LEVELS · 100% ONLINE From the Conference Stage to Your Career Path Every conversation at AI NEXTGEN America has a next step on Ascend.
IF THIS SESSION CAUGHT YOUR ATTENTION
CONTINUE WITH THIS ASCEND ACADEMY
AI Is Already in Your Life
AI & Emerging Technologies
Will AI Take My Job? · Show Me the Jobs
Career Readiness & Workforce Mobility
Powering the AI Economy
Energy & Critical Infrastructure
Who Powers AI?
Data Centers & Digital Infrastructure
From the Shipyard to the Smart Factory
Advanced Manufacturing & Skilled Trades Maritime, Defense & Shipbuilding
Can AI Keep America Safe?
Maritime, Defense & Shipbuilding
Can AI Help Me Live Longer and Better?
Healthcare & Digital Health
Is AI Coming for Your Money?
Financial Services & FinTech
Will AI Change the Way My Children Learn?
Educator & AI Teacher Training
Hiring at the Career Expo?
Employer Workforce Transformation
All information contained is current as of October 23, 2025. Please refer to conference app for the latest schedules and exhibitor information.
ASCEND LMS
Built for Every Learner Students
Get ahead before graduation with employer-valued AI skills and certifications.
Veterans
Translate your military experience into high-demand careers in AI, cyber and defense.
Professionals
Stay ahead of AI disruption and advance with credentials employers recognize.
Organizations
Train your team through branded cohort programs built around your industry and goals.
How It Works 1. Choose your academy.
Pick the track that fits your goal. Not sure? A quick quiz points you to the right fit in under two minutes.
2. Learn at your own pace.
Work through expert-led courses, pass assessments and build job-ready skills.
3. Earn your credential.
Share it on LinkedIn, your resume and job applications.
Credentials That Stack Certificate of Participation Complete a course and its assessments.
Micro-Certification
Complete a full track with a hands-on capstone project.
Professional Certification
Ascend’s highest credential, developed with industry partners. All credentials are verifiable online.
START TODAY No application fee. No prior tech experience required.
ascend.stemcityusa.com
Thank you to our partners. CONFERENCE HOST AI NEXTGEN Magazine PREMIER AND FOUNDING ACADEMIC PARTNER University of Maryland Global Campus WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION PARTNER Abbott Amazon UL Research Institutes FUTURIST AWARDS CEREMONY SPONSOR World Wide Technology EXHIBITORS Amazon Columbia University Digital Divide Morgan State University Salisbury University STEM City USA UL Research Institutes University of Baltimore University of Maryland Eastern Shore University of Maryland Global Campus
Level 300 BCC MAP
CONFERENCE MAP INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN IS ACCURATE AT PRESS TIME AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
All conference events take place on the third floor of the Baltimore Convention center
313 313
306 306
303 303
648 Sq. Ft.
648 Sq. Ft.
1,353 Sq. Ft.
CHARLES STREET
CHARLES STREET
SEMINARS
AWARDS CEREMONY
648 Sq. Ft.
301 301
3,402 Sq. Ft.
308 308
3,402 Sq. Ft.
309 309
3,402 Sq. Ft.
317 317
304 304
648 Sq. Ft.
311 311
314 314
648 Sq. Ft.
2,478 Sq. Ft.
1,092 Sq. Ft.
320 320
1,092 Sq. Ft.
1,218 Sq. Ft.
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1,218 Sq. Ft.
318 318
1,134 Sq. Ft.
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326
1,092 Sq. Ft.
2,242 Sq. Ft.
312 310 312 310
3,402 Sq. Ft.
648 Sq. Ft.
1,066 Sq. Ft.
315 315
2,242 Sq. Ft.
305 307 305 307
302 302
1,066 Sq. Ft.
CAREER EXPO
316 316
2,360 Sq. Ft.
1,134 Sq. Ft.
322
321 HILTON TO SKYWALK
325
1,131 Sq. Ft.
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324
1,053 Sq. Ft.
E Charles S Terrace
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F C
1,750 Sq. Ft.
REGISTRATION
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Market Fresh Cafe
Sharp Terrace
MAIN TERRACE
2,419 Sq. Ft.
CHARLES STREET LOBBY (FIRST LEVEL)
Starb Sea OUTDOOR TERRACE 15,000 Sq. Ft.
PRATT STREET PRATT STREET
BCC LEVEL 300
https://www.bccenter. org/p/plan-exhibit/ floorplans/level-300-map
CAREER FAIR EXPO
CAREER FAIR EXPO INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN IS ACCURATE AT PRESS TIME AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
COMPANY
BOOTH#
COMPANY
BOOTH#
Amazon
201
STEM City USA
110
Columbia University
101
UL Research Institutes
102
Digital Divide
108
University of Baltimore
105
Morgan State University
104
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
109
Salisbury University
106
University of Maryland Global Campus
103
ROOMS 309-310
EVENTS AND EVENT SEATING The AI NEXTGEN Futurist Awards Ceremony has assigned seating. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. If you have a ticket, your assigned seat will appear on the agenda side of your printed or digital badge. You must show your badge to enter Rooms 307 and 308. LOST AND FOUND If you lose or find something during the conference, bring the item to the AI NEXTGEN Registration customer service counter in the Baltimore Convention Center’s third-floor lobby. After the conference, all unclaimed items will be entrusted to the Center’s Public Safety Office. Center management will dispose of unclaimed articles after 30 days. Career Communications Group, Inc. is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged property. Career Communications Group, Inc. is not responsible for personal injuries, illness or death for any reason whatsoever, including ordinary negligence. PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY CONTACTS Baltimore Convention Center Public Safety 24-hour security and lost and found 410-649-7055 Baltimore Police Department — Central District 410-396-2411 Call 911 for all emergencies. Nearest emergency room Mercy Medical Center 301 St. Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 410-332-9000 EMERGENCY PROCEDURE The Baltimore Convention Center has an Emergency Preparedness Plan to respond to emergencies. The Center partners with the Baltimore Police and Fire departments to help ensure the safety of all guests. Current safety features include: 1.
Illuminated exit signs supported by an emergency power generator.
2. Flashing strobe lights throughout the facility that provide visual fire warnings. 3. An Automatic Voice Alarm system designed to direct an emergency evacuation of the building in a swift, safe and orderly manner. 4. A communication system with integrated features that facilitate early detection of hazardous or emergency situations, including: • A multichannel radio system housed in the Public Safety Office. • Closed-circuit television cameras throughout the facility. • Emergency telephones in all elevators. • Emergency evacuation routes and procedures posted throughout the building. • Smoke detectors and a sprinkler system covering all areas of the Center. 5. Automated external defibrillators located throughout the building. In an emergency, follow all Baltimore Convention Center announcements and instructions from public safety personnel.
GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
AI NEXTGEN magazine AI NEXTGEN Magazine The official conference magazine will extend the AI NEXTGEN America experience through workforce insights, profiles of Futurist Awards honorees and reporting on the people and organizations shaping the AI economy.
INSIDE THE ISSUE:
• Futurist of the Year and Technologist of the Year features • Profiles of 2026 AI NEXTGEN Futurist Awards honorees • AI workforce, education and career pathway coverage
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