AI Innovations at Work Conference
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Wausau, WI
Business and Leadership
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Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 8:15 a.m. - 3​:00 p.m. ​CT | One-Day ​​​Conference 

@ Center for Civic Engagement, Wausau, WI

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​ ​UW-Stevens Point is proud to co-host this conference with Northcentral Technical College

​Speaker Proposal Form

​The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is accepting proposals for 50-minute presentations for the 2025 AI Innovations Conference.

To ensure full consideration, please submit your proposals by December 1st, 2024.​ Each proposal should be submitted using a sepa​rate form.​​

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​Details

 

Join us for “AI Innovations at Work,” an in-person conference hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and Northcentral Technical College.

This event is designed for anyone interested in exploring how Artificial Intelligence can enhance their professional or personal life.

Throughout the day, participants will engage with keynote presentations and breakout sessions that highlight emerging ideas, real-world applications, and evolving best practices in AI. Attendees will gain insights into how AI is transforming a wide range of fields and discover practical approaches for integrating these technologies into everyday workflows.

The conference also offers dedicated networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with peers, share experiences, and spark meaningful conversations around the future of AI.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of a forward-thinking community that is shaping how we work and live in an AI-driven world. Join us at the Center for Civic Engagement for a day of inspiration, collaboration, and innovation!​​​

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​Pricing: Register Now for AI Innovations at Work

      • $199 General

      • $175 UWSP/NTC Faculty & Staff

      • $175 CWAIC Members (Use promo code)

      • $49 UWSP/NTC Student


 ​Price includes event registration and lunch.

Opportunity for Waived Registration ​

Registration fees can be waived for qualifying small businesses, thanks to a partnership between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), UW’s Office for Business & Entrepreneurship, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Stevens Point.

You must meet one of the requirements to apply for this:

  1. Small Business: An owner, employee, or staff member of a WI-based business currently operating (no pre-venture) with less than 500 employees.​​​
  2. ​MSBB Recipient: An owner, employee, or staff member of an organization that received a Main Street Bounceback Grant in 2021 or 2022.  
Visit the site below to learn more about this opportunity! 

If you have any questions about this waived opportunity, please email the Small Business Development Center at uwspce-sbdc@uwsp.edu​. 

​2026 Keynote Presentation​​​​​​​

The Moment AI Became Practical: Why Skills Transfer, Costs Collapsed, and Structure Now Wins 

This keynote examines the quiet inflection point that transformed artificial intelligence from a novelty into a practical, usable tool. Rather than focusing on specific tools or live demonstrations, the session explains what fundamentally changed, why experimentation is now low-risk, and how individuals and organizations can move from sporadic AI use to structured, repeatable advantage. The session is designed for audiences who want clarity, not hype, and a framework they can apply immediately.​​


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​Spencer X Smith: 2026 Opening Keynote

​Spencer X Smith consults for and invests in dozens of high-tech projects and teaches using simple language. He's been called an "emerging technology expert," by Forbes.

After starting his career at IBM during the Y2K days, Spencer has always been an early adopter of new technologies, so he can better teach others what he’s learned. He’s given 400+ in-person speeches in both the U.S. and Canada, including one at the New York Stock Exchange.​

Spencer’s AI-related clients include three of the world’s largest asset managers. He’s a graduate of the Economics of Digital Assets program at the University of Pennsylvania.​

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2026 Conference ​Schedule​​​​​​

8:15-9:00 a.m. | Check In & Light Breakfast 

Begin the conference by checking in and having some food to energize your day! ​​

9:00-9:15 a.m. | Welcome  

​​​​​​​​Attendees​ will be welcomed, and sponsors and partners will be introduced. ​

9:15-9:30 a.m. | Keynote Introduction

The hosts will introduce the keynote speaker. 


9:30-11:00 a.m. | Keynote 

2026 Keynote Presentation​​​​​​​

The Moment AI Became Practical: Why Skills Transfer, Costs Collapsed, and Structure Now Wins 

This keynote examines the quiet inflection point that transformed artificial intelligence from a novelty into a practical, usable tool. Rather than focusing on specific tools or live demonstrations, the session explains what fundamentally changed, why experimentation is now low-risk, and how individuals and organizations can move from sporadic AI use to structured, repeatable advantage. The session is designed for audiences who want clarity, not hype, and a framework they can apply immediately.


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​Spencer X Smith: 2026 Opening Keynote​​​​

Spencer X Smith consults for and invests in dozens of high-tech projects and teaches using simple language. He's been called an "emerging technology expert," by Forbes.

After starting his career at IBM during the Y2K days, Spencer has always been an early adopter of new technologies, so he can better teach others what he’s learned. He’s given 400+ in-person speeches in both the U.S. and Canada, including one at the New York Stock Exchange.​

Spencer’s AI-related clients include three of the world’s largest asset managers. He’s a graduate of the Economics of Digital Assets program at the University of Pennsylvania.​​​

11:00-11:15 a.m. | Break 

​Reset and prepare for your first breakout session!

11:15-Noon | Breakout Session 1

​Session 1A

​Can AI solve it's own problem with Sustainability?

​We will explore a variety of sustainability implications surrounding the exponential growth of AI data centers broadly and regionally.  Focusing on social, economic and environmental opportunities and barriers to this perceived need of the future.​

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​​Dave Barbier​

Dave is a professional administrator, educator and facilitator with expertise in sustainability, project development and completion, Higher Education and Experiential Education.  He has been an environmental advocate for over 25 years and is currently directing the Office of Sustainability at University of Wisconsin of Stevens Point.​

At UW-Stevens Point Dave is responsible for the day to day management of the Office of Sustainability.  The office employs 4-6 professional student staff and .6 FTE who report directly to Dave.  The office oversees all sustainability reporting related to campus efforts as well as the development of campus focused sustainability improvements and initiatives.  The office has earned a strong reputation on campus and in the state, due to the number of accolades and recognition that have been received by the office in the last twelve years.  Currently the Office of Sustainability is in the final Stages of helping to create the university's first ever comprehensive Climate Action and Resilience Plan.

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​Session 1B

AI Studio: Think, Prompt, Create!  Creating Images, Video, and Music with AI​

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Discover how generative AI tools and techniques can be used to produce images, music, video, and more. This introductory session explores creative media generation practices that support marketing, education, storytelling, and content development. Participants will see real-world examples of using today's generative AI tools to add value to ideas, content, and businesses. You'll also see how image, video, and audio generation can work together in a single workflow, along with practical approaches and workflows to develop valuable content. ​

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J​osh Stutting 

Josh Stutting is a Computer Support Instructor at Northcentral Technical College and an AI trainer with NTC Workforce Training and Professional Development (WTPD). He focuses on practical, hands-on adoption of generative AI across industries, with a special interest in helping marketing professionals build complete, real-world solutions using a mix of AI components including text, images, audio, media generation, and workflow tools.



12:05-12:55 p.m. | Lunch 

​Lunch provided by the Mint Cafe and Catering, and a message from the Small Business Development Center!​

1:00-1:45 p.m. | Breakout Session 2

​Session 2A

A Beginner's Guide to AI-Driven Data Visualization

This session will introduce and explore the basics of "Tableau - A powerful data analytics tool by Salesforce," to demonstrate the value of AI-Driven tools in the realm of data visuals, analysis, and interpretation. Professionals across industries must leverage real-time data for decision-making, and equally as important, must effectively tell the story of the data to persuade and influence strategic decision-making. Highlights include data sourcing, basic functions for creating visuals and dashboards that quickly capture relevant insights, the future of agentic analytics, and future university programming for AI literacy and adoption.​​​​​

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Adam Olson​​​​​

Adam Olson currently serves as the MBA Program Director for the Sentry School of Business and Economics where he leads administrative operations and strategy for graduate programming and development. Prior to his work in higher education, Adam worked in the private sector in sales, food science, clinical genetics, and property management ​as the Principal at Westward Capital, LLC. His passion for data visualization stems from its practical necessity for making informed decisions amidst the ongoing technological revolution.​​​
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​Session 2B​

AI in Practice: Lessons from Business Leaders

Implementing artificial intelligence is no longer a question of if, but how. In this interactive panel discussion, business leaders from diverse industries will share practical insights from their real-world AI journeys. Panelists will discuss how they defined success for AI initiatives, assessed organizational readiness, and navigated both expected and unexpected barriers along the way. Attendees will hear concrete use cases demonstrating how AI is being applied in business today, as well as candid lessons learned from implementation. The session will conclude with a forward-looking discussion on emerging trends and what organizations should be considering next as AI continues to evolve.

This session is designed for leaders and practitioners seeking grounded, actionable perspectives on moving from AI interest to meaningful impact.




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Tyler Verhasselt​​:​​​​​ MA, WCEM, Lincoln County Director of Emergency Management​

Tyler Verhasselt serves as the Director of Emergency Management for Lincoln County, Wisconsin, where he leads preparedness, response, and safety initiatives that strengthen community resilience.  With a background in military service, his career spans more than two decades of leading cross-functional teams, driving readiness, and advancing organizational effectiveness.  Verhasselt works across regional and state partnerships to enhance training, foster interagency coordination, and promote innovation in emergency management throughout Wisconsin ​​

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Joel Banks: President, Stratford Homes 

​​​Joel is President of Stratford Homes, a Wisconsin-based modular home manufacturer with over 50 years in business. He has led significant operational turnarounds throughout his career. Joel's interest in technology began at a young age, programming on a VIC-20 and Apple IIe, and he has maintained that curiosity ever since—consistently exploring practical applications and driving technology-enabled change within his organizations. At Stratford, he has integrated AI tools into daily leadership practice—from strategic planning and market analysis to quality improvement initiatives and team communications—demonstrating how manufacturing leaders can leverage these tools to enhance decision-making without losing the human judgment that drives results.



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Reggie Smith, AI Project Manager, NTC - Moderator​

As a passionate advocate for innovation and strategic leadership, I specialize in spearheading transformative AI initiatives that align with institutional goals and drive meaningful impact. At the heart of my work is the coordination and evolution of AI programs, ensuring their integration into curricula, workforce training, and operational efficiency. I lead collaborative efforts with diverse stakeholders to develop cutting-edge AI tools, foster knowledge-sharing among faculty, and create accessible training programs for faculty, staff, and external partners.


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Nikki Falk, ​​CTP,  Digital Product Manager, Associated Bank​

​​More information coming soon.​


2:00-2:45 p.m. | Breakout Session 3

​Session 3​A

Streaml​ine and Scale: How to Optimize Your Marketing Funnel with AI​


Discover how Artificial Intelligence can streamline your marketing funnel, enhancing results at every stage. Whether you're a small business owner or part of a larger marketing team, this session will show you how to integrate AI tools into your strategy without losing your voice or your values.

Using a practical, funnel-based framework, we'll move through tips for Awareness, Interest, Consideration, and Conversion. You'll learn how to apply AI in a way that feels natural, saves time, and improves outcomes.​​​​​

See how AI tools can:

​​​*Automate trend research and content brainstorming
*Personalize messaging and offers
*Use analytics and predictive insights to make better decisions, faster
*Test and refine calls-to-action to improve conversions​

​You'll walk away with tools, templates, and smart prompts to put AI to work immediately.​​​


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​​Terra L. Fletcher​​​​​

Terra L. Fletcher is a fractional CMO and marketing strategist known for helping businesses achieve sustainable growth. With 18 years of experience, she specializes in simplifying complex marketing strategies and empowering organizations to rebrand, scale, and succeed. Terra is the author of Flex Your Marketing and a dynamic speaker who has inspired audiences nationwide with her actionable insights and values-first approach.
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​Session 3B​


AI in Manufacturing: What We're Doing Now and Where We're Headed

Everyone is talking about "AI factories," but what does that really look like for a mid-sized manufacturer today? In this session, Gamber-Johnson's CEO and Director of IT & Security will share how they transitioned from small AI pilots, such as their Respo knowledge agent, IT and security automation, and multilingual avatar-based training, to early moves in machine data and predictive maintenance. You'll hear real numbers, guardrails, and lessons learned, plus a pragmatic way to explore AI in your own operations without overpromising or overinvesting.​

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​​Sarah Ceballos and Gau​tam Malik​​​​​

Sarah Ceballos is a dynamic IT & Corporate Security Director renowned for her people-first philosophy. Her unique talent for bridging the gap between people and technology is at the heart of her success. Sarah's strategic vision and exceptional leadership have played a pivotal role in leveraging systems to accelerate business growth at an unprecedented pace. Her approach is about managing technology and harnessing it as a tool to empower people and processes. Beyond the confines of corporate walls, Sarah's influence extends into the community. She is an avid soccer coach, recognized for her remarkable sports contributions. Her dedication and skill earned her the prestigious title of 'Coach of the Year.' Sarah's community-focused spirit is a testament to her belief in giving back and nurturing talent at all levels.

Gautam Malik is a dynamic, results driven leader with an exception track record of significantly improving operational performance, developing profitable new products, managing multiple high priority international projects, driving change, turning around underperforming areas, developing talent and building high performance teams.

As CEO of Team Gamber-Johnson(GJ) he manages a multinational company that has 420 worldwide employees.

Team GJ consists of Gamber-Johnson((Stevens Point, WI) , Lind Electronics (Minnetonka MN), InfoCase (Cincinnati, OH), Premier Mounts ( Brea, CA) and Precision Mounting Technologies( Calgary, Canada), American Aluminum (Perry FL)

In 2016, Mr. Malik assumed the responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer for Gamber-Johnson LLC, and completed sponsored management buyout of the company from Leggett & Platt. Malik has been with Gamber-Johnson for 22 years with progressively increasing responsibilities and now serves as CEO of Team GJ.

His skills and expertise include: electronics, lean manufacturing, product development, continuous improvement, Six Sigma, strategic planning, international sales, ISO9000, quality control, value stream mapping, 5S, standardization, environmental compliance, Toyota Production System, supply chain management and optimization, quality auditing, MRP, product costing, KPI dashboards and implementation, SalesForce, International Sales and Sales and Operations Planning implementation.

Mr. Malik is also on board of Directors of Centergy, which is a regional economic development organization representing central Wisconsin. Central Wisconsin is economically diverse, with a wide range of progressive, innovative businesses and industries - most notable are advanced manufacturing, emerging sustainable and bio-based technologies, and leading health care.

Mr. Malik holds a BS, Mechanical Engineering from University of Pune; a MS, Manufacturing Engineering from the University of New Mexico. He is a Certified Quality Auditor, a Six Sigma Black Belt from the American Society of Quality, and holds a lean certificate from the University of Kentucky.

Gamber-Johnson, LLC is a November 2012 Graduate of ExporTech™. Under his leadership the company has won both the Wisconsin's Governor's Export Achievement Award(2015 and 2019) and the US Dept of Commerce, President's "E" and "E Star"Award for Export Excellence(2014, 2018 and 2023). Gamber-Johnson has also won the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year award in 2018, 2019 and 2023.​

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Thank You to Our Sponsors

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Registration Policy

Registration is complete only after full payment has been received. Program fees must be paid prior to the start of the event unless otherwise noted. 

Cancellation and Refund

The Continuing Education and Outreach office reserves the right to cancel a program due to low enrollment, severe weather, instructor illness, or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, participants will receive a full refund. 

Please provide an active email address and phone number that you regularly check when registering, so we can contact you if a program is cancelled or rescheduled. 
To cancel your registration, please email ibhwt@uwsp.edu  

Refunds will be granted if the Continuing Education and Outreach office is notified at least fourteen (14) days prior to the start of the program. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than fourteen (14) days before the programs start date. 


​Special Needs and Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request if made at least two (2) weeks in advance. To request accommodations, please contact Continuing Education Customer Service at 715-346-3838 or ibhwt@uwsp.edu. 


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