By Scout Nelson
Kansas State University (K-State) will host the fifth annual Heartland AI Symposium from November,10-12, 2026, bringing together students, educators, researchers, industry professionals, and community members. The event will focus on how artificial intelligence is influencing education, agriculture, business, healthcare, creativity, and everyday life.
Centered on the theme "Our Society in the Age of AI," the symposium has expanded into a regional, hybrid, and interdisciplinary event. It aims to help participants better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with rapidly evolving AI technologies.
The symposium will feature more than 100 learning opportunities, including keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, networking events, and a two-day AI Hackathon. Programs are designed for participants of all experience levels, from beginners to advanced AI users.
Attendees can participate in more than 80 sessions and 12 hands-on workshops covering topics such as AI literacy, ethics, education, agriculture, environmental sustainability, public policy, research methods, arts, and writing. Multi-institutional student and faculty panels will also explore diverse perspectives on AI's role in society.
Featured keynote speakers include Vered Shwartz of the University of British Columbia, Jonathon Herington of the University of Rochester, and neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath. Their presentations will address topics ranging from large language models and AI ethics to the relationship between artificial intelligence and human learning.
The symposium's AI Hackathon will give participants the opportunity to develop and test digital solutions, including apps, websites, AI assistants, and business tools. Mentors will provide guidance on prompt engineering, AI-assisted development, responsible AI practices, and rapid prototyping.
Community engagement is a major component of the event. Activities include a public town hall at the Manhattan Public Library, discussions on AI's impact on families and rural communities, and special programs at Manhattan's Museum of Art + Light.
The symposium is supported by K-State's Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science and several university departments, along with regional partners including the University of Kansas, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska, Wichita State University, Manhattan Public Library, and the Museum of Art + Light.
Led by K-State and symposium director Raelynne Hale, the event aims to encourage informed discussions about artificial intelligence while fostering collaboration across academic, industry, and community sectors.
Photo Credit: istock-psisa
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