AI Emergence Conference

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OCTOBER 13–14, 2026 | LODI, CALIFORNIA

9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. both days | Pacific Time

Join us for light breakfast beginning at 9:00 a.m. each day.

AI is changing how business gets done.

Hosted by Open Innovation Centers (OIC) and the Lodi Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with AWS and AWS partners, the AI Emergence Conference brings together business leaders, technology experts, and our regional community to explore practical ways to put AI to work.

Whether you are taking your first steps or ready to go further, discover real-world applications and ideas you can bring back to your team. Our goal is to help you move beyond the hype and take your next step with confidence—without feeling overwhelmed by the tools and possibilities.

Two Days. Practical AI. Real Business Opportunities.

Learn and get hands-on with AI on Day 1, then explore the opportunity to put your idea into action through the Day 2 Proof of Concept Pitch Event.

THE ORGANIZATIONS MAKING IT HAPPEN

Bringing AI Emergence to Life

Business, technology, and community leaders coming together to help our region take practical steps with AI.

HOSTED BY

Open Innovation Centers

Bringing practical learning, entrepreneurship, and our regional innovation community together.

HOSTED BY

Lodi Chamber of Commerce

Connecting our local business community with new ideas, resources, and opportunities.

IN COLLABORATION WITH

Amazon Web Services

AWS joins the hosts and technology partners in bringing practical AI exploration to the regional business community.

AWS PARTNER

Minfy Technologies

Cloud and AI expertise spanning generative AI, data analytics, application development, and modernization.

AWS PARTNER

Emumba

Engineering, design, and practical AI expertise to help businesses build, modernize, and grow on AWS.

Who Should Attend

Business Owners & Entrepreneurs

Discover practical ways to use AI in your business.

Team Leaders & Managers

Explore how AI can support your team's everyday work.

Chamber & Community Members

Connect with regional businesses and technology leaders.

Builders & Innovators

Explore what is possible—and consider bringing an idea to pitch.

Two-day experience

DAY 1 | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13

Learn, Explore & Get Hands-On

Hear from business and technology leaders, explore real-world AI uses, and see how organizations are putting these tools to work.

Choose your hands-on AI track

Multiple tracks will give each participant the opportunity to join a hands-on activity and work directly with AI tools at a level that fits their experience.

Leave with practical experience, new ideas, and a clearer sense of your next step.

New to AI? Day 1 is a place to start. You do not need to enter the pitch event to attend.

Your Day at a Glance

9:00 a.m. — Registration and light breakfast

10:00 a.m. — Conference begins, followed by business and AI discussions

12:00–1:00 p.m. — Lunch

1:00–2:00 p.m. — Business resources and training opportunities

2:15–5:00 p.m. — Hands-on AI tracks

5:00–6:00 p.m. — Networking

Stay for snacks and conversation with fellow attendees, AWS, and our AWS partners.

DAY 2 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14

Proof of Concept Pitch Event

Bring an AI or technology-focused idea, challenge, or opportunity you want to turn into a working solution.

Morning: qualifying round

Interested Day 1 attendees can enter the qualifying round. Selected finalists advance to the afternoon event.

Afternoon: finalist pitches

Finalists pitch for Partner Proof of Concept Funding toward building their solution with an AWS Partner.

Day 1 attendance is required. Pitching is optional.

Your Day at a Glance

9:00 a.m. — Light breakfast

9:30 a.m. — Pitch qualifying round begins

11:30 a.m. — Deliberation and selection of 10 finalists

12:00 p.m. — Lunch

1:00 p.m. — Afternoon pitch program begins, featuring opening remarks, finalist pitches, and Partner POC Funding awards

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Networking Following the Awards

Continue the conversations, connect with other businesses, and enjoy snacks as we close out the conference.

Featured conversations

DAY 1 CONVERSATION

The Regional AI Pulse

Local chamber leaders discuss where AI adoption is happening, what businesses need, and how our region can move forward.

DAY 1 CONVERSATION

AI in Action

Business leaders share how they are putting AI to work, including practical uses and lessons learned.

DAY 1 CONVERSATION

Business Resources & Training

Explore county business resources and training opportunities, including the Employment Training Panel (ETP) program.

COME READY TO PARTICIPATE

Bring Your Laptop

Please bring a laptop so you can follow along, work directly with AI tools, and fully participate in your selected Day 1 track.

DAY 2 OPPORTUNITY

Up to $40,000 in total Partner POC Funding

Winners can receive Partner Proof of Concept (POC) Funding toward the development and build of their AI or other technology advancement with an AWS Partner.

1ST PLACE

Up to
$25,000

AWS Partner POC Funding

2ND PLACE

Up to
$10,000

AWS Partner POC Funding

3RD PLACE

Up to
$5,000

AWS Partner POC Funding

This is not a cash prize and is not intended to cover AWS usage or cloud bills. Partner POC Funding supports the development and build of an approved proof of concept with an AWS Partner.

Your next step with AI starts here.

Join the business and technology community for practical learning, hands-on exploration, and new possibilities for your organization.

October 13–14, 2026
Hutchins Street Square • Lodi, California
Free to attend

Registration closes October 11, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

Reserve Your Spot

Made Possible By

Conference Sponsors

AI Emergence brings together technology, business, and community organizations committed to helping our region explore what is possible with AI and emerging technology.

Premier Sponsors