The AI Symposium 2026 is a full-day event hosted at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. It brings together faculty, staff, students, administrators, and industry partners to explore the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in higher education, the workforce, and society.
Taking place on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at the Chumash Auditorium, the symposium serves as a collaborative space for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and practical exploration. Attendees will engage with keynote speakers, panel discussions, concurrent sessions, and networking opportunities designed to address both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with AI adoption.
Our Mission
To foster informed conversations and actionable insights around artificial intelligence — advancing learning, supporting discovery, and promoting responsible innovation across disciplines and sectors.
What to Expect
The program is structured around four interconnected themes that guide the day’s discussions and sessions:
- AI in the Workforce and Industry — Real-world applications, career readiness, and how organizations are integrating AI to gain competitive advantage.
- Ethical and Human-Centered AI — Exploring human-AI interaction, preserving critical thinking, and ensuring responsible development and deployment.
- The Future of Learning and AI in Higher Education — Curriculum design, assessment innovation, academic integrity, and student success in an AI-enabled environment.
- Innovation, Creativity, and Emerging Technologies — Hands-on sandbox sessions covering AI basics, creative applications, and direct engagement with industry partners.
Who Should Attend
The symposium welcomes a diverse audience, including:
- Faculty and academic staff interested in integrating AI into teaching and research
- Students preparing for AI-enabled careers
- Administrators shaping institutional AI policy and strategy
- Industry professionals and partners collaborating with the university
- Anyone curious about the ethical and societal implications of artificial intelligence
Why It Matters
Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant future — it is actively reshaping how we teach, learn, work, and innovate. AI Symposium 2026 creates a dedicated space for the Cal Poly community and its partners to examine these changes thoughtfully, share emerging practices, and build collective capacity for responsible adoption.
Whether you are exploring AI for the first time or already applying it in your work, the symposium offers valuable perspectives, practical ideas, and meaningful connections to help navigate the opportunities ahead.