Event Agenda

Digital Innovation 2026 - September 29th & 30th | Sep 29, 8:00 AM CDT Cadence Bank Arena and Conference Center, 375 E Main St, Tupelo, MS 38804, USA

Tue, Sep 29

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
30 minutes
Registration Opens
1:30 PM - 1:35 PM
5 minutes
Welcome and Introductions
1:35 PM - 2:15 PM
40 minutes
Practical Uses for AI - Dr. Chris Chism
2:15 PM - 2:55 PM
40 minutes
From Hype to ROI: Where AI Actually Creates Value Today Panel - Dr. Julie Jordan & Dr. Brian Hopkins
3:15 PM - 3:55 PM
40 minutes
Under Attack: Defending Sensitive Data in an Era of Relentless Cyber Threats Panel - Jim Martin & Clay Pounds
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
1 hour
The New Arms Race: Cybersecurity in the Age of Weaponized AI - John Sileo

9:00 AM - 9:05 AM
5 minutes
Welcome
9:10 AM - 10:10 AM
1 hour
Humans + AI: The New Collective Genius - Frankie Russo
10:10 AM - 10:40 AM
30 minutes
The Road to AI Runs Through Rural America - Christa Alexander
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
1 hour 15 minutes
Smart, Secure and Ready: Navigating AI Adoption in Today’s Organizations Panel - Moderated by Dr. Jay Allen