Appalachian Artificial Intelligence Conference

About the Conference

The Appalachian Artificial Intelligence Conference aims to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the unique opportunities and challenges it presents to the Appalachian region. This event will be held at Hocking College on October 30th 2024, with a special dinner, speakers, and VIPs the night before. The conference will address critical topics in health, education, and local government, focusing on practical AI applications, digital trust, and addressing disparities through community-focused solutions. 

Conference Agenda (Tentative)

• 8 AM to 9 AM Registration and Breakfast
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• 9 AM to 9:15 AM Introduction and Host Welcome (Hocking President, Dr. Betty Young)
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• 9:15 AM to 9:45 AM Open Session AI 101 the basics (Trace Johnson & Builder’s Club Interns)
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• 9:45 AM to 10:15 AM Digital Divide: Addressing the digital divide and leveraging AI for boosting productivity and innovation in Appalachia (Intel’s Brian Gonzalez & Mayor Tom Johnson)
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• 10:15 AM to 10:30 AM Networking Break
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• 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM Industry Break-out facilitated discussion on AI impact in each industry
  • Healthcare – Led by Ohio University’s Rick Hodges with Scottish National Health
  • State & Local Government – Led by Mayor Tom Johnson
  • Education – Led by Ohio Chancellor of Higher Education Mike Duffy
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• 11: 45 AM to 12:45 PM Lunch & Keynote: Making Ohio the most AI ready state (Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted)
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• 12:45 PM to 1:15 PM Digital Trust & Cyber Security: Intel and Zimmer – Focus on digital trust, bias in AI, and how these technologies can serve as a quantum leap for both people in Appalachia and those in more privileged areas.
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• 1: 15 PM to 2:45 PM TED talk style break-out sessions by industry 
  • 1:15 PM to 1:30 PM Healthcare – TBA
  • 1:30 PM to 1:45 PM Government & Nonprofit – TBA
  • 1:45 PM to 2:00 PM Manufacturing – TBA
  • 2:00 PM to 2:15 PM Education – TBA
  • 2:20 PM to 2:35 PM Entrepreneurship/Business – TBA
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• 2:40 PM to 3:00 PM Closing Remarks – TBA