Midwest Summit: Technology 2026
Thursday, August 13, 2026 (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM) (CDT)
Description
Artificial intelligence is influencing how organizations make decisions, serve customers, develop their workforce and plan for the future. The Midwest Technology Summit brings together business leaders, policymakers and technology experts to examine how AI is shaping industries across the region.
Through conversations focused on policy, practical application and emerging technology trends, you will hear how organizations are approaching AI, what policy considerations are taking shape and where technology may create new opportunities for businesses and communities.
You will leave with a clearer understanding of how AI is affecting the business environment, the questions your organization should be asking and considerations that may influence future decisions. Explore the opportunities, challenges and implications of AI through the lens of business, public policy and regional economic growth.
Agenda Preview
The agenda below reflects speakers and sessions confirmed to date. We're continuing to add industry leaders, innovators, policymakers and subject matter experts from across the Midwest and beyond. Stay tuned for additional announcements as we finalize the full Summit experience!
The Infrastructure Behind Intelligence: The Foundation Powering AI's Future Panel
AI is transforming businesses, but its success depends on the infrastructure behind it. Join leaders from data centers, electric utilities and digital connectivity networks as they explore how AI is driving investments in energy, connectivity and digital infrastructure across the Midwest.
Seth Arndorfer, CEO at Dakota Carrier Network
Paul Matthys, President and CEO at Cass County Electric Cooperative
Martin Vega Jr., Director of Community Operations at Applied Digital
Moderated by Tami Norgard, Attorney at Vogel Law Firm
Navigating the AI Landscape: Policy, People and Progress Fireside Conversation
The conversation around AI is no longer just about technology but about how organizations, communities and industries adapt to its growing impact. As AI capabilities continue to evolve, policy decisions will play an increasingly important role in shaping innovation, workforce needs, economic competitiveness, organizational responsibility and public trust.
This fireside conversation explores the evolving AI landscape through the lens of policy, people and progress. Discover how emerging governance and regulatory discussions may influence AI adoption, talent strategies, risk management and long-term innovation.
Patrick Hedger, Director of Pubic Policy at NetChoice
Moderated by Terry Effertz, Executive Director at TechND
Shaping the Future Workforce: Education, AI and Regional Competitiveness Panel
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into education, schools, colleges and universities are exploring new possibilities for teaching and learning while addressing important questions around responsible AI use, student engagement, innovation and the role of technology in education.
Bringing together perspectives from education, research and industry, this panel will explore how AI is reshaping learning environments, creating new opportunities for students and influencing the skills needed for future success. Discover how educators, employers and communities can work together to prepare learners for an AI-enabled future while supporting the region's workforce needs and long-term competitiveness.
Ben Doyle, Director Workforce Development, American Crystal Sugar Company
Dr. Heidi Grunwald, Interim Vice President for Research and Creative Activity at North Dakota State University
Dr. Robert Lech, Secondary Assistant Superintendent, West Fargo Public Schools
Dr. Joshua Riedy, Executive Director at the Institute of Applied AI at Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moderated by Dr. Jane Vangsness Frisch, Vice President of Workforce at the FMWF Chamber of Commerce
Signals from the Future
Monte Fischer, Manager: Strategic Manufacturing, VAO, and Digital Products at John Deere
Blake Hankey, Mayor at City of Harwood
AI IN PRACTICE WORKSHOP
Build Capability. Build Confidence.
After a morning of exploring innovation and emerging technology trends at the Midwest Technology Summit, continue your learning with the AI in Practice Workshop. Built around the themes of TrAIned and CertAInty, the experiential learning opportunity helps attendees develop practical AI skills, identify opportunities and create a path toward responsible adoption.
Sponsors
Premier Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Corporate Sponsor
Media Sponsors
Venue Sponsor
Event Production Sponsor
Event Photography
In-Person | $45 members | $55 not-yet-members
Day-of Registration | $55 members | $65 not-yet-members
Plated breakfast, coffee and water provided for in-person attendees
Livestream | No cost
$45 for AI Workshop
$45 Midwest Tech Summit registration
$75 if you register for both (register through Midwest Tech Summit page)
1805 Main Ave W
West Fargo, ND 58078 United States
Livestream Link
Chamber Events
Midwest Summit
Public Policy