AI Summit
AI Summit: From Survival Mode to Smart Design
Ignite, Learn and Build
Join us May 1 & 2, 2026 at Elon University’s Love School of Business for the AI Summit, hosted in partnership with the Raymond A. Mason School of Business at William & Mary.
Why this summit?
The AI Summit is a working lab event for educators, students and industry partners who want practical results. Over two focused days you will see what is possible, learn what employers need and leave with tools you can use in class and on the job.
Friday evening lights the spark with hands-on demos and conversations that make AI approachable. Saturday turns insight into action through a keynote, an industry panel and collaborative sessions that map AI fluency across majors and disciplines.
Our aim is progress with purpose. Together we define AI fluency by major and design experiences that help students graduate confident, capable and career-ready.
Agenda
Friday Evening (May 1): Ignite
Friday sets the tone with connection and momentum. Through student demonstrations, candid conversation and a fireside chat with higher education leaders, the evening sparks ideas and builds energy for Saturday’s hands-on design work.
Late Afternoon | Arrival & Check-In
Guests arrive and check in at the Elon Inn before heading to the evening’s opening events.
5:30–6:30 PM | Cocktail Hour & AI Tool Showcase
This relaxed networking hour features student-led AI demonstration stations. Explore practical tools, ask questions and see how students are already applying AI in meaningful ways.
6:30–7:30 PM | Dinner & Program
A conversation-rich dinner that spotlights student perspectives. Hear how emerging leaders are thinking about AI and what they need from their education to succeed.
7:40–8:20 PM | Fireside Chat
Moderated by Tawnya Means, founding partner and principal of Inspire Higher Ed, this conversation features Casey Evans, associate dean for undergraduate programs and student services at American University, along with additional panelists. The discussion connects institutional strategy, classroom innovation and workforce expectations, setting up Saturday’s collaborative work.
8:30 PM | Return Transport
Bus transportation returns guests to the Elon Inn following the evening program.
Saturday Morning (May 2): Learn
Saturday morning brings clarity and direction. The day begins with breakfast and networking before a keynote, “Higher Ed Reckoning,” from Anuj Mehrotra, dean at Georgia Institute of Technology, exploring how business education must evolve in an AI-driven world.
An industry panel featuring leaders from Microsoft, Gartner and Bank of America will outline what employers expect now, from technical capability to human-centered skills. The morning concludes with an AI Fluency Mapping workshop and rapid-fire faculty pitches, translating big ideas into classroom-ready innovation.
Breakfast & Networking | 8:30–9:00 AM
Start the day with informal networking over breakfast. Connect with faculty, industry leaders, students and alumni before the formal program begins.
Keynote: Higher Ed Reckoning | 9:00–9:45 AM
Anuj Mehrotra, dean at Georgia Institute of Technology, examines how higher education must evolve in response to AI. This session challenges institutions to move beyond reaction and toward intentional design.
Industry Panel: What Industry Wants Now | 10:00–10:45 AM
Leaders from Microsoft, Gartner and Bank of America share what employers expect from AI-ready graduates. Hear how technical skills, critical thinking and human strengths intersect in today’s workforce.
Industry Panel features:
- Charles Elliott, Head of Industry Architects, Google
- Jeff Sanders ’00, Chief Architect, Microsoft
- Nicole Perrelle, Head of AI Executive Advisory Service, Gartner
- Danielle Nashold ’04, Enterprise Data & AI Strategy, Bank of America
11:00–11:45 AM | AI Fluency Mapping
Facilitated by Casey Evans, associate dean for undergraduate programs and student services at American University, this interactive session defines what AI fluency looks like by major. Participants will begin mapping practical competencies that align with industry needs.
Faculty Speed Pitching | 11:45 AM–12:30 PM
A high-energy roundtable with quick rotations and short pitches on AI teaching ideas.
Saturday Afternoon (May 2): Build
Saturday afternoon is all about action. The Hack-a-Thon Team Design Sprint brings faculty, students and alumni together to build real, ready-to-implement AI fluency programs. Teams collaborate, pitch and compete, ending the summit with bold ideas, practical frameworks and momentum that extends beyond the room.
12:30–1:30 PM | Lunch
Refuel and connect over lunch. This is informal networking time to swap ideas and meet your afternoon teammates.
1:30–3:00 PM | Hack-a-Thon: Team Design Sprint
The summit’s main event. In mixed teams of faculty, students and alumni, you will sprint to design a curricular or co-curricular AI fluency program. Expect fast collaboration, practical building and a concrete concept by the end.
3:00–3:30 PM | Judging
Teams move into parallel rooms for rapid judging. Judges will review concepts for clarity, feasibility and impact, with feedback that helps sharpen final pitches.
3:30–4:00 PM | Final Presentations
Top teams take the stage to present their designs. Hear the strongest concepts, see what’s possible and capture ideas you can adapt back home.
4:00–4:30 PM | Closing & Awards
We will recognize standout work and the winning concept, then close with remarks. Leave with momentum, next steps and a shared vision for smart AI-ready design.