TIME ACTIVITY / SESSION DESCRIPTION

8:15 AM – Check-in Opens

8:30 – 9:20 AM The Pavilion: Coffee, Pastries, Networking, Exhibitors & Ask the Experts
Begin the day with complimentary refreshments while exploring the Pavilion. Connect with fellow attendees, speakers, sponsors, and visit the ‘Ask the Experts’ stations.

9:30 – 10:30 AM Keynote: Prompting Our Future: AI, Humanity & A Dash of Palm Springs (Baratunde Thurston)
Join Baratunde Thurston (Co-creator & Host, Life with Machines) for a witty, insightful exploration of our current AI moment. He’ll share relatable personal stories, practical frameworks for engaging with AI tools, and explore how this technology, used thoughtfully, can prompt us to be even more human – all with a unique Palm Springs perspective.

10:30 AM Students and Creatives depart to College of the Desert (GenJam@COD)
Students and creatives are transported to the College of the Desert to begin hands-on AI-assisted creative projects in video, music, and art.

10:45 – 11:30 Resident Track – AI as your Superpower: The Tools Everyone Should Know About:
Attendees will see live demos and try tools on their phones, leaving with a personalized list of two to four AI applications they can use right away. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of AI concepts, learn to identify reliable resources, and understand the limitations of these tools.

10:45 – 11:30 AM Business Track: How AI Can Supercharge Your Business
Business professionals learn about effective, real-world AI applications to enhance productivity and competitive edge.

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM LUNCH SEATING BEGINS
Sit with exhibitors, sponsors and chat with AI experts at your table while you enjoy lunch. Reserved seating available for sponsors.

12:00 – 1:00 PM Lunch Keynote: AI and the Creative Spark (Rob Minkoff)
Join acclaimed filmmaker Rob Minkoff, director of The Lion King, for an inspiring exploration of how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the creative landscape. From filmmaking to visual arts to music, this presentation showcases powerful real-world examples of AI’s evolving role in artistic expression. Minkoff will examine how these tools are transforming workflows, unlocking new forms of collaboration, and amplifying—rather than replacing—the human spark at the heart of creativity.

1:15 – 2:15 PM Resident Track: AI Scams and Safety
Learn practical steps to protect yourself and your family from AI scams. Includes privacy guides, red flag spotting tips, and best practices.

1:15 – 2:15 PM Business Track: How AI Can Boost Your Bottomline
Local business experts share how they’ve used AI to optimize operations, improve marketing, and enhance customer service.

2:20 PM Students and Creatives return to Convention Center
Participants from GenJam@COD return to the main venue to rejoin the Expo for the final sessions.

2:30 – 3:30 PM Closing Panel: AI & The Coachella Valley: Synthesizing Today, Shaping Tomorrow
Baratunde will guide a discussion that reflects on the day’s learnings – from practical applications to ethical dilemmas – and will invite attendee participation through real time polling and “town hall” style sharing of insights and remaining questions. What stuck with you? Are you leaving more optimistic or more concerned? How can our community, with its unique blend of creativity and forward-thinking spirit, thoughtfully engage with AI? This is your chance to connect, share, and collectively explore “what’s next” for Palm Springs in its journey with artificial intelligence. The aim is to leave attendees feeling less overwhelmed, more connected, and empowered to be active participants in shaping our AI future.

3:30 – 5:00 PM The Pavilion: Networking Reception, Exhibitors, “Ask the Experts” & GenJam Showcase
Wrap up the day by networking over refreshments and enjoying a showcase of student-created AI-driven art, music, and video projects.

Program Schedule and Presenters are Subject to Change.