2026 agenda.
Two days. Full program.
Keynotes, panels, workshops, and curated sessions from Tomorrow.City USA 2026 — published from the live event program.
Day 1
Tuesday, April 14
- 7:45 AM – 8:45 AMPress Pause Mindset Workshop (Invite Only)Health / WellnessDoes your Mental Operating System Need an Upgrade?
Hosted by acclaimed Exit Coach, Navin Thukkaram, Press Pause is a 60-minute INVITE ONLY interactive workshop that gives elite founders, CEOs, and leaders who have mastered the external game, tangible tools to master the inward one. While most high achievers upgrade their businesses, bodies, and bank accounts, Navin guides leaders on the ultimate flex — upgrading their mental operating system. - 8:00 AM – 12:00 PMCoffee & Connect Presented by WPB DDA
- 8:00 AM – 4:00 PMRegistration
- 9:00 AM – 9:10 AMWelcome AddressJoin us as we kick off the inaugural Tomorrow.City USA event in beautiful West Palm Beach! Our Opening Ceremony and Welcome Remarks will set the stage for two full days of big ideas, bold conversations, and boundless possibilities.
- 9:10 AM – 9:30 AMAtlanta: Capital, Culture, and a Modern EconomyAI / Future TechDon't miss our exciting opening fireside discussion with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens in conversation with Peebles Corporation CEO Don Peebles for a masterclass in building a world class city with inclusive exponential growth. Hear how Atlanta has become one America's hottest growing cities with Mayor Dickens at the helm — steeped in rich and historic legacy with a truly modern economy that is leading in capital, culture, talent, and infrastructure — and ready to welcome thousands of fans for the FIFA World Cup!
- 9:30 AM – 9:50 AMA Bright Future for High-Speed RailTransportationFrom connecting cities and supercharging regional economies to cutting emissions and rethinking land use, high-speed rail is no longer a vision — it's happening now. Learn how Brightline is leading a new era of public-private partnerships, transforming intercity mobility, revitalizing urban hubs, and positioning America to lead in sustainable, future-ready infrastructure. Whether you’re a policymaker, planner, investor, or just a curious commuter, this is one ride you won’t want to miss.
- 9:50 AM – 10:40 AMNetworking Break
- 10:00 AM – 10:30 AMPodcast: Come Together Music ProjectSports / Talent / CultureJoin us for a special recording of the Come Together Music Project — the exciting new podcast that uses music to bridge socio-economic, political, and generational divides. Host Shaka Mitchell will guide guests through a series of prompts, their song selections, and ultimately the stories that marked special moments in their lives, resulting in an extraordinary and often times unexpected human connection. We cannot wait for you to witness the power of this podcast!
- 10:00 AM – 10:30 AMStartup City Live Semi-Finals Pitch Event Powered by VentureFuelStartups
- 10:40 AM – 11:10 AMDigitization of the Right of WayAI / Future TechJoin top leaders in discussing how smart city technologies can enhance the use of Right of Way (RoW) assets for public benefit. Panelists will explore making RoW more technology-friendly for deploying advanced infrastructure like fiber optics, cellular networks, Wi-Fi, LiDAR, and edge computing. The session will highlight strategies for cities to improve urban services, safety, and planning through RoW optimization. Key topics include transportation safety (VisionZero), public safety, digital twins for city planning, and the role of data in sustainable urban development. Attendees will learn how collaboration can build more resilient and connected communities.
- 10:40 AM – 11:10 AMRegenerative and Resilient CitiesClimate / SustainabilityAs climate impacts intensify and cities face growing social, environmental, and economic pressures, leaders are rethinking how they plan, build, and invest for the long term. Drawing on work advancing climate resilience and leadership in regenerative, place-based development, this session explores how cities are moving beyond risk management toward strategies that strengthen both communities and systems. The discussion will examine how climate science, local knowledge, and cross-sector collaboration are shaping design, infrastructure, governance, and investment decisions — helping cities not only withstand shocks, but also create healthier, more sustainable places to thrive.
- 10:40 AM – 11:10 AMResponsible Public Sector AI AdoptionSecurity / GovTechAI is transforming government — but are we ready for it? As public sector agencies race to harness the power of artificial intelligence to streamline services, enhance decision-making, and boost efficiency, the real challenge lies in doing it right. Join public and private sector leaders for a deep dive into what it takes to move from AI pilots to real-world, responsible implementation. This session will unpack how governments can unlock AI’s potential while tackling head-on the critical issues of bias, accountability, data integrity, and public trust.
- 10:40 AM – 11:10 AMSymbiotics: Man, Machine, and the Stanford Human Perception LabAI / Future TechStep into the frontier where neuroscience meets next-gen technology. Dr. Khizer Khaderi, founder of the Stanford Human Perception Lab, takes us on a deep dive into the evolving relationship between humans and machines — where perception is power and AI becomes truly symbiotic. As intelligent systems increasingly enter our daily lives, how do we ensure they understand us — our behaviors, contexts, and even our cognitive states? From decoding complex sensory inputs to designing intuitive human-machine interfaces, Dr. Khaderi’s groundbreaking work is pushing the boundaries of how machines perceive and respond to human experience.
- 10:40 AM – 11:10 AMTestbeds to Takeoff: Future of Advanced Air MobilityTransportationAdvanced Air Mobility is moving from pilot programs to real-world impact. Join the country’s first Chief Mobility Officer, Justine Johnson of Michigan and Lydon Sleeper of Joby Aviation to explore how testbeds, policy, and industry collaboration are unlocking the low-altitude economy. From drone-enabled logistics that cut road congestion to precision agriculture and rapid-response emergency services, AAM is redefining how people, goods, and services move. The discussion will also touch on emerging defense applications, from new operational strategies to training environments. Join us for a forward-looking conversation on how infrastructure, innovation, and cross-sector partnerships are turning aerial mobility into a scalable reality.
- 11:20 AM – 11:50 AMAdaptive Coastal Cities: AI and Urbanism for a Rising FutureClimate / SustainabilityCoastal cities are on the front lines of climate risk, confronting sea level rise, intensifying storms and mounting pressure on infrastructure and ecosystems. Building an adaptive future requires translating complex environmental data into urban action. Advances in artificial intelligence are enabling more precise climate modeling, risk assessment, land-use planning and resilience investment strategies. This session will explore how AI and urbanism can work together to help coastal regions anticipate change, protect communities and design forward-looking, data-informed responses that strengthen environmental resilience while supporting sustainable growth.
- 11:20 AM – 11:50 AMAI, Capital, and Delivery: Rethinking How We Build Critical InfrastructureInfrastructure / Energy / Real EstateAs infrastructure needs grow and public funding tightens, states, cities, and local investors face mounting pressure to deliver more with less. Rising costs, resilience demands, and project complexity are forcing a rethink of how infrastructure is constructed and financed. Join seasoned leaders who are exploring new approaches — from innovative lending and technical assistance to AI-driven construction and regulatory reform — to help close the gap, enabling faster, more resilient, and more efficient infrastructure at scale.
- 11:20 AM – 11:50 AMDigital Twin Infrastructure: Cities Computing on the EdgeAI / Future TechFrom ports and transit corridors to utilities and public spaces, cities are becoming dense networks of sensors, platforms and connected infrastructure. As digital twin models gain traction, the ability to compute and process data at the edge is becoming essential to power real-time simulations, predictive maintenance and responsive urban systems. Digital twin infrastructure is becoming an operational layer that links physical assets with live data environments, and it represents a shift towards faster decision-making, greater service resilience and more efficient management of critical infrastructure. This session will highlight how cities are integrating digital twins with edge computing to unlock real-time insights, optimize performance and build smarter, more adaptive ecosystems.
- 11:20 AM – 11:50 AMModern Mobility: Cars as Digital WalletsTransportationTrue smart city innovation requires breaking down silos across sectors and systems. As mobility becomes increasingly digital, vehicles are emerging as platforms that connect drivers to payments, services, and public infrastructure in real time. Join industry leaders from Volvo, Mastercard, Red Hat, and the North Carolina Turnpike Authority as they dissect their groundbreaking multi-sector collaboration on smart mobility. This session will explore the architecture behind the North Carolina In-Vehicle Payment Pilot, demonstrating how government, big tech, automotive, and fintech can align to create scalable, frictionless infrastructure for the modern traveler.
- 11:20 AM – 11:50 AMPublic Innovation: Tomorrow's Tech for Today's ChallengesSecurity / GovTechCities are under pressure to do more with less — facing urgent challenges like climate change, aging infrastructure, and widening economic gaps. But with the right innovation mindset, these hurdles become launchpads for bold solutions. Join leaders for an inside look at how public institutions are tapping into emerging tech, agile frameworks, and cross-sector partnerships to solve real problems in real time. From rapid pilots to scalable public-private models, this session will highlight how forward-thinking leaders are bridging the gap between policy and progress—turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.
- 11:50 AM – 1:00 PMLunch
- 1:00 PM – 1:20 PMBeyond Innovation: Who Is Really Building the Cities of Tomorrow?AI / Future TechFrom purpose-built developments to fast-growing innovation ecosystems, the Caribbean is emerging as a powerful testing ground for new models of city-building, investment, and governance. As the region continues to attract global attention, capital, and talent, a critical question remains: how do we ensure that innovation translates into meaningful, inclusive, and lasting impact?
Hear from tech investor and ecosystem builder Kirk-Anthony Hamilton, whose work is transforming Jamaica and the broader Caribbean by mobilizing global networks, capital, and platforms to catalyze sustainable economic growth and enterprise development.
Joining him is Pascale Sablan, FAIA, NOMAC, CEO of The Third Office and Founder & Executive Director of Beyond the Built Environment. With nearly two decades of experience leading globally significant projects, Pascale brings a unique lens at the intersection of design, business, and execution. Through her work delivering projects across the Caribbean she advises firms, developers, and institutions on aligning vision with delivery, ensuring that complex, high-impact projects are not only imagined, but successfully realized.
Moderated by Marques Jackson, this conversation will explore how the Caribbean’s evolving ecosystems can serve as a model for the future where leadership, investment, and execution come together to build cities that are resilient, equitable, and rooted in community. - 1:20 PM – 1:50 PMMayors Modernizing AmericaAI / Future TechNLC CEO Clarence Anthony hosts Mayors for a fireside on preparing their cities to be future-ready. From Tallahassee’s cutting-edge testbed for eVTOLs and advanced air mobility, to other cities strengths in AI-driven governance, workforce upskilling, and innovation ecosystems, these leading Mayors will discuss modernizing infrastructure, preparing residents for tech-enabled jobs, and responsibly deploying AI to improve public services — ensuring everyone is a part of a modern economy.
- 2:00 PM – 2:30 PMData in Action: Building Community Buy-InCivic / GovernanceCities generate more data than ever, yet turning that information into decisions residents understand, and support, remains a core challenge. Building community buy-in requires using data not only to improve operations, but also to communicate priorities clearly, show results transparently and create meaningful opportunities for public participation. This session will highlight how local governments are putting data into action to strengthen trust, improve services and align investments with community needs. Through practical approaches to governance, visualization and storytelling, the speakers will share how they make data usable for both staff and the public, helping communities see how evidence drives decisions and delivers outcomes that matter in everyday life.
- 2:00 PM – 2:30 PMGreyfields to Growth: Adaptive Reuse for a Modern EconomyInfrastructure / Energy / Real EstateWhat if yesterday’s malls, vacant lots and commercial sites, underutilized corridors, and legacy infrastructure became tomorrow’s engines of innovation?. Join leaders reimagining urban development through adaptive reuse to convert dormant assets into drivers of economic development, connectivity, and inclusive growth. From state-level initiatives to transformative linear parks and redevelopment projects, these leaders are rethinking how existing spaces can anchor new ecosystems. Don’t miss this session on how public leadership, civic partnerships, and design-driven development can reposition greyfields as beacons of prosperity and long-term economic resilience.
- 2:00 PM – 2:30 PMPhysical AI and AIoT: A Full Stack Approach to CitiesAI / Future TechWhat happens when AI meets the physical world? Cities are becoming living, responsive systems powered by sensors, edge computing, and intelligent infrastructure. This session dives into the cutting-edge of Physical AI and AIoT—where cloud meets curb, and digital intelligence drives real-world action. Join leading experts as they unpack how full-stack innovation — spanning cloud platforms, accelerated AI, and connected devices — is creating smarter, safer, and more responsive urban environments. From real-time perception and predictive analytics to autonomous decision-making, discover how public-private partnerships are delivering scalable, end-to-end systems that turn data into impact across transportation, energy, safety, and city operations.
- 2:00 PM – 2:30 PMReimagining Food Systems: From Access to ImpactClimate / SustainabilityLeaders across the country are rethinking how food is distributed, who participates in food systems, and how institutional decisions influence long-term social and environmental outcomes. From food trucks as scalable distribution networks to community-based farming and technology platforms mapping and measuring food access, hear how innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-sector collaboration are transforming food systems from the ground up. Explore how cities can redesign food systems to be more equitable, resilient and regenerative, turning everyday meals into drivers of change.
- 2:00 PM – 2:30 PMTech-Driven Mobility for a Smart and Sustainable FutureTransportationTech-driven transportation systems play a central role in shaping smarter, more sustainable communities. From electrifying large municipal fleets to deploying shared, autonomous and on-demand mobility and coordinating solutions at a regional scale, cities are rethinking how people and goods move. This session explores how public agencies and private operators are deploying next-gen technologies to modernize mobility. The discussion will examine fleet electrification, autonomous vehicles, operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and regional collaboration, highlighting how partnerships are modernizing transportation systems while balancing cost, reliability, and access.
- 2:30 PM – 3:20 PMCopy of Powering Tomorrow’s Cities: A Fireside Chat with Dell & NVIDIA (Invite Only)AI / Future TechJoin leaders from NVIDIA’s Global Public Sector & Smart Spaces team and Dell’s Chief Technology and Innovation Strategists for an interactive discussion on how AI is transforming the day-to-day operations of cities.
This session will focus on non-security applications of smart city innovation, including Civic Intelligence, Operational Digital Twins, Vision AI for infrastructure optimization, and AI Factories for Cities. The conversation will highlight how these technologies help improve transportation flow, optimize infrastructure performance, and enhance citizen services. The discussion is centered on operational efficiency, real-time decision-making, and urban system optimization — showcasing how cities can use data and AI to deliver better outcomes for residents while maintaining transparency and trust. Bringing together Dell’s expertise in edge and data infrastructure with NVIDIA’s leadership in accelerated computing, AI, and digital twins, the session will provide practical insights into deploying scalable, responsible AI solutions that improve how cities function. - 2:30 PM – 3:30 PMNetworking Break
- 2:30 PM – 3:20 PMPowering Tomorrow’s Cities: A Fireside Chat with Dell & NVIDIA (Invite Only)AI / Future TechJoin leaders from NVIDIA’s Global Public Sector & Smart Spaces team and Dell’s Chief Technology and Innovation Strategists for an interactive discussion on how AI is transforming the day-to-day operations of cities.
This session will focus on non-security applications of smart city innovation, including Civic Intelligence, Operational Digital Twins, Vision AI for infrastructure optimization, and AI Factories for Cities. The conversation will highlight how these technologies help improve transportation flow, optimize infrastructure performance, and enhance citizen services. The discussion is centered on operational efficiency, real-time decision-making, and urban system optimization — showcasing how cities can use data and AI to deliver better outcomes for residents while maintaining transparency and trust. Bringing together Dell’s expertise in edge and data infrastructure with NVIDIA’s leadership in accelerated computing, AI, and digital twins, the session will provide practical insights into deploying scalable, responsible AI solutions that improve how cities function. - 2:40 PM – 3:20 PMStartup City Live Semi-Finals Pitch Event Powered by VentureFuelStartups
- 3:40 PM – 4:00 PMPlace to Prosperity: Advancing Economic MobilityCivic / GovernanceZip codes continue to shape access to opportunity in America — influencing education, health, safety, and lifetime earnings. Advancing economic mobility requires more than stand-alone programs; it demands place-based strategies that align housing, schools, services, and neighborhood investment around shared outcomes. Join top leaders advancing purpose-driven, mixed-income community development as a platform for mobility — pairing high-quality housing with strong schools, community assets, and coordinated support. Learn how governance models, cross-sector partnerships, and resident-centered approaches are delivering measurable, lasting change and ensuring revitalization expands opportunity for the families who call these communities home.
- 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM“Mr. Real Time” to 21st Century Cathedral: Vivek Ranadivé on Innovation, Sports, and Urban TransformationAI / Future TechIn this fireside chat, Vivek Ranadivé traces his journey from Bombay to Silicon Valley to NBA owner, sharing the ideas that shaped his path. The conversation explores how Golden 1 Center became a catalyst for economic and cultural revitalization in Sacramento, and how technology, sports, and civic vision can converge to build the city of the future.
- 4:20 PM – 4:40 PMPursuing the American DreamInfrastructure / Energy / Real EstateHousing in America is at a turning point. New technologies and policy shifts are redefining how homes are built, delivered, and financed — moving faster and at lower cost than ever before. From 3D-printed homes and modular construction to streamlined approvals and scalable public–private partnerships, innovation is unlocking new pathways to increase supply and expand access. The focus is shifting from slow, expensive builds to faster, smarter, and more adaptable solutions. Join top leaders highlighting how technology and modern and innovative policies are converging to make housing more attainable — bringing the American Dream within reach for more people.
- 4:40 PM – 5:00 PMPublic, Private, and Philanthropic Capital Building Cities of TomorrowFinanceWest Palm Beach is emerging as a national model for intentional, high-impact growth — driven by the alignment of public leadership, private investment, and philanthropic capital. Join visionary developer Stephen Ross, Mayor Keith James, and the Knight Foundation as they discuss how their partnership is fueling transformative development — from reimagining downtown to investing in community, culture, and economic opportunity. Together, they are demonstrating how coordinated capital can accelerate growth while keeping cities livable, inclusive, and resilient. Hear how West Palm Beach is building the city of tomorrow — and what others can learn from its playbook.
- 5:00 PM – 5:30 PMHappy Hour
Day 2
Wednesday, April 15
- 7:33 AM – 8:03 AMMeet and Greet: Global PM ProsSecurity / GovTech
- 8:00 AM – 3:00 PMRegistration
- 8:30 AM – 8:40 AMFuture World Vision – Inspiring the Workforce of the FutureAI / Future TechStep into the world of ASCE’s Future World Vision, an ambitious initiative designed to ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers. Future World Vision reimagines how we prepare students and younger generations for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. This talk introduces the initiative’s immersive ecosystem — from virtual reality environments and interactive digital experiences to educational videos and educators guides, engineering concepts are brought to life in the classroom. Attendees will get a preview of the Cities of the Future IMAX film, which transports young audiences into visionary urban landscapes shaped by cutting-edge engineering. Join us to explore how Future World Vision is reshaping STEM engagement and empowering the future workforce with the creativity, curiosity, and confidence needed to build a better world.
- 8:40 AM – 9:00 AMUpskilling America: AI and Jobs of TomorrowAI / Future TechAs AI transforms industries from data centers and advanced manufacturing to drones and robotics, the challenge facing the nation is not just adoption, but preparedness. Assistant Secretary of Labor Dr. Henry Mack will explore how federal workforce strategy, AI literacy, and emerging technologies are reshaping the future of work. Drawing on the Department of Labor’s role in convening employers, educators, and state and local leaders, the conversation will highlight how public-private partnerships and innovative training models are closing skills gaps, improving job quality and safety, and ensuring American workers are equipped to thrive and lead in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
- 9:00 AM – 9:30 AMThe State of AI ReadinessAI / Future TechUnderstanding what it truly means to be “AI ready” is becoming a priority for public sector leaders tasked with balancing innovation, risk and public trust. This session will explore how state governments are assessing their preparedness for AI adoption, from modernizing data infrastructure and cybersecurity to establishing clear governance frameworks and building internal capabilities. It will highlight practical approaches to moving from early exploration to responsible deployment, helping states align AI initiatives with policy goals, operational realities and the long-term needs of residents.
- 9:30 AM – 9:50 AMSovereign AI InfrastructureInfrastructure / Energy / Real EstateAs AI becomes a strategic driver of global power, nations are racing to secure the infrastructure that underpins advanced computing and data innovation. In this timely conversation, DigitalBridge CEO Marc Ganzi explores how sovereign AI infrastructure is emerging as a cornerstone of national competitiveness. From hyperscale data centers to global fiber networks and edge computing, this session will examine how private capital, platform strategies, and long-term investment are fueling the build-out of secure, high-performance environments for AI. Learn how infrastructure is no longer just about connectivity — it’s about economic strength, technological sovereignty, and shaping the future of global leadership.
- 9:50 AM – 10:00 AMPalm Beach County is in the GameCivic / GovernancePalm Beach County is at the forefront of innovation and on the field, shaping the future as a premier sports and tourism destination. Hear from Joseph Abruzzo about how the county is modernizing its infrastructure, expanding connectivity through Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), and elevating the overall visitor experience.
- 10:00 AM – 10:20 AMLA Metro: Transit for a Modern FutureTransportationLos Angeles was built around cars – but in the past 40 years, LA has systematically built one of the largest Metro rail and bus rapid transit systems in the US, and that system will take center stage as LA welcomes the 2026 World Cup, Super Bowl LXI in 2027, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With 88 unique municipalities and 10 million residents, LA County is the nation’s largest and most politically complex county, but LA Metro has found a way to build one of the nation’s largest and most successful public transit systems in the middle of all that complexity powered by voter approved sales taxes, Measure R in 2008 and Measure M in 2016. Join LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins, in conversation with Michele Jacobs, President & CEO of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, for a deep dive in what it took to build the LA Metro system, and how it will factor into some of the most important American events over the next five years.
- 10:20 AM – 11:20 AMNetworking Break
- 10:20 AM – 11:10 AMThe Five-Layer City: From Experimentation to AI Factories, and the Future of Urban Intelligence (Invite Only)AI / Future TechAI Visionary and NVIDIA CEO, Jensen Huang, recently described AI as a five-layer cake: Energy, Chips, Infrastructure, Models, Applications; and it lays the blueprint for how cities build AI that works. SHI, a global technology solutions provider and leader in full-stack AI, leads this roundtable guiding government and infrastructure leaders through the critical progression: from ideas, to early experimentation, to edge AI deployments generating real-time urban intelligence, to centralized AI factories manufacturing it at scale, while keeping data sovereign and secure. Where is your city in the stack, and what comes next?
- 10:30 AM – 11:10 AMPodcast: Come Together Music ProjectSports / Talent / CultureJoin us for a special recording of the Come Together Music Project — the exciting new podcast that uses music to bridge socio-economic, political, and generational divides. Host Shaka Mitchell will guide guests through a series of prompts, their song selections, and ultimately the stories that marked special moments in their lives, resulting in an extraordinary and often times unexpected human connection. We cannot wait for you to witness the power of this podcast!
- 10:30 AM – 11:10 AMStartup City Live Pitch Event Powered by VentureFuelStartups
- 11:20 AM – 11:50 AMPixels with Purpose: Monetizing Urban Screens without Losing the MissionInfrastructure / Energy / Real EstateThe best urban screens today don't just sell — they inform, alert, inspire, entertain, and serve. This panel examines how cities, transit agencies, and mixed-use developers are financing, structuring, and deploying digital networks that do exactly that: generate meaningful revenue through advertising and sponsorships and deliver genuine civic value in the right place, at the right moment. We will explore where the revenue model and the public mission reinforce each other — and where the tension between them demands careful design.
- 11:20 AM – 11:50 AMPlanning for a MultiModal FutureTransportationPlanning for a multimodal future requires aligning land use, transit, walking, cycling, micromobility and emerging mobility options into a coherent network that supports economic vitality, safety and sustainability. This session will explore how metropolitan planning organizations are modernizing long-range planning through better data and stronger regional coordination, while balancing near-term needs with long-term investment decisions. Leaders will share how multimodal strategies can improve connectivity across neighborhoods, reduce emissions and deliver a more reliable, user-centered mobility experience at scale.
- 11:20 AM – 11:50 AMPolicing Lab: Responsible Modern Public SafetySecurity / GovTechPublic safety is entering a new era — where autonomy, data, and real-time intelligence are reshaping how communities are protected. Join top law enforcement leaders who are responsibly integrating autonomy into operations — balancing innovation with transparency to build safer, smarter communities. From next-generation autonomous police vehicles to unmanned patrol units, mobile surveillance, and rapid-response capabilities — these leaders are on the front lines of responsible modern public safety.
- 11:20 AM – 11:50 AMPublic Sector AIAI / Future TechAI in government isn’t about pilots — it’s about performance. The real challenge is turning experimentation into trusted, scalable public services. Join top leaders discussing how cities are using AI to improve operations and deliver better outcomes for residents — while getting the fundamentals right: data, security, procurement, and governance. From choosing high-impact use cases to managing risk and measuring results, the conversation will focus on what it takes to move from hype to real-world value. As AI becomes core to public administration, the question isn’t if governments adopt it — it’s how they do it responsibly, effectively, and at scale.
- 11:20 AM – 11:50 AMTech and Talent for a Modern WorkforceSports / Talent / CultureIn today’s fast-evolving economy, the intersection of technology, education, and industry is more critical than ever. As AI, automation, and digital tools transform the nature of work, how do we ensure people are equipped — not left behind? This panel brings together leaders from the private sector, higher education, and workforce development to explore how we can build smarter, more inclusive talent pipelines. Discover how tech platforms, community colleges, and mission-driven initiatives are shaping a workforce ready for the jobs of tomorrow — while strengthening local economies today.
- 12:00 PM – 12:30 PMAI for the People: Building the Next Generation of GovernmentSecurity / GovTechArtificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation to implementation across the public sector. But beyond efficiency gains, AI presents an opportunity to redesign how governments serve people, making services more accessible, responsive and equitable. This session will discuss how leading institutions are deploying AI to modernize public infrastructure, improve decision-making and rebuild trust with citizens. Bringing together perspectives from cutting-edge AI research and venture investment, the conversation will address how to build public systems that are not only smarter, but more human-centered.
- 12:00 PM – 12:30 PMAI, Cities, and National SecuritySecurity / GovTechAI is shaping global competitiveness. Rapidly harnessing data and compute — particularly at the edge, where decisions must be made in real time across critical systems — is increasingly central to national security. This session examines why AI readiness is a strategic imperative and explores how governments and institutions can accelerate responsible AI adoption, deploy compute and intelligence where it matters most, manage risk, and align technology decisions with broader national security objectives.
- 12:00 PM – 12:30 PMAutonomous Futures: AI, IoT & Intelligent EnvironmentsAI / Future TechAI, IoT, and connectivity are converging to power a new generation of autonomous, intelligent environments — but delivering on that promise requires coordination across experience, infrastructure, and networks. In this panel, leaders from United Airlines’ Airshop Innovation Lab, Glydeways, and AT&T explore how these layers come together in practice. From more personalized, real-time customer experiences to automated physical infrastructure and the connected systems that enable it all, they’ll discuss what it takes to design, deploy, and scale autonomy in complex, real-world environments.
- 12:00 PM – 12:30 PMReimagining Community EngagementCivic / GovernanceCities are rethinking how communities are invited into civic conversations. New approaches are centering human connection, shared experiences, and storytelling as pathways to advance trust and belonging. This session explores how cities and place-based organizations are reimagining engagement through public gatherings, cultural programming, and inclusive activation. The discussion will highlight how these approaches can strengthen social cohesion, broaden participation, and foster a sense of collective ownership.
- 12:00 PM – 12:30 PMWhere Brand Meets Land: Hospitality, Design, and Experience Reshaping Real EstateInfrastructure / Energy / Real EstateWhen brand meets land, real estate becomes more than space. Through hospitality, design, and experience, it becomes something people feel — something that stands out in the market, draws people in, and creates lasting value. Drawing on decades of excellence in hospitality and architecture, don’t miss this discussion with Keith Space and Bernardo Fort-Brescia on visionary design and shaping environments that are both functional and emotionally resonant.
- 12:30 PM – 1:40 PMLunch
- 1:40 PM – 2:00 PMThe Promise of AI and a High Performing GovernmentSecurity / GovTechAI is unlocking new possibilities for governments to work smarter, deliver services faster, and engage more meaningfully with the communities they serve. In this forward-looking session, hear from top founders in civic tech and public innovation on how AI is driving more transparent, efficient, and accountable public institutions. Learn how technology is being used to streamline operations, optimize public spending, and expand access to critical services — while keeping measurable impact at the center. Discover how AI can power the next generation of high-performing government.
- 2:00 PM – 2:20 PMSuperyachts: The Future of High-Touch Experiences at SeaSports / Talent / CultureOperating at the cutting edge of innovation — often rivaling aerospace and advanced engineering — superyachts have consistently pushed the boundaries of design, technology, and lifestyle at sea. Today, they are evolving beyond symbols of luxury into dynamic, experience-driven environments. From AI-driven personalization and immersive entertainment to next-generation wellness and multisensory spaces, superyachts are becoming platforms for deeply tailored, boundary-pushing experiences that redefine what’s possible — blending digital and physical worlds to create seamless and unforgettable moments at sea.
- 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM2150 HBCU PITCH
- 2:30 PM – 3:00 PMBridging the Urban Divide: Smart, Human-Centered RedevelopmentCivic / GovernanceAs U.S. cities rapidly redevelop, uneven outcomes often emerge between neighborhoods, raising critical questions about equity, access and long-term community wellbeing. This session will explore how redevelopment efforts can bridge these divides by combining technology, data, inclusive planning and cultural integrity. It will explore how community-centered processes, evidence-based policy, and urban sensing technologies can guide more equitable investments, improve services, and strengthen neighborhood resilience. The discussion will also address how cities can preserve local identity and build trust while leveraging innovation to support connected, inclusive, and sustainable urban growth.
- 2:30 PM – 3:00 PMFuture of First ResponseSecurity / GovTechFirst response systems are being pushed to evolve as climate risk intensifies, urban density increases, and emergencies grow more complex. From advanced aerial mobility solutions to real-time data integration and intelligent infrastructure, new technologies are transforming how responders reach impacted areas, assess risk, and coordinate under pressure. Join leaders on the front lines of innovation — from rapid aerial response and automated systems to connected data platforms that enhance situational awareness. They will discuss what it takes to operationalize new tools in high-stakes environments — and how cross-sector collaboration is building more adaptive, resilient emergency response systems.
- 2:30 PM – 3:00 PMLegal and Policy Frameworks to Modernize U.S. CitiesCivic / GovernanceCities are innovating faster than existing legal and policy frameworks allow. Modernizing urban services — from housing and mobility to data, procurement, and public-private partnerships — requires clearer rules, reduced friction, and more effective pathways to implementation. This session explores how legal and policy tools can enable smarter, more resilient citybuilding while safeguarding public interest, accountability, and equity. The discussion will focus on practical strategies for navigating regulation, structuring partnerships, managing risk, and translating civic priorities into enforceable, scalable action — helping cities move from ambition to delivery with confidence.
- 2:30 PM – 3:00 PMSmart Venues: Powering Next-Gen Fan ExperiencesAI / Future TechSmart Venues: Powering Next-Gen Fan Experiences brings together leading innovators at the intersection of connectivity, software, and solutions to explore how today's sports and entertainment venues are becoming fully connected, AI-driven experiences. From the moment fans arrive to the final buzzer, cutting-edge technologies are reshaping every touchpoint — creating smarter operations, deeper engagement, and unforgettable moments that keep fans coming back.
- 2:30 PM – 3:00 PMThe Future is QuantumAI / Future TechEmerging quantum technologies are moving from research into regional testbeds, investment strategies, and city-led innovation agendas. This session will explore how emerging quantum technologies are moving from research into investment strategies, regional growth agendas and scalable commercial opportunities. With a focus on private equity and economic development, the conversation will examine how investors, business leaders and ecosystem builders can help shape the conditions for a competitive quantum economy.
- 3:00 PM – 3:40 PMMeet and Greet: Project PM Pros
- 3:00 PM – 3:40 PMNetworking Break
- 3:00 PM – 3:40 PMWhat Actually Gets Deployed in Government: Live Advisory Sessions with City and State CTOsCivic / GovernanceCalling all Founders! Bring your product, pitch, or challenge— and get direct, candid feedback on whether it will actually work in government during this live session with City and State CTOs!
- 3:10 PM – 3:25 PMBuilding a New Foundation for the American DreamCivic / GovernanceWhat if the goal isn’t breaking glass ceilings — but building stronger floors? In this fireside chat, Strong Floor, No Ceiling author Oliver Libby discusses his new framework for expanding opportunity and long-term impact. Join him for a conversation on how investing in people, systems, and access can unlock potential at scale — shifting from individual success stories to durable, inclusive growth. From philanthropy and entrepreneurship to policy and leadership, Libby makes the case for rethinking how we create opportunity in the modern economy. Don’t miss this fireside on building a future where more people can rise — and stay there.
- 3:25 PM – 3:40 PMGIV-CITY™: The Digital Brain of Every MunicipalityAI / Future TechIn this presentation, GIV explores how cities can move beyond isolated technologies to create a truly integrated, data‑driven smart system.
Addressing the growing challenges of urbanization, aging infrastructure, constrained budgets, and rising citizen expectations, we demonstrate how a holistic Smart Management approach transforms municipalities into proactive, efficient, and resilient organizations. Drawing on real‑world experience and proven methodologies, the session highlights how GIV‑CITY™, the Digital Brain and Empowering Heart of the Smart City, unifies assets, infrastructure, finance, services, and real‑time data into a single intelligent system, enabling predictive maintenance, cross‑organizational collaboration, enhanced transparency, improved service levels, and measurable ROI. - 3:50 PM – 4:10 PMInvesting in a Modern AmericaAI / Future TechWith the U.S. at a transformative inflection point of AI, emerging tech, and forward‑looking capital strategies reinvigorating industry, community, and national competitiveness, Jack Selby will share how from scaling global technology platform PayPal to pioneering geographic arbitrage investment strategies at Thiel Capital and Copper Sky Capital, he is unlocking opportunity outside traditional coastal tech hubs, fueling regional ecosystems, diversifying American innovation, and positioning the U.S. as a leader in the global tech economy.
- 4:10 PM – 4:40 PMBloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Presents: The Future of City LeadershipSecurity / GovTechCities are under growing pressure to deliver better services, respond to complex challenges and do more with limited resources. At the same time, new tools and technologies are opening up powerful opportunities to work smarter and faster.In this session, local leaders from across North America will share how they are using data and AI to improve how their cities operate and serve residents. From tackling climate challenges and public safety to rethinking service delivery and exploring innovations like digital twins, this conversation will highlight what it takes to turn new tools into real results and how city halls are building the capacity to lead in a rapidly changing landscape.
- 4:40 PM – 5:00 PMCities of Culture: Entertainment and the Economics of InfluenceSports / Talent / Culturen today’s global landscape, cultural brands and music influence are powerful drivers of urban identity and economic relevance. This session will examine how globally recognized creative figures such as Rohan Marley and Walshy Fire embody the intersection of culture, entrepreneurship and city visibility. From the Marley brand as a symbol of lifestyle, legacy and business innovation to the role of DJs as tastemakers who connect cities to global audiences, the conversation will explore how cultural capital can be transformed into economic opportunity, destination appeal and long-term influence.