The Technology Alliance’s Policy Matters conference - a unique opportunity to connect with cross-sector leaders across Washington state. This event is designed to foster collaboration, build bridges, and expand our collective knowledge, all with a focus on strengthening our state’s innovation economy. With this year's theme, we're breaking down the day into 3 core sessions:

• People: The day kicks off with a deep dive into the workforce demands of the latest industrial revolution. We’ll explore both the technical skills and the new competencies needed across virtually every sector, from seasoned professionals to the next generation of workers.

• Power: Next, we’ll focus on the critical energy needs driving AI. This session will demystify why AI requires substantial power, how utilities are gearing up to meet these demands, and the innovative approaches AI researchers are taking to reduce energy consumption.

• Purpose: We’ll conclude by highlighting the remarkable scientific advancements, enhanced accessibility, and productivity gains that AI enables. At the same time, we’ll address the ethical considerations and safeguards that must accompany these innovations.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for speaker announcements —this is your chance to be at the forefront of the conversation!

Agenda

  • 8-9 am | Continental breakfast, registration and networking

  • 9-10:30 am | People

    • 9-9:15am | Keynote: Generative AI and the Future of Work: Transforming America's Workforce 

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    • 9:15-10:10am, includes audience Q&A | Reshaping the American Workforce: Preparing for an AI-Driven Economy 

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      • Amit Singh, President at Edmonds College

      • Magdalena Balazinska, Professor and Director, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at University of Washington

      • Debbie Compeau, Interim Dean, Carson College of Business at Washington State University

      • Kate Zimberg, SVP of Global Talent Solutions at F5

      • Sybill Hyppolite, Government Affairs Director at Washington State Labor Council (WSLC)

      • Anind K. Dey, Dean and Professor of the Information School at University of Washington - Moderator

    • 10:10-10:30am | The Post-Secondary Credential Dilemma  

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      • Isaac Kwakye, Deputy Executive Director at Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)

      • Paul Pitre, Chancellor at Washington State University Everett

      • Bish Paul, Senior Policy Officer at the Gates Foundation

      • Jolenta Coleman-Bush, Director of Washington State Microsoft Philanthropies, Microsoft - Moderator

  • 10:30-10:45am | Break

  • 10:45am-12:15pm | Power

    • 10:45 - 10:55am | Fueling the Future: Why AI Requires More Power Than Ever 

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      • Jaime Shimek, Director of Communications at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)

    • 10:55 - 11:05am | The Hidden Cost of AI: Why Power Infrastructure Matters 

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      • Noel Schulz, Director, WSU Tri-Cities INEF and Bob Ferguson Endowed Professor at Washington State University Tri-Cities

    • 11:05-11:45am | Current and Future Power Needs: Balancing Growth and Sustainability 

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      • Josh Jacobs, VP of Clean Energy Strategy and Planning at Puget Sound Energy (PSE)

      • Chris Green, President at PNW Hydrogen Association (PNWH2)

      • Greg Cullen, Vice President, Energy Services and Development, Energy NW

      • Jessie Barton, Director of Communications at Helion

      • Noel Schulz, Director, WSU Tri-Cities INEF and Bob Ferguson Endowed Professor at Washington State University Tri-Cities - Moderator

    • 11:45am-12:15pm, includes audience Q&A | Reducing Power Consumption in AI: Innovations and Strategies 

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      • Dr. Simon Peter, Associate Professor in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at University of Washington

      • Rich Lappenbusch, Senior Principal at Super Micro Computer

  • 12:15-1:15pm | Networking Lunch

  • 1:15 pm - 2:45 pm | Purpose

    • 1:15-1:24pm | AI for Accessibility: Real-World Impact through Policy and Innovation

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      • Anat Caspi, Director of Taskar Center for Accessible Technology, at University of Washington

    • 1:25-1:34pm | AI and Wildfire Management: Innovative Approaches for Rapid Disaster Response 

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      • Andre Coleman, Chief Data Scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)

    • 1:35-1:54pm | A Balancing Act: Navigating Technology Policy in the AI Era 

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    • 1:55-2:04pm | Bridging the Gap: AI-Powered Guidance for Students and Families

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      • Sarah Weiss, Director of College Access Initiatives at Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)

    • 2:05-2:14pm | Reimagining Medicine: AI-Driven Drug Repurposing and Personalized Care 

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    • 2:15-2:54pm, includes audience Q&A | Building Ethical AI: Best Practices for Responsible Innovation 

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    • 2:55-3:04pm | Harnessing AI for Sustainable Energy: WhyGrene's Approach to Virtual Power Plants 

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    • 3:05-3:14pm | The Future of Medicine: AI and Nano Protein Structures for Health Innovation 

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      • Dr. Neil King, Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Washington School of Medicine and of the Institute for Protein Design

Did we miss you in 2022?

Check out the recap of Policy Matters: Innovation Basics!