# PS/NExT Summit 26 > An AI, technology, creativity, business, education, and civic-leadership summit in Palm Springs, California, June 22–23, 2026. A regional learning platform for the Coachella Valley. ## Positioning PS/NExT is not just another event in Palm Springs. It is a platform for the future Palm Springs is creating for the Coachella Valley. The Summit grew out of the 2025 AI & Creativity Expo. The 2026 edition is a civic initiative built by an all-volunteer Technology Steering Committee, focused on practical capability, creativity, business value, workforce readiness, and regional economic opportunity. It is not a marketing event — it is a community platform. ## Why PS/NExT matters Our conference is about **New Experiences in Technology** that are important to understand and may have an impact and benefit on our region. We are not Hollywood or Silicon Valley — and we have the ability to lead and come up with an approach that works for us. We acknowledge that the pace of technological change is increasing (and can be overwhelming at times), so leaning in to better understand together — with national and local experts and the broader community — is key. Where new technology (including AI) can be helpful, and where it can be potentially harmful, is a central focus of this event. Ultimately, we are attempting to strengthen our community and economy through helping residents, businesses, our workforce, and our educational institutions better understand and leverage new technology, responsibly, to the benefit of our region. We are fortunate to be able to bring so much of our community together on this topic. ## Event details - **Dates:** June 22–23, 2026 (1.5 days) - **Venue:** Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs, CA 92262 - **Day 1 (Mon, June 22):** 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM formal program + Reception 5:00–6:30 PM + Vibe-a-thon & GenJam workshops continue through ~7 PM - **Day 2 (Tue, June 23):** 9:00 AM – ~2:00 PM, closing with the GenJam Film Screening at 1:30 PM - **Format:** In-person, six tracks, 50+ speakers, two hands-on workshops, gallery + artist spotlight talks - **Registration:** https://pschamber.org/event/palmspringsnext-registration/ ## Schedule at a glance Day 1 (Mon, June 22): - 7:45 AM — Registration opens (coffee & tea provided — breakfast is NOT served, please eat before you arrive) - 9:00 AM — Opening keynotes: Tribal Vice Chair Anthony Purnel (Welcome to the Coachella Valley), Palm Springs Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein (civic open), Baratunde Thurston ("Not Just What We Can Build With AI. What We Should") - 10:10 AM — Tracks open: Community (Davis Meyer on Economic Development and Tech across the Coachella Valley) and Creativity × AI (Charlie Fink: "AI: The End of Hollywood and What Comes Next") - 11:10 AM — Four morning tracks open in parallel: Resident (AI 101: Ask Better, Check Better, Share Less), Business, Education, Creativity × AI (The New Creative Stack), and TECH (Philip Su on the Perils and Promise of Vibecoding) - 12:00 PM — Lunch - 12:30 PM — Rob Minkoff keynote ("Unleash your Creative Potential: From Ideas to Implementation to Impact") - 1:10 PM — Vibe-a-thon (Philip Su) & GenJam (Minh Do) workshops kick off; afternoon Resident track continues with "AI From the Ground Up: A Holistic Approach" (Felix Marhuenda-Donate), then "Protecting Yourself from AI Scams and Deepfakes" (Patrick Jacobs) at 2:10 PM - 3:10 PM — Resident track shifts to Primrose B for the "AI Context: Navigating What's Next" panel (Lisa Flynn, Tony Ogden, Colin Wright, David Habich); Business and Education tracks wrap concurrently - 4:10 PM — Day 1 wrap with Baratunde Thurston, Dr. Thomas Spiglanin, and Lisa Flynn: A Community Conversation (table exercise + panel Q&A on environment, sustainability, and safe/ethical use of technology in the region) - 5:00 PM — Reception in the Palm Pavilion Expo - 5:10 PM — Business Track Office Hours (Primrose C Ballroom — Steven Stamstad, Jon Sukarangsan, Ritzy Estrada Rivera, Jeff Harrison, Travis McBurney) - Evening — Vibe-a-thon & GenJam continue; offsite sponsor event Day 2 (Tue, June 23): - 7:45 AM — Registration opens (coffee & tea provided — breakfast is NOT served, please eat before you arrive); Business Track Morning Office Hours starts at 8:10 (Primrose C — Steven Stamstad, Jon Sukarangsan, Ritzy Estrada Rivera, Jeff Harrison, Travis McBurney) - 9:00 AM — Day 2 opening keynote: Mayor Naomi Soto opens, then Dr. Eric Leroux (Eisenhower Health CMO) on "Shaping the Future of Medicine: AI and the Human Part No Machine Can Replace" - 10:10 AM — Concurrent at Primrose B / Primrose C / Mesquite A-C / Smoketree A-E: Amazon Leo fireside (David Ambroz & Beth Cooley · Primrose B); Business panel "What Actually Works" (Primrose C); Creativity × AI panel "No Permission Required — Breaking Into the Creative Economy" with Joanna Popper, Valli Bhavireddy, Kelly Boesch, Louie Pecan (Mesquite A-C); Glen Wexler artist spotlight (Smoketree A-E); Vibe-a-thon & GenJam continue - 11:10 AM — Vibe-a-thon Showcase (Philip Su + Scott White from Visit Greater Palm Springs leading the civic/education/business panel on live demos); Resident Track Office Hours (Mesquite A-C — Kelly Stiles, Kent Kay, Felix Marhuenda-Donate, Patrick Jacobs); Creativity × AI close with Charlie Fink ("The Next Three Years: A Creator's Roadmap"); GenJam wraps at COD - 12:00 PM — Lunch - 12:30 PM — Kelly Boesch keynote ("Art, Music, AI and the Joy of Creativity") - 1:00 PM — GenJam Film Screening, with live commentary by Rob Minkoff, Kelly Boesch, and Charlie Fink (Minh Do hosts) - 1:25 PM — Baratunde Thurston closing keynote ("We Made It, Literally!") - 1:45 PM — Closing thank-yous from Jeffrey Bernstein (speakers, sponsors, volunteers, Tech SteerCo) Schedule subject to change. For any specific session — title, time, room, speaker, description — use the "Full session schedule" section below. ## Full session schedule The complete program, generated from the canonical schedule data. Times are Pacific. Each session lists track, format, speakers, location, and (where applicable) a description. ### Day 1 — Monday, June 22, 2026 - 7:45 AM–8:50 AM · Registration (Palm Pavilion Expo (Lobby)) Check in, grab your badge, and pick up coffee or tea. Breakfast is not provided — please eat before you arrive. - 9:00 AM–10:00 AM [Main Stage · KEYNOTE] Not Just What We Can Build With AI. What We Should Speakers: Anthony W. Purnel, Jeffrey Bernstein, Baratunde Thurston Location: Oasis Ballroom The summit opens with a tribal welcome to the Coachella Valley and brief civic remarks, then Baratunde Thurston takes the stage to reframe the AI conversation around one question — who decides? Agenda: · 9:00 AM–9:05 AM: Welcome to the Coachella Valley — Anthony W. Purnel · 9:05 AM–9:15 AM: Opening Remarks — What's special about Palm Springs, and why we are doing this — Jeffrey Bernstein · 9:15 AM–10:00 AM: Not Just What We Can Build With AI. What We Should — Baratunde Thurston - 10:00 AM–10:10 AM · Break (Palm Pavilion Expo (Lobby)) - 10:10 AM–11:00 AM [Business · TALK] Economic Development & Tech across the Coachella Valley Speakers: Davis Meyer Location: Primrose C Ballroom See how Greater Palm Springs is applying its proven tourism marketing engine to drive broader economic growth. VP of Government & Industry Relations Davis Meyer unpacks the Coachella Valley Regional Economic Development Strategic Plan — 8 goals built with Riverside County — and the record results behind it. Davis also looks ahead to diversification into high-growth sectors like biotech, clean energy, and creative media, and the workforce and talent pipelines preparing residents for those jobs. - 10:10 AM–11:00 AM [Creativity × AI · TALK] AI: The End of Hollywood and What Comes Next Speakers: Charlie Fink Location: Primrose B Ballroom Charlie Fink opens the Creativity + AI track with a provocative look at how AI is reshaping Hollywood, production, distribution, and creative power. Hollywood is not disappearing, but its center of gravity is shifting — from studio permission structures toward creator-led, AI-enabled production. This session explores what happens when individual creators can increasingly operate like small studios, and what remains valuable when production becomes faster, cheaper, and more widely accessible. - 10:10 AM–11:00 AM [Spotlight · TALK] New Earth Art — Fusions of Nature and Industry Speakers: Cristopher Cichocki Location: Smoketree A-E Interdisciplinary artist and curator Cristopher Cichocki works at the intersection of painting, land art, light and space, sound, technology, and natural science — examining the cycle of decay and renewal across timelines that stretch from prehistoric oceans to present-day deserts. In this Artist Spotlight, Cichocki explores how his practice fuses the organic and synthetic, collapsing scale so that macrocosms appear through a microscopic lens. He will discuss Circular Dimensions — his ever-evolving series of audiovisual performances and multi-sensory installations showcased internationally, including Microscape, a five-story commission for the Coachella Music & Arts Festival. - 11:00 AM–11:10 AM · Break (Palm Pavilion Expo (Lobby)) - 11:10 AM–12:00 PM [Education · TALK] Education Ecosystems — The Big Shift Speakers: Hael Kobayashi, Dr. Marcus Funchess, Val Martinez Garcia, Edna Martinez, Ph.D. Location: Smoketree A-E Education executives are not only adapting to change in their ecosystems. They are leading their organizations across the turbulent thresholds of the technology era. Big tech, small tech, innovation, and generative AI are all on their radars. They share their perspectives, challenges and hopes. - 11:10 AM–12:00 PM [Resident · TALK] AI 101: Ask Better, Check Better, Share Less Speakers: Kelly Stiles, Kent Kay Location: Mesquite A-C A practical starting point for using AI in everyday life — drafting emails, summarizing documents, preparing questions, and organizing tasks. You'll also learn how to use voice and image input safely, how to fact-check AI responses, and what personal information you should never share with an AI tool. - 11:10 AM–12:00 PM [Business · TALK] AI in Business Today: Where It Helps, Where It Doesn't, and What Matters Most Speakers: Steven Stamstad, Jon Sukarangsan Location: Primrose C Ballroom AI is changing how businesses operate, but not every use case delivers value. Explore where organizations are seeing meaningful gains in productivity, customer experience, and operational efficiency — and where human judgment, creativity, and relationships remain essential. Leave with a practical framework for evaluating where AI fits in your business today and where it doesn't. - 11:10 AM–12:00 PM [Creativity × AI · TALK] The New Creative Stack Speakers: Fred Grinstein, Minh Do Location: Primrose B Ballroom A practical, visual tour of how AI is changing the creative workflow from first idea to finished output. This session shows how creators are using AI across ideation, visual development, storyboarding, characters, animation, music, sound, editing, immersive media, and short-form storytelling. Designed for filmmakers, artists, students, technologists, and curious community members, the session makes the new AI creative stack accessible, tangible, and inspiring. - 11:10 AM–12:00 PM [Vibe-a-thon · DEMO] The Perils and Promise of Vibecoding Speakers: Philip Su Location: Primrose A Ballroom Live demos, no hype. Philip Su (former Meta Distinguished Engineer; early Seattle lead on OpenAI ChatGPT; now CEO of Superphonic) works through what AI-assisted coding actually does — and doesn't do — today. Where vibecoding genuinely changes who can ship software. What it produces fast and well. Where it fails silently. What habits it teaches that don't survive contact with production. And the engineering judgment that still matters most. The promise is real. So are the perils. Bring an idea, leave knowing where the line is. - 12:00 PM–12:30 PM · Box lunch (Oasis Ballroom) - 12:30 PM–1:00 PM [Main Stage · KEYNOTE] Unleash your Creative Potential Speakers: Rob Minkoff Location: Oasis Ballroom Academy Award-winning filmmaker Rob Minkoff returns to the Summit to continue the story he began last year: a creative journey shaped by every major shift in animation, from pencil and paper to CGI and now AI. Throughout that journey, Rob has remained deeply committed to the animation community and to helping talented artists find more opportunities to create, be seen, and earn from their work. In this keynote, Rob will share how the latest technological developments over the last year have helped him move from imagining what could be possible to actually building something in service of that community. His talk will explore how creators can use new technology not just to work faster, but to turn long-held ideas into real-world solutions that expand opportunity, unlock potential, and create lasting impact. - 1:00 PM–1:10 PM · Break (Palm Pavilion Expo (Lobby)) - 1:10 PM–2:00 PM [Resident · TALK] AI From the Ground Up — A Holistic Approach Speakers: Felix Marhuenda-Donate Location: Mesquite A-C A holistic, plain-language look at how today's AI systems actually operate. By treating AI as a complete information system, this session breaks down complex technological concepts into an accessible format. We explore the foundational building blocks of the technology to help residents build a solid, overarching understanding of what AI is and how it functions in the real world. - 1:10 PM–2:00 PM [Business · TALK] Marketing That Works: Using AI to Drive Growth and Results Speakers: Jeff Harrison Location: Primrose C Ballroom See how businesses are using AI to strengthen marketing, communications, customer engagement, and market research — and how to do it yourself. - 1:10 PM–2:00 PM [Education · TALK] Education Insights and Inspiration — The Faculty Perspective Speakers: Hael Kobayashi, Dr. Lisa Davenport, Jessica Pack, Donielle "Donnie" Papp, Dr. Corbyn Wild Location: Smoketree A-E Faculty are the ever-busy creators and guides of education content and systems. They must design and deliver relevant courses, while navigating the upheavals of the technology era. Hear their thoughts on the value of human learning in a world influenced by machine learning and generative AI. - 1:10 PM–2:00 PM [Vibe-a-thon · WORKSHOP] Vibe-a-thon Kickoff Speakers: Philip Su Location: Primrose A Ballroom The Vibe-a-thon begins! Those who have signed up and been selected start their sprint to help develop AI-powered business solutions for our region. - 1:10 PM–2:00 PM [Creativity × AI · PANEL] AI in the Wild — Studio, Artist, and Brand Case Studies Speakers: Rob Minkoff, Kimberly Knoller, Kelly Boesch Location: Primrose B Ballroom Real examples from artists, studios, brands, and producers using AI now. This session goes beyond theory to explore what has actually worked: what was made, what tools and workflows mattered, what was human-led, what was AI-assisted, what failed, what it cost, and how the work reached an audience. The discussion will highlight how AI is changing production, marketing, brand storytelling, and the economics of creative work. - 1:10 PM–2:00 PM [GenJam · WORKSHOP] GenJam Kickoff Speakers: Minh Do Location: College of the Desert (COD) GenJam kicks off here — those who have signed up and been selected start at the College of the Desert, where filmmakers, musicians, and visual artists use modern tools, assisted by AI, to make new creative work. This session covers how the jam runs, the tools available, and how teams form before everyone splits off to build. The best pieces screen at the summit's closing showcase. - 2:00 PM–2:10 PM · Break (Palm Pavilion Expo (Lobby)) - 2:10 PM–3:00 PM [Resident · TALK] Protecting Yourself From AI Scams and Deepfakes Speakers: Patrick Jacobs Location: Mesquite A-C A guided tour of AI security with light crowd interaction, focused on practical awareness and defense against modern threats. We cover exactly how voice clones, deepfakes, and AI-assisted scams work, complete with demonstrations showing how quickly a digital identity can be simulated. Led by a professor who coaches student cybersecurity teams, this session provides a straightforward checklist for verifying sources, protecting personal data, and teaching family members how to stay safe. - 2:10 PM–3:00 PM [Business · TALK] Your Digital Co-worker: Using AI to Support Teams and Streamline Work Speakers: Travis McBurney Location: Primrose C Ballroom AI as a digital coworker — streamlining operations, eliminating repetitive tasks, and freeing teams and employees for higher-value, more human-centered work. - 2:10 PM–3:00 PM [Education · TALK] The EDU Sessions — The Student Voice Speakers: Hael Kobayashi, Kelly Dominguez, Juan Manuel Rios Falcon, Dana Rios, Jonathon Garcia (DJ Limón) Location: Smoketree A-E Today's students are our future. While many have grown up with tech, many have not. Access to resources, equity and fairness, and care for the environment are shared concerns across groups of students throughout the region, and beyond. In this session, students share their hopes, dreams, fears and concerns in the technology era, in their own words. Sometimes stereotypes need to be broken. - 2:10 PM–3:00 PM [Vibe-a-thon · WORKSHOP] Vibe-a-thon — build session Speakers: Philip Su Location: Primrose A Ballroom - 2:10 PM–3:00 PM [Creativity × AI · PANEL] Who Owns the Story? Speakers: Charlie Fink, Angela Dunning, Paul Bradley Carr Location: Primrose B Ballroom As AI enters the creative workflow, creators face urgent questions: Who owns AI-assisted work? What counts as authorship? What happens when a model imitates a voice, style, character, or likeness? This creator-facing session explores consent, credit, disclosure, chain of title, copyright, likeness rights, and trust — giving artists, filmmakers, producers, students, and creative teams a practical framework for protecting their work and collaborators. - 2:10 PM–3:00 PM [GenJam · WORKSHOP] GenJam — build session Speakers: Minh Do Location: College of the Desert (COD) - 3:00 PM–3:10 PM · Break (Palm Pavilion Expo (Lobby)) - 3:10 PM–4:00 PM [Resident · PANEL] AI Context: Navigating What's Next Speakers: Hael Kobayashi, Lisa Flynn, Tony Ogden, Colin Wright, David Habich Location: Primrose B Ballroom Generative AI has arrived with unprecedented speed — bringing extraordinary opportunity and genuine risk in equal measure. For citizens, educators, innovators, and business and community leaders, the question isn't whether AI will reshape your world. It already is. The question is how to engage with it wisely. Our academic and legal experts bring real-world strategies for navigating AI responsibly and ethically — from classrooms and boardrooms to city halls and community hubs. How do we innovate boldly while keeping people at the center? Join a candid conversation about what responsible AI actually looks like in practice, and what it means for the Coachella Valley and beyond. - 3:10 PM–4:00 PM [Business · PANEL] The Trust Layer: Privacy, Security, and Responsible AI Speakers: Marisa "Ritzy" Estrada Rivera, Jeff Harrison, Travis McBurney, Jon Sukarangsan, Mark Talkington Location: Primrose C Ballroom AI creates opportunity — but also responsibility. What not to share with AI, when and how to disclose, managing bias and accuracy risks, and the practical guardrails that protect your customers, employees, and reputation. - 3:10 PM–4:00 PM [Education · PANEL] AI Context: Navigating What's Next Speakers: Hael Kobayashi, Lisa Flynn, Tony Ogden, David Habich, Colin Wright Location: Primrose B Ballroom Generative AI has arrived with unprecedented speed — bringing extraordinary opportunity and genuine risk in equal measure. For citizens, educators, innovators, and business and community leaders, the question isn't whether AI will reshape your world. It already is. The question is how to engage with it wisely. Our academic and legal experts bring real-world strategies for navigating AI responsibly and ethically — from classrooms and boardrooms to city halls and community hubs. How do we innovate boldly while keeping people at the center? Join a candid conversation about what responsible AI actually looks like in practice, and what it means for the Coachella Valley and beyond. - 3:10 PM–4:00 PM [Vibe-a-thon · WORKSHOP] Vibe-a-thon — build session Speakers: Philip Su Location: Primrose A Ballroom - 3:10 PM–4:00 PM [GenJam · WORKSHOP] GenJam — build session Speakers: Minh Do Location: College of the Desert (COD) - 4:00 PM–4:10 PM · Break (Palm Pavilion Expo (Lobby)) - 4:10 PM–5:00 PM [Main Stage · KEYNOTE] A Community Conversation Speakers: Baratunde Thurston, Dr. Thomas Spiglanin, Lisa Flynn Location: Oasis Ballroom We close day one the way the whole summit is meant to work, together. At your table you will run a short guided exercise on real scenarios for living with AI, where the answer is rarely yes or no and almost always "it depends." Then we bring a cross-section of the day's voices on stage for an open Q and A. Bring your questions, your skepticism, and your ideas for the region. During the panel discussion, key topics will include the environment, sustainability, and safe and ethical uses of technology in our region. - 5:00 PM–6:30 PM · Reception (Palm Pavilion Expo (Lobby)) - 5:10 PM–7:00 PM [Vibe-a-thon · WORKSHOP] Vibe-a-thon continues Speakers: Philip Su Location: Primrose A Ballroom - 5:10 PM–6:00 PM [Business · TALK] Business Track Office Hours Speakers: Steven Stamstad, Jon Sukarangsan, Marisa "Ritzy" Estrada Rivera, Jeff Harrison, Travis McBurney Location: Primrose C Ballroom Continue the conversation with Business Track speakers and practitioners. Bring your questions, challenges, and ideas for an informal discussion about the opportunities and realities of AI adoption. - 5:10 PM–7:00 PM [GenJam · WORKSHOP] GenJam continues Speakers: Minh Do Location: College of the Desert (COD) ### Day 2 — Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 7:45 AM–8:50 AM · Registration (Palm Pavilion Expo (Lobby)) Check in and pick up coffee or tea. Breakfast is not provided — please eat before you arrive. - 8:10 AM–8:50 AM [Business · TALK] Business Track Morning Office Hours Speakers: Steven Stamstad, Jon Sukarangsan, Marisa "Ritzy" Estrada Rivera, Jeff Harrison, Travis McBurney Location: Primrose C Ballroom Start the day with one-on-one access to Business Track speakers and industry experts. Discuss your business challenges, implementation questions, and potential use cases in a practical, no-pressure environment. - 9:00 AM–10:00 AM [Main Stage · KEYNOTE] Day 2 Opening Keynote: Shaping the Future of Medicine — AI and the Human Part No Machine Can Replace Speakers: Naomi Soto, Dr. Eric Leroux, MD/MBA Location: Oasis Ballroom Mayor Naomi Soto opens Day 2 in the Oasis Ballroom; then Eisenhower Health's CMO Eric Leroux delivers the morning keynote on the space between what AI can do in medicine and what only humans can — and why two clocks are running at very different speeds. Agenda: · 9:00 AM–9:10 AM: Opening Remarks — Naomi Soto · 9:15 AM–10:00 AM: Shaping the Future of Medicine: AI and the Human Part No Machine Can Replace — Dr. Eric Leroux, MD/MBA - 10:00 AM–10:10 AM · Break (Palm Pavilion Expo (Lobby)) - 10:10 AM–11:00 AM [Spotlight · PANEL] A Fireside Chat on Amazon Leo: Satellite Broadband from Low Earth Orbit, and What It Means Here Speakers: David Ambroz, Beth Cooley Location: Primrose B Ballroom Amazon Leo is Amazon's low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite broadband network — designed to deliver fast, reliable internet to communities the existing infrastructure has never fully reached. In this fireside, Beth Cooley (Head of State and Local Policy, Connectivity at Amazon, leading policy for Amazon Leo) and David Ambroz (Sr. Manager, Public Policy at Amazon, external affairs lead for the West and Inland Empire, and a White House Champion of Change) sit down for a conversation on what Amazon Leo is, where it fits in the satellite-broadband landscape, and what an emerging tier of connectivity could mean for residents, small businesses, schools, clinics, civic leaders, and tribal communities across the Inland Empire. - 10:10 AM–11:00 AM [Business · PANEL] What Actually Works: What Business Leaders Are Learning About AI Speakers: Steven Stamstad, Marisa "Ritzy" Estrada Rivera, Jeff Harrison, Travis McBurney, Jon Sukarangsan, Mark Talkington Location: Primrose C Ballroom Get answers to your most pressing AI questions from leaders actively implementing AI across industries. Hear from local leaders and practitioners who are actively evaluating and implementing AI in their organizations. Through real-world examples and audience Q&A, explore what is working, what isn't, what surprised them, and what they wish they had known when they started. - 10:10 AM–11:00 AM [Spotlight · TALK] Photography at the Edge of the Real Speakers: Glen Wexler Location: Smoketree A-E From darkroom to digital to AI — nearly five decades where craft, illusion, and technology collide. Wexler traces a continuum from traditional darkroom practice to early digital imaging in the 1980s, CGI integration in the 1990s, and today's AI-driven image-making — asking whether emerging tools can be guided by the same visual intelligence and discipline that have always defined meaningful work. A rare practitioner's perspective on multiple image-making revolutions, and what it means to embrace technological change without surrendering authorship, intention, or the human imagination behind the lens. - 10:10 AM–11:00 AM [Vibe-a-thon · WORKSHOP] Vibe-a-thon — final build Speakers: Philip Su Location: Primrose A Ballroom - 10:10 AM–11:00 AM [Creativity × AI · TALK] No Permission Required — Breaking Into the Creative Economy Speakers: Joanna Popper, Valli Bhavireddy, Kelly Boesch, Louie Pecan, Monica Monique Location: Mesquite A-C AI is opening new doors for people who did not enter the creative industries through traditional pathways. This session features creators and builders who found their way into AI, production, storytelling, automation, and creative entrepreneurship from nontraditional backgrounds. Designed for students, recent graduates, career-switchers, local creatives, and anyone looking for a way in, the conversation will offer practical advice, personal stories, and a constructive view of what is possible now. - 10:10 AM–11:00 AM [GenJam · WORKSHOP] GenJam continues Speakers: Minh Do Location: College of the Desert (COD) - 11:00 AM–11:10 AM · Break (Palm Pavilion Expo (Lobby)) - 11:10 AM–12:00 PM [Resident · TALK] Resident Track Office Hours Speakers: Kelly Stiles, Kent Kay, Felix Marhuenda-Donate, Patrick Jacobs Location: Mesquite A-C Bring your questions and leave with answers. Experienced College of the Desert instructors sit down with you to make sense of AI in plain English, at your pace, with no jargon and no judgment. Stuck on something, curious about something, or just not sure where to start? This is the room for it. - 11:10 AM–12:00 PM [Creativity × AI · PANEL] The Next Three Years — A Creator's Roadmap Speakers: Charlie Fink Location: Primrose B Ballroom A fast, practical roadmap for creators navigating the next phase of AI-enabled work. What should creators learn first? What should they protect? What should they stop assuming? What skills will matter when tools change every few months? This closing roundtable turns the track's big ideas into concrete guidance for artists, filmmakers, students, producers, technologists, and creative entrepreneurs. - 11:10 AM–12:00 PM [Vibe-a-thon · DEMO] Vibe-a-thon Showcase & Panel Speakers: Philip Su, Scott White Location: Primrose A Ballroom Teams demo live; a panel of local government, education, and business leaders weigh in on what could actually deploy in the Coachella Valley. - 11:10 AM–12:00 PM [GenJam · WORKSHOP] GenJam completes Speakers: Minh Do Location: College of the Desert (COD) - 12:00 PM–12:30 PM · Box lunch (Oasis Ballroom) - 12:30 PM–1:00 PM [Main Stage · KEYNOTE] Art, Music, AI and the Joy of Creativity Speakers: Kelly Boesch Location: Oasis Ballroom Kelly Boesch shares her journey, working from an emotional core, translating feeling into visual language, character, and atmosphere, then into music and sound that fit the same world. AI is part of the workflow, not the answer. Her case is personal: AI hasn't replaced her creativity — it has unlocked what she didn't know was there. Follow it. Find your joy. - 1:00 PM–1:25 PM [Main Stage · DEMO] GenJam Film Screening Speakers: Minh Do, Rob Minkoff, Kelly Boesch, Charlie Fink, Fred Grinstein Location: Oasis Ballroom The Creativity + AI arc culminates with a big-screen showcase of standout work created during GenJam. This screening will feature films, music videos, visual experiments, and creative projects made during the summit, with live creator commentary, audience participation, and a celebratory look at what this community can make when new tools meet imagination. - 1:25 PM–2:00 PM [Main Stage · KEYNOTE] Closing Keynote: We Made It, Literally! Speakers: Baratunde Thurston, Jeffrey Bernstein Location: Oasis Ballroom Baratunde closes the summit by tying together what we built and what we decided. We celebrate the work made on the ground over two days, the GenJam films and the Vibe-a-thon tools built live for local businesses, and name where the Coachella Valley goes from here. Agenda: · 1:25 PM–1:45 PM: Closing keynote: We Made It, Literally! — Baratunde Thurston · 1:45 PM–2:00 PM: Thank Yous — Speakers, Sponsors, Volunteers, Summit Producers & Tech SteerCo — Jeffrey Bernstein ## Tracks (6 total) 1. **Resident Track** — practical AI for everyday life: digital literacy, productivity, safety, scam protection 2. **Small Business Track** — real business results: saving time, growing revenue, sharpening operations 3. **Education Track** — students, educators, workforce partners; AI skills, policy, classroom ethics 4. **Creativity × AI** — storytelling, ownership, creative economics, working artists' practice 5. **Local Business Vibe-a-thon** — live, on-stage product accelerator (see below) 6. **GenJam** — creative AI sprint for film, music, and visual art (see below) ## Speakers — full bios All confirmed speakers and their bios, sourced from speakers.xlsx. The Vibe-a-thon and GenJam sections above list activation leads; the headliner-keynote slots in the program above point at speakers in this list. ### Rob Minkoff *[object Object]* A director best known for his work on Disney's The Lion King, Rob went on to direct Stuart Little, The Haunted Mansion, and Mr. Peabody & Sherman. This past year Rob has been doing a deep dive into AI tooling, exploring how the new stack supports animators rather than replaces them. ### Baratunde Thurston *Speaker · Host · Writer · Helping us live well with AI, each other, and the planet · Webby winner, Emmy nominee, Professionally funny* Emmy-nominated host, New York Times best-selling author, public speaker, and comedian helping us live well with technology, each other, and the planet. His latest project, the Webby Award-winning Life With Machines, is dedicated to one question most AI conversations skip: who decides the future? As a podcast, Substack newsletter, and robust social video presence, Life With Machines brings clarity, critique, comedy, and a custom AI co-producer named BLAIR to the question of how we live well with this technology, not just endure it. Baratunde also hosts the PBS series America Outdoors and co-created the podcast How To Citizen. His work across nature, democracy, and technology argues that the future isn't written in code by the few — it's shaped by the choices we all make together. He lives between Palm Springs and Paris and serves on the board of Civics Unplugged. ### Kelly Boesch *Visual Artist & Music Creator · TED Speaker · AI Thought Leader · Visual Storyteller* After 17 years at IMAX, Kelly went all-in on generative AI three years ago and is now one of the leading voices in the field, with 3M+ followers, an immersive show at W1 Curates London, and a TED stage in Vancouver titled "Art, Music, AI and the Joy of Creativity". ### Philip Su *Former site director at OpenAI & Meta · Tech CEO · Senior leader at Microsoft · Author of Molochinations · Host of Peak Salvation podcast · Part-time faculty at University of Washington* After more than a decade at Microsoft, Philip joined Meta as a Distinguished Engineer — a level only a handful of engineers anywhere ever reach — earned by founding the London office and scaling it to 500+. He later joined OpenAI early as Seattle site lead on ChatGPT, and has also worked shifts inside an Amazon fulfillment center. Currently CEO of Superphonic. ### Dr. Eric Leroux, MD/MBA *SVP, Chief Medical Officer & Chief Quality Officer · Eisenhower Health* Dr. Eric Leroux is a physician executive who works at the intersection of clinical care, technology, and health system strategy. He’s a national leader in quality and innovation in medicine and works here with us at Eisenhower Health. He joined Eisenhower in 2018 as an emergency physician and today serves as Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, and Chief Quality Officer. Along the way, he founded Eisenhower’s trauma program as its Founding Trauma Medical Director, and he’s also served as residency faculty, director of clinical decision support, and director of research. Eric trained at some of the best institutions in the country. He earned his undergraduate degree at Princeton, where he was awarded with one of the university’s highest honors, the Spirit of Princeton Award and also won the top thesis award for his work on HIV/AIDS — and was team MVP of the Ice Hockey team and first team All-conference. He then went on to Stanford, where he earned a medical degree from the Stanford University School of Medicine and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He also completed his residency in emergency medicine at Stanford — serving as chief resident and earning the department’s top research award. Before Eisenhower, he was on faculty at MedStar Georgetown, where he was named junior faculty of the year. Dr. Leroux has published in some of the leading journals in the field, has worked around the world, in Ecuador, Kenya, South Africa, Myanmar, Uganda, and Alaska. Eric has also been a builder and an entrepreneur in AI and digital health, founding multiple ventures over the years, including Curbside Health, a venture-backed digital health initiative to improve medical decision making. One of his other efforts, funded by Stanford for education innovation, produced a global medical school course that grew into the largest medical school class in the world — with students enrolling from more than 130 countries. Outside of medicine, Eric is a father of three and an avid writer. He used to play soccer and hockey competitively; these days it’s tennis — a little less successfully, he’ll admit, but with no less of a competitive spirit. At his core, Eric believes the next era of healthcare depends on helping systems, physicians, and caregivers thrive where technology and humanity meet — blending innovation with empathy to keep the meaning in medicine, even in a data-driven world. ### Anthony W. Purnel *Vice Chairman, Tribal Council · Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians* Born and raised in the Coachella Valley. Vice Chairman of the Tribal Council for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (elected April 2025), with a prior term as Council Member (2017-2021). Descendant of the Kauisik Clan and a bird singer who sings traditional Cahuilla migration songs. CSU Fullerton (dual BA, Business Administration & Communications); previously worked in technology and graphic design. At the forefront of a groundbreaking project with PSUSD and the School's Foundation to create a California-standards public-school curriculum focused on Agua Caliente history, culture, and modern life. Opens PS/NExT 26. ### Naomi Soto *Mayor of Palm Springs* Sworn in as the 28th Mayor of Palm Springs in December 2025. Healthcare executive with nearly 20 years in public health, daughter of Peruvian immigrants, and District 4 Councilmember focused on transparency, accountability, and an inclusive city. Opens PS/NExT 26. ### Scott White *President & CEO, Visit Greater Palm Springs* President & CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs since December 2010, leading the destination marketing organization for the Coachella Valley. Previously Executive Director of the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau (2006-2010) and Executive Vice President of the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau (1998-2006) — nearly three decades growing tourism economies. Education: Monterey Peninsula College. Certified Hospitality Sales Professional (CHSP). 'I love growing the tourism economy in Greater Palm Springs and working with a great team and community.' ### Jeffrey Bernstein *Palm Springs City Council, District 2 · Former Mayor* Civic champion behind the original 2025 AI & Creativity Expo — the event PS/NExT evolves from. Identified Tech as one of four economic drivers for the city, and is pushing AI degree pathways at the College of the Desert Palm Springs Campus. ### Davis Meyer *VP, Government & Industry Relations · Visit Greater Palm Springs* Leadership at Visit Greater Palm Springs since 2017, overseeing economic development and government relations at the city, county, and state level. 15+ years bridging Coachella Valley tourism, hospitality, and the region's broader economic agenda. ### Val Martinez Garcia *Superintendent / President, College of the Desert* Two decades of higher-ed leadership at the Coachella Valley's largest public college, serving 14,000+ students. Spearheading COD's first-of-its-kind learning & innovation accelerator at the new Palm Springs Campus, a comprehensive AI education program, and free tuition for all students. ### Dr. Marcus Funchess *Superintendent, Palm Springs Unified School District* Three decades in California public education, now leading the Coachella Valley's largest K–12 district — 20,000+ students across 28 schools. Doctorate in Educational Leadership (University of Redlands), with senior roles previously at San Bernardino City Unified. At PS/NExT to share PSUSD's vision for student success, opportunity, and the role of AI and emerging technology in classrooms. ### Edna Martinez, Ph.D. *Associate Vice President, CSUSB Palm Desert Campus* Edna Martinez, Ph.D., serves as the Associate Vice President of California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB), Palm Desert Campus. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, she is the first Latina to lead the Palm Desert Campus in its 40-year history. Martinez has held prominent national leadership roles, most recently serving as a 2025 Excelencia in Education Policy Fellow, where she contributed to advancing policies that promote student success and education equity. Before returning to CSUSB in 2023, where she began her academic career as faculty, Martinez served as department chair and associate professor at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). She has a noted resume of teaching and scholarship with publications in leading peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Higher Education, Community College Review, and Studies in Higher Education. Martinez holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Clemson University. She earned her M.Ed. in Educational Administration and B.S. in Biological Sciences from UTEP. As Associate Vice President, Martinez advances a vision centered on student access, equity, and success across the Coachella Valley. ### Patrick Jacobs *Assistant Professor, College of the Desert* Developer-turned-educator blending hands-on engineering with the classroom — network programming, reverse engineering, and finding real-world uses for AI. Coaches COD's student cybersecurity teams and is currently building workflow automations and custom AI tools to streamline both business and academic processes. ### Ken Buechele *Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Eisenhower Health* Technology leader driving digital transformation and AI adoption at one of the Coachella Valley's largest health systems. ### Charlie Fink *AIXR Podcast · CEO, Cinemation.AI · Author · Adjunct, Chapman & ASU* Charlie Fink is the producer and co-host of the AIXR Podcast and teaches 'Cinematic AI' and 'History and Future of Media' at Chapman University and ASU's grad school for emerging narrative. He is the producer of the vertical genAI social media series, Linda's Last Podcast, and also serves as CEO of Cinemation.AI, an AI animation studio he co-founded with film director Rob Minkoff. Fink's forty-year career at the intersection of storytelling and technology began at Walt Disney Feature Animation, where he famously conceived the idea for 'The Lion King' and became the studio's youngest-ever creative vice-president. Fink's work in immersive technology began in 1992 as COO of Virtual World Entertainment, a groundbreaking location-based VR company founded by Tim Disney. In 1995, AOL recruited him to serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of AOL Studios. After selling his subsequent venture-backed startup, eAgents, to American Greetings Interactive, Fink served as their President and Chief Creative Officer (2000-2004), acquiring its two biggest competitors, Blue Mountain and eGreetings, and transitioned the company from free to freemium. Fink is the author of the critically acclaimed AR-enabled books Charlie Fink's Metaverse (2017) and Convergence: How the World Will Be Painted With Data (2019). From 2016-2026 he wrote about AI, XR and The Metaverse for Forbes. Fink spent a decade as Producer and Chairman of the New York Musical Festival, which nurtured Broadway hits 'Title of Show,' 'Next to Normal,' and 'Guttenberg! The Musical.' ### Joanna Popper *CEO, Laurel Beach · former Chief Metaverse Officer, CAA · XR Hall of Fame* Media & tech executive at the intersection of AI, immersive storytelling, and innovation. Formerly Chief Metaverse Officer at CAA, head of XR at HP (10x growth), and EVP at Singularity University. Now CEO of Laurel Beach, advising boards on AI strategy. Co-founder of Satire AI — 30+ AI-powered short films with 20+ international awards. Work shown at Venice, Tribeca, SXSW, and Sundance. XR Hall of Fame inductee. ### Tony Ogden *Adjunct Professor, Albany Law School · AI Governance, Cybersecurity & Privacy* Palm Springs-based attorney and law professor at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and data privacy. Teaches in Albany Law School's graduate Cybersecurity & Data Privacy programs, where he argues that legal ethics — competence, confidentiality, candor, accountability — are the blueprint for responsible AI governance. Former Deputy Inspector General at the Federal Reserve Board and Inspector General at the U.S. Government Publishing Office. Bar memberships: Colorado, Oregon, and the U.S. Supreme Court. ### Marisa "Ritzy" Estrada Rivera *Emerging tech strategist · Founder, Ritzy Periwinkle Consultancy* Marisa "Ritzy" Estrada Rivera is a first-generation Mexican American emerging tech strategist, diversity advocate, and founder of Ritzy Periwinkle Consultancy and Zócalo, a multilingual platform in development dedicated to making emerging tech education accessible to underserved communities. She is also the creator of REAL TALK AI, a workshop series that teaches AI literacy, ethics, and practical integration to creatives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from underrepresented backgrounds. An international speaker with 15+ years of cross-industry consulting experience, she has presented at the United Nations General Assembly Science Summit, served as a delegate and presenter at the 5th and 6th Congressional Briefings of Women of Color in Blockchain, co-authored Women in Web3: Inclusive Futures, and holds an AI Fluency certification from Anthropic. She is a Butterscotch Media 2025 Web3 Changemaker to Watch and co-host of The Get Down: Beyond Bitcoin podcast. Her mission: help communities locked out of tech revolutions become the ones shaping them. ### Steven Stamstad *Clio-winning marketing executive · formerly Disney, EA, Expedia Vrbo · Palm Springs resident* 30+ years transforming leading businesses and startups across entertainment, gaming, and travel — senior roles at The Walt Disney Company, Electronic Arts, Expedia Vrbo, and the Los Angeles Times. At Vrbo (reporting to Barry Diller), led the rebrand that grew the business from $400M to $1.34B. Most recently CMO of Light & Wonder, where his work helped lift the stock from $16 to $85 a share. USC MFA/BA in Cinema & Television; executive education at Yale SOM and Harvard Business School. Now advises CEOs, CMOs, and PE GPs on transformational marketing strategies. ### Glen Wexler *Photographic Artist · Digital Imaging Pioneer* Born: Palm Springs, California Education: Art Center College of Design Glen Wexler is an American photographic artist whose work explores the intersection of constructed reality and conceptual surrealism. Known for highly staged photocompositions and technical precision, he creates narrative-driven images that blend cinematic sensibility with visual irony and controlled complexity. Trained in film photography and traditional darkroom processes, Wexler was an early adopter of digital imaging in the 1980s. His practice continues to evolve through the integration of computer-generated imagery (CGI) and emerging AI technologies, reflecting the changing boundaries between authenticity and artifice in contemporary image-making. Wexler’s work has been exhibited internationally, and his photographs are held in institutional and private collections, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), The Getty Research Institute, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and the George Eastman Museum. Notable commissions include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Wexler’s images have appeared on the covers of TIME and Rolling Stone. He has photographed major advertising campaigns for global brands including Sony, Adobe, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and Maxell’s 1992 “Blown Away” reboot. He also designed photographic logos for the Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition and Batman Forever films, winning a Hollywood Reporter Key Art Award in 1996. He is the author of three critically acclaimed monographs: 25:25 (2005), The Secret Life of Cows (2007, foreword by Eric Idle), and The ’80s Portrait Sessions (2019, foreword by Billy Gibbons). Wexler was inducted into the Album Cover Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to visual culture, including work for artists such as Michael Jackson, Van Halen, Black Sabbath, ZZ Top, and Rush. Tim Wride, former curator of photography at LACMA, described Wexler’s work as “both meaningful and memorable,” emphasizing his innovation and clarity of vision. Wexler currently resides and works in Palm Desert, California, where his studio practice focuses on creating personal, concept-driven fine art photographic imagery. ### Cristopher Cichocki *[object Object]* Coachella Valley multidisciplinary artist working between land art, light & space, technology, and natural science. His ongoing Circular Dimensions series and Palm Springs center THE ELEMENTAL explore the cycle of decay and renewal. ### Jeff Harrison *CEO & Founder, SwingPointMedia* AI-powered digital marketing and automation for local businesses. 15+ years of helping owners cut through hype with practical workflows and content systems that save time and build consistent revenue. ### Hael Kobayashi *Executive Strategy · formerly ILM & DreamWorks Animation* Three decades at the intersection of film, technology, and creative innovation — senior roles at Industrial Light & Magic, DreamWorks Animation, and Animal Logic (associate producer on Oscar-winning Happy Feet). Adjunct Professor of Creative Intelligence at UTS Sydney and senior adviser to global non-profit INDEX: Design to Improve Life. ### Mark Talkington *Founder/Publisher, The Palm Springs Post* Building independent local journalism for the Coachella Valley — and using AI to help small newsrooms do more with less. ### Lisa Flynn *Responsible AI Doctoral Researcher · Founder, Catalysts & Canaries* Marketer turned entrepreneur turned systems architect, Lisa Flynn is now building the science of how humans and AI should work together — before it's too late. Her doctoral research at the University of Oulu (Finland) asks a deceptively simple question: what does it actually take to create AI that is safe, secure, and ethical by design? Her answer is the Responsible Hybrid Intelligence Framework. Her proof is field research on three continents. Her philosophy: just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Founder of Catalysts & Canaries. ### Dr. Lisa Davenport *ESL Faculty, College of the Desert · Ed.D., CSUSB* Dr. Lisa Davenport is an educator and community college leader at College of the Desert, where she teaches English as a Second Language. She also serves in several faculty leadership roles, including the Academic Senate and Guided Pathways. Dr. Davenport earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from California State University, San Bernardino, where she was recognized as the Outstanding Doctoral Student in 2024. Her dissertation, "The Most Important Voices in the Room: Understanding the Academic Needs of US-Educated Latino English Learners as They Transition to Higher Education," was approved with distinction and reflects her ongoing commitment to advancing equity and success for multilingual learners. An active presenter and advocate for innovative ESL instruction, Dr. Davenport has presented at professional conferences and faculty development events on topics including student engagement, listening skills, cultural wealth frameworks, and support strategies for multilingual students. She is also the recipient of grants supporting multilingual student programming, including the creation of a large-scale multilingual book club and recognition initiatives for ESL students. Dr. Davenport is an ACUE Certified Instructor, a Distance Education Certified Instructor, and an active member of TESOL International Association and CATESOL. ### Dr. Corbyn Wild *Professor of English, College of the Desert · Academic Senate President* Dr. Corbyn Wild is a Professor of English at College of the Desert and currently serves as Academic Senate President and Student Learning Outcomes Coordinator. Since joining the college in 2014, she has become a leader in shared governance, assessment, accreditation, and faculty advocacy. She has played a key role in advancing institutional effectiveness initiatives, supporting curriculum development, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement centered on student success. A passionate educator, she teaches reading, writing, and critical thinking — helping students develop the skills needed to thrive in college and beyond. Her work is grounded in the belief that strong faculty leadership, meaningful assessment, and equitable educational practices create better outcomes for students and institutions alike. ### Donielle "Donnie" Papp *Educator · Founder, FILM Pathway · Palm Springs High School* Educator and proud PSUSD alum, now teaching in the same community that helped shape her. After discovering a passion for digital arts and storytelling as a teenager, she went on to work with a nonprofit teaching digital storytelling to educators before returning to Palm Springs High School to launch the FILM Pathway — Futures in Leading Media. Focuses on developing not only strong media creators but strong leaders, measuring success by the character, resilience, and heart students carry beyond the classroom. ### Jessica Pack *Middle School Teacher · 2014 California Teacher of the Year · Adobe Innovator* As a middle school teacher for 21 years and a California Teacher of the Year (2014), Jessica has continually worked to redefine what learning looks like in her classroom. Author of "Moviemaking in the Classroom" (ISTE Books). As an Adobe Innovator, she is an advocate for student creativity, storytelling, and the responsible use of student-centered AI-powered tools. Co-hosts a vodcast for the Utah STEM Action Center and STEMconnector called The Role of AI in Education and the Workplace. ### Fred Grinstein *[object Object]* Two decades in premium film and television — former Head of Non-Fiction Programming at Anonymous Content, VP of Development at Viceland's launch, and Senior Director of Programming at A&E. Co-founded Machine Cinema (Jan 2024) — the LA-based community for AI creators in filmmaking and emerging tech. Leads PS/NExT's GenJam. ### Minh Do *[object Object]* Minh Do is an entrepreneur, filmmaker, and educator working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, storytelling, and culture. He is the co-founder of Machine Cinema, a global community and creative platform exploring how generative AI is transforming filmmaking and visual storytelling. Through workshops, competitions, and collaborative productions, Machine Cinema brings together artists, filmmakers, and technologists to experiment with emerging tools and develop new forms of AI-native cinema. Minh is also co-founder and Head of AI at Fantastic Day, a hybrid AI studio producing AI-driven media with musicians, brands, and filmmakers. Earlier in his career, Minh worked across venture capital, journalism, and media. He was an early Editor-in-Chief at Tech in Asia, where he helped shape coverage of the emerging Asian startup ecosystem, and later co-founded Vietcetera, a digital media platform focused on business, culture, and society in Vietnam. As a journalist, he interviewed leading figures in technology including Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, and Anthony Tan, CEO of Grab. Today Minh focuses on the creative frontier of AI. He works closely with leading AI labs through creator partner programs including Google Labs, OpenAI's Sora and ChatGPT image models, Pika, Luma Dream Machine, and others, exploring how new tools can expand the language of film, art, and games. His work is also informed by a philosophical interest in consciousness and creativity. Drawing from years of study in Zen Buddhism, Minh explores how AI challenges traditional ideas about authorship, mind, and imagination, and what a new era of human–machine creativity might look like. Before working in AI, Minh was active in theater and audio storytelling, performing in productions such as The Little Prince, playing Timon in an audio adaptation of The Lion King, and directing an audio drama inspired by Star Trek: The Next Generation. He regularly publishes videos and essays reflecting on the evolution of artificial intelligence and its implications for creative work. ### Louie Pecan *Founder, Bastion Harbor Studios · Lead ComfyUI educator, Machine Cinema* Louie Pecan builds generative-AI films and the pipelines that ship them. Founder of Bastion Harbor Studios (250+ projects across short films, branded content, and installations) and lead ComfyUI educator at Machine Cinema, he is one of the few practitioners working both sides of the table — making the work, and teaching thousands of creators how to make their own. ### Deepak Subhramanian *Senior Consultant – Data & AI, Microsoft* 20+ years in tech — the last decade in big data, cloud, and generative AI. At Microsoft, leads global teams delivering enterprise AI for energy, insurance, healthcare, and government on a stack that includes Azure OpenAI, AI Foundry, AI Search, GitHub Copilot, Copilot Studio, and RAG frameworks. India → London → Silicon Valley → Coachella Valley (2.5 years in). NIT Karnataka, Rotterdam School of Management / Erasmus. Co-leading the live Vibe-a-thon. ### Habib Jaffer *CEO & Co-founder, Domus Tech Solutions* AI-driven smart-home platforms making consumer tech feel approachable. Returning 2025 Expo speaker on "AI as Your Personal Superpower" and "AI Scams & Digital Safety" — practical AI for productivity, creativity, and protection from voice-cloning and deepfakes. ### Beth Cooley *Head, State and Local Policy, Connectivity · Amazon* With over two decades of experience in state public policy and legislative advocacy, Beth leads Amazon's state and local connectivity initiatives as Head of State and Local Policy, Connectivity. Her mission is to bridge the digital divide by advocating for Amazon Leo, a low Earth orbit satellite broadband solution designed to enhance connectivity for all communities — even those hardest to reach. At Amazon (since September 2022), she collaborates with state policymakers and key stakeholders to promote broadband policies that empower communities with fast and reliable internet access. Prior to Amazon, she spent more than ten years at CTIA — most recently as AVP of State Legislative Affairs — championing 5G infrastructure legislation across all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico. Earlier roles at Reed Elsevier and the Council On State Taxation. MPIA, Security and Intelligence Studies (University of Pittsburgh); BA, International/Global Studies (Western New England University). ### Jon Sukarangsan *Founder, Summer Friday & Partners* Jon Sukarangsan is the founder of Summer Friday & Partners, a boutique AI strategy consultancy helping businesses move past the hype and actually implement AI to get real results. With 20+ years of experience working with companies like Google, Citibank, Samsung, Ralph Lauren, and the New York Times, Jon has spent his career at the intersection of design and technology before launching his consultancy. Today he works with clients ranging from mid-market companies to Fortune 500s, helping teams stay ahead — from helping to navigate the new landscape to building practical AI solutions that work. He's a Palm Springs resident and believes the valley's small business community has a genuine opportunity to show up differently by putting these tools to work now. ### Travis McBurney *Founder, The McBurney Group · AI Solutions Builder* Travis spent 12 years producing 300+ events (Founder, True Colors Events, 2007–2019) and a decade leading operations at Expedia Group — across IT service management, problem management, product, and most recently Director of Talent Acquisition Operations (2023–2024), where his work saved 100K+ hours and + in business value. He founded The McBurney Group in October 2024 to build AI solutions for the industries he came from: events, hospitality, and coordination-heavy operations. Today the firm runs 100+ workflows and agents in production — custom builds for vendor coordination, timeline automation, workforce scheduling, document processing, meeting intelligence, and information search — with a hospitality workforce scheduling platform and a wedding-business operations platform launching in 2026. BA, Business, University of Oregon. "I came from operations and learned to build with AI, not the other way around." ### Heidi Adams, IES *Founder & CEO, BASEstud.io · Distributed energy infrastructure* Heidi Adams is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BASEstud.io, a climate infrastructure platform converting streetlights into distributed energy resources. She oversees strategy, capital formation, and commercialization of the company's solar-plus-storage streetlight systems — designed to reduce peak demand, stabilize local grids, and generate recurring infrastructure revenue. She has led the company through federal funding awards, utility engagement, and large-scale pilot development. With over two decades of experience in product development and urban infrastructure execution, she combines advanced manufacturing innovation with distributed energy deployment strategy. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and the Los Angeles CleanTech Incubator (LACI), she has served as a guest lecturer at the USC School of Architecture, sharing her approach to designing for resilience, community wellness, and clean energy futures. She also runs Form By Heidi, her multi-platform design practice (since 2008), and has worked as a production designer with United Talent Agency and HBOMax. ### Dr. Thomas Spiglanin *Director of Education, Palm Springs Windmill Tours* Dr. Thomas Spiglanin is the Director of Education for Palm Springs Windmill Tours. He's overseen the tours' transformation into an educational experience thousands of visitors enjoy each year. His passion is teaching the public how wind and other renewable energy sources can power our homes, protect the environment, and build a sustainable future. Before joining Palm Springs Windmill Tours, Dr. Spiglanin worked in the aerospace industry for over 30 years. His background merges science, engineering, and education, emphasizing renewable energy and environmental protection. For more than two decades, he managed technical education for the scientists and engineers responsible for national security space programs. Dr. Spiglanin earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Wesleyan University and his B.S. from the University of California at Riverside. He has published over twenty refereed journal articles in chemistry and physics and authored Backstories of the Palm Springs Windmills. ### David Ambroz *Sr. Manager, Public Policy & External Affairs · Amazon* Emmy-nominated, best-selling author and speaker; recognized as a national expert in child welfare and poverty. At Amazon since November 2021 in escalating policy and community roles — currently Sr. Manager, Public Policy for Prime Video / MGM, Games & Music (regulatory policy and communications lead for CA, NV, HI) and Head of External Affairs & Community Engagement for the West and Inland Empire. Previously President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (2021), and Executive Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Walt Disney Television for nearly nine years — leading global pro-social strategy, diversity & inclusion programs, the WDT "Be Inspired" pro-social brand, and a charitable giving budget across ABC, FX, Disney Channel/Junior, NatGeo, and Freeform. Earlier roles: Executive Director, LA City College Foundation; Consultant, Strategic Philanthropy at The Walt Disney Company. Honors: White House Champion of Change (2016); 2016 Telly Award; Champion of Youth; 47th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. JD, UCLA School of Law; BA, Political Science & Economics, Vassar College. ### Colin Wright *IP Counsel, Stryker · Cybersecurity & Tech Attorney* Palm Springs resident with an uncommon combination of backgrounds: started as an electrical and software engineer before becoming a technology attorney. Over the past two decades served as Cybersecurity and Intellectual Property Counsel at Apple, Twilio, and McKesson — advising on patents, copyrights, and cyber risk, negotiating contracts with large cloud and AI vendors, and producing cybersecurity simulations to stress-test response plans before a real crisis hit. Today IP Counsel at Stryker, supporting teams at the intersection of surgical robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital security — protecting patient health and data. Member of Leadership Coachella Valley Class of 2026, committed to making complex laws and technologies understandable for the community he calls home. ### David Habich *Senior Counsel, Accenture Cybersecurity · Former FBI & Federal Prosecutor · Adjunct Law Professor* Senior Counsel for Accenture Cybersecurity. Career spans federal law enforcement and the courtroom — former FBI and federal prosecutor — and now teaching the next generation as an adjunct law professor. ### Kelly Dominguez *Communication Studies major · Student advocate* First-generation Mexican American majoring in Communication Studies. Plans to teach part-time as a professor after earning a master's degree and to remain involved in advocacy efforts. ### Jonathon Garcia (DJ Limón) *Filmmaker · Broadcaster · COD Roadrunner Radio · ASCOD Senator* Filmmaker, broadcaster, and student leader based in the Coachella Valley. First-generation college student and College of the Desert alumnus whose return to education after a decade away stands as a testament to creativity, community, and resilience. Student Engagement Manager at COD Roadrunner Radio and ASCOD Independent Senator. A producer and DJ living at the intersection of technology and creativity. Now transferring to CSUN's Cinema and Television Arts program, bringing a passion for film production, audio content, and the belief that technology and creativity can expand equity and opportunity for marginalized communities. ### Juan Manuel Rios Falcon *Student leader · Psychology & Kinesiology* Dedicated student leader and community advocate originally from Guadalajara, Mexico. After more than 10 years of experience in retail management, returned to college to pursue dual degrees in psychology and kinesiology. Educational journey driven by a passion for mental health, wellness, and helping others. Committed to using experiences in leadership, education, and service to build healthier, more supportive communities. ### Dana Rios *Cybersecurity BS · AI, Governance & Emerging Tech* Mexican American entrepreneur with a BS in Cybersecurity and a strong interest in AI, governance, and emerging technologies. Completed the Generative AI Foundations for Creativity program with College of the Desert PaCE and is determined to contribute to the future of technology and help increase Latino representation in tech. Work driven by curiosity, creativity, and commitment to lifelong learning. ### Angela Dunning *Partner, Cleary Gottlieb · AI/IP Litigation · Lecturer at Berkeley Law* Trial and appeals partner at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP since October 2023, specializing in AI, copyright, trademark, trade secrets, unfair competition, and advertising litigation for the world's top companies. Lecturer at UC Berkeley School of Law (since June 2022) teaching Trademark Law and Branding with John Crittenden. Spent 23 years at Cooley LLP — Partner (2018-2023) specializing in general business litigation; trademark, copyright, and trade secret litigation; securities litigation and white collar defense; Special Counsel (2010-2017); Associate (2000-2010). UC Davis School of Law (JD); UC San Diego (BA, Literature/Writing). ### Valli Bhavireddy *Founder, Sandlight Studios · Digital storytelling for the Coachella Valley* Valli Bhavireddy built one of the largest community-driven social media audiences in the Coachella Valley's history — more than 1.1 million people — by understanding what people are truly looking for in a digital world: human connection, visibility, and a sense of belonging. What started as a personal journey into storytelling and communication grew into something far bigger and revealed a gap nobody was filling. Today, Sandlight Studios builds professional digital visibility systems for local businesses and emerging talent across the Coachella Valley, training the next generation of digital storytellers to own their narrative and create real economic opportunity right here in the desert. ### Kelly Stiles *Educator · Palm Springs local · Resident Track guide* Kelly Stiles is an educator and Palm Springs local who believes that great learning happens when people feel supported and engaged. With a background spanning the classroom, curriculum development, and local civic engagement, she brings experience helping people make sense of new and complex ideas. She's thrilled to guide this track and explore what AI means for everyday life together with her neighbors. ### Kent Kay *AI Ambassador, College of the Desert · Generative AI for Creatives* Kent Kay began his media career in radio in 1992 before moving into television, film, digital design, and emerging creative technology. A multi-Emmy Award-winning producer and educator, he now teaches Generative AI for Creatives at College of the Desert, helping students use AI for prompt design, storytelling, visual communication, ethical decision-making, and career-ready creative problem-solving. ### Felix Marhuenda-Donate *Professor of Computer Information Systems, College of the Desert* Felix Marhuenda-Donate is a Computer Information Systems instructor at College of the Desert. A former mathematics professor, he founded the college's EDGE program, its Distance Education office, and its Cyber Security program, and now teaches courses that explore the role of AI in business and everyday life. A longtime hardware enthusiast and a reader of Kurt Vonnegut, he brings a plain-spoken, human-centered perspective to conversations about technology, labor, and what comes next. ### Kimberly Knoller *Music Executive · CMO · Founder, The Knoller Group* Kimberly Knoller is a music executive and CMO focused on helping artists, creators, and music-driven brands build lasting fan relationships and sustainable growth. She is the founder of The Knoller Group, Inc., a boutique management and strategy firm working at the intersection of music, culture, and emerging technology. Career on both sides of the industry — label executive at Warner Records and Sony Music and as an artist manager — shaping artist marketing, career strategy, and fan engagement for major and emerging acts. Currently leads strategy for Kelly Boesch (Gelsomina Studios / Nettwerk Music Group), a visual artist and music-driven world builder who incorporates AI as one tool within an artist-led creative practice, reaching over 4M fans and 100M streams. Selected artist work: signed and managed Echosmith (#1 global single 'Cool Kids'); signed and developed The Regrettes and Fairground Saints; founder of Kaijin Sounds (independent label). Selected executive/embedded roles: Head of Marketing — Dapper Labs / Disney Pinnacle (Disney IP digital collectibles); Head of North America Marketing — Chrysalis Records UK; CMO — SongVest (music royalty platform); CMO — Pixelynx (acquired by Animoca), leading global launch of AR game ELYNXIR; built the first Direct-to-Fan Marketing Team at Warner Records (artists included My Chemical Romance, Green Day, Metallica, Josh Groban). ### Paul Bradley Carr *Novelist · Bookseller · Co-owner, The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs* Paul Bradley Carr is a bookseller and novelist. His most recent thriller, The Confessions, features a newly-sentient AI who exposes the world's darkest secrets. Before turning to fiction, he was the Silicon Valley columnist for The Guardian, senior editor at TechCrunch, cofounder of PandoDaily, and founder and editor-in-chief of the infamous NSFWCORP in Las Vegas. He lives in Palm Springs with his family and is the co-owner of The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs. Find out more at PaulBradleyCarr.com. ### Monica Monique *Founder, Chain Reaction · Producer & Creative Innovation Lead* Monica Monique is founder and consultant of Chain Reaction. A producer and creative innovation leader with more than 20 years of experience across live-action, branded, and experiential work for some of the world's most recognized brands. Her projects have earned multiple Clio Awards and an MTV VMA nomination, reflecting a career defined by delivering ambitious creative at scale. Over the last three years, she has emerged as a leading voice in generative AI production. She's spearheaded the teams behind Coca-Cola's culture shifting Holidays Are Coming campaigns in both 2024 and 2025, as well as numerous work with Will.I.Am. Widely recognized as a trusted bridge between artists and clients, known for translating creative vision and emerging technology into clear, actionable pathways that align innovation with real-world execution. ## Hands-on activations - **Vibe-a-thon** — Live, on-stage product accelerator presented by Greater Palm Springs Economic Development. Local businesses, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations bring real problems; mixed teams of senior developers, business owners, and students use the latest AI tools to build working solutions by the end of the Summit. Top concepts move into a 30/60/90-day pilot pipeline. Submit a challenge: https://palmspringsnext.com/vibeathon. Selected organizations need one person present at the kickoff (~Day 1, 1–2 PM) and showcase + panel (~Day 2, 11 AM–noon) — about 2 hours minimum, ideally 3–4 with Day 1 afternoon Q&A availability. - **GenJam@COD** — Creative AI sprint for film, music, and visual art presented by College of the Desert. Students work alongside professionals across both days. Closes with a big-screen Film Screening finale at 1:30 PM Day 2, with commentary by Rob Minkoff, Kelly Boesch, and Charlie Fink. Top works move into the Digital Media Gallery.- **Digital Media Gallery + Artist Spotlight Talks** — Featured artists Cristopher Cichocki (founder of THE ELEMENTAL; CalArts/Yale-trained) and Glen Wexler (Album Cover Hall of Fame; work held by LACMA, the Getty, the George Eastman Museum). Both explore technology and the natural world through interdisciplinary New Media. ## Passes & pricing Get a pass: https://pschamber.org/event/palmspringsnext-registration/ - **Coachella Valley Resident Pass** — $95 — reduced-rate full 1.5-day access for CV residents. Proof of CV address required. - **Coachella Valley Student Pass** — FREE — full access for students from middle school through graduate school. Valid student ID + CV school enrollment required. - **Sponsor a Student or Nonprofit Professional Pass** — $95 — covers admission for a local student or nonprofit professional. Does not include admission for the purchaser. - **Summit Pass** — $250 — open to all (out-of-area). Full 1.5-day access to every keynote, every track, the expo floor, networking, and activations. - **Premium Pass** — $500 — full admission plus invitations to special reception events with keynote speakers and industry executives. Supports student participation and community access programs. ## Sponsors & sponsorship Sponsorship makes access possible — it funds free student admission and reduced-rate Resident passes, not just logo placement. **Presenting partners:** City of Palm Springs Office of Economic Development · Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce **Supporting sponsors:** Amazon · College of the Desert · Eisenhower Health · The Foundation for Palm Springs Unified School District · Greater Palm Springs Economic Development (Vibe-a-thon Host) · Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation · Palm Springs Disposal Services · Wintec Energy · Desert Water Agency · Engineering Resources of Southern California **Sponsor contact:** Nona Watson, CEO, Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce — nwatson@pschamber.org · (760) 325-1577 **Tax-deductibility:** Sponsorship payments may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Payments are made to the Palm Springs Chamber Community Foundation, a California 501(c)(3) corporation (EIN 41-4722430). See https://palmspringsnext.com/sponsors for sponsorship tier details. Five tiers: Presenting ($75K) · Summit Partner ($50K) · Premium Track Partner ($50K) · Hospitality (Breakfast / Lunch / Reception hosts) · Community ($750–$10K, includes Palm Pavilion exhibitor packages). ## Technology Steering Committee The Summit is built by an all-volunteer Steering Committee of community experts. Members include: - Jeffrey Bernstein (Chair) — Palm Springs City Council, former Mayor - Peter Loforte — Co-Chair · Former Microsoft VP · Founding Visionary - Brian O'Connor — Executive Producer · Strategic Communications & Events - Colleen Baumbach — Group Vice President, Cloud Applications Development, Oracle - Wendy Beerbower — SVP Foundation, Eisenhower Health - Ellen Goodman — Foundation Director, PSUSD Foundation - Hael Kobayashi — Creative technologist; liaison to College of the Desert - Baratunde Thurston — Author · Emmy-nominated host · Webby winner · PS resident - Steven Stamstad — Marketing executive - Habib Jaffer — CEO, Domus Tech Solutions - Chris Wilson — Engineering Director, Infrastructure Security, Google ## Frequently asked questions These are the canonical FAQ answers from the home page (lib/structured-data.ts): - **When and where is PS/NExT Summit 26?** June 22–23, 2026 at the Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs, CA 92262. - **What time does the Summit run?** From 9:00 AM Monday, June 22, 2026 to ~2:00 PM Tuesday, June 23, 2026 (Pacific). Full session schedule published closer to the event. - **How do I get a pass?** Passes are processed by the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce at https://pschamber.org/event/palmspringsnext-registration/. - **Are Coachella Valley students really free?** Yes. Any student attending a Coachella Valley school — middle school through graduate school — can attend both days at no cost with a valid student ID and proof of CV school enrollment. - **What's included with general admission?** 1.5-day access to every keynote and breakout across six tracks, the GenJam AI filmmaking workshop and showcase, the Vibe-a-thon coding event, the artist spotlight gallery, and the expo floor. - **How do I sponsor?** See the Sponsors page (https://palmspringsnext.com/sponsors) or contact Nona Watson — nwatson@pschamber.org · (760) 325-1577. - **How do I volunteer?** Email hello@palmspringstech.org with your interest and any background or skills you'd like to bring. ## May 21 Kick-off (past event) A free Community and Media Kick-Off was held Thursday, May 21, 2026, 5:00–6:30 PM at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. Featured a fast preview of the Summit, civic vision remarks, the keynote reveal, and a music video by Kelly Boesch. Recap and presenter deck: https://palmspringsnext.com/kickoff and https://palmspringsnext.com/kickoff/presentation. ## Resources - [Home](https://palmspringsnext.com/) — landing page, ticketing, headline schedule - [Sponsors](https://palmspringsnext.com/sponsors) — sponsorship tiers and contact - [Our sponsors](https://palmspringsnext.com/our-sponsors) — current confirmed sponsor roster - [Vibe-a-thon challenge intake](https://palmspringsnext.com/vibeathon) — submit a local-business challenge - [Kelly Boesch artist page](https://palmspringsnext.com/kelly-boesch) — featured AI artist - [Sitemap](https://palmspringsnext.com/sitemap.xml) - General contact: hello@palmspringstech.org - Sponsorship contact: Nona Watson · nwatson@pschamber.org · (760) 325-1577 ## Organizers PS/NExT Summit 26 is produced as a civic initiative by the all-volunteer PS Tech Steering Committee in partnership with the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and the City of Palm Springs Office of Economic Development, with support from sponsors and the broader Coachella Valley civic and educational community.