Alaska Small Business Development Center

Conquer Alaska’s Challenges with AI: SBDC Summit Unveils Innovative Solutions

February 29, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 29, 2024    

Media Contact:
Harley Tennant
Communications Manager
(907) 786-7276 | Email
                

Conquer Alaska’s Challenges with AI: SBDC Summit Unveils Innovative Solutions

Anchorage, AK, February 29, 2024 – The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is thrilled to announce the SBDC Summit: Exploring Artificial Intelligence on March 4, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the Hotel Captain Cook, a conference that will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and experts to explore advancements in AI and its impact on various sectors. The event aims to provide attendees with valuable insights into how AI can drive innovation and boost efficiency in Alaska and is the first conference dedicated to this topic in the state.

“Alaskans are a notoriously get-our-hands-dirty-and-figure-it-out type of people. We thrive in tough conditions and use whatever tools we can to efficiently get it done, whether that’s behind a desk or out in the field. Opportunities in AI complement our hands-on, practical approach by offering technological solutions that can enhance problem-solving in the face of our state’s distinct challenges and conditions,” says Jon Bittner, Alaska SBDC State Director

About the SBDC Summit
Via keynote speeches, session workshops, and engaging panel discussions, the SBDC Summit: Exploring Artificial Intelligence will cover various topics across four tracks: Business, Government, Education, and Culture. Highlights include:

  • Keynote speeches by Shawn Greenway and Javier Velazquez, founders of Formwise (no-code AI tool builder), and David Reeser, founder of OpiAID (combating addiction).
  • The Seawolf Debate Team, a World Top 10 competitive debate program, will tackle the potential risks and benefits posed by the development and deployment of AI.
  • Panels discussing policy regarding AI in higher education and K-12 education.
  • Small business owners and artists sharing how they are currently using AI in their work.
  • A session on understanding the implication of AI on public relations and journalism. Featured speakers include Michelle Egan, Alyeska Pipeline Company; Vicky Ho, Anchorage Daily News; Nat Herz, Northern Journal; and Adelyn Baxter, KTOO.
  • Panels exploring the use of AI in state and local governments and its impact on elections and political campaigns. Featured speakers include Mark Begich, Northern Compass Group; Andrew Halcro, With All Due Respect; John Henry Heckendorn, Ship Creek Group; Brendan Babb, Municipality of Anchorage; and Michael Cruz, Microsoft.

Please see the 2024 Summit Agenda, and for additional summit details, speaker list, full schedule, and tickets visit sbdcsummit.com.

About Alaska SBDC
The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides expert business assistance and resources to empower Alaskan entrepreneurs and small businesses for long-term success. With a team of experienced business advisors and an extensive network of partners, Alaska SBDC offers consulting, training, and resources to help businesses start, grow, and prosper.

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