Thomas College of Business and Economics at UNC Pembroke be the organizer 2nd Annual AI Innovation Week, March 30th to April 2nd, 2026 We bring together educators, industry leaders, students, and community partners to explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence.
While the four-day event highlights the role of AI in education and workforce development, Tuesday, March 31st will have a special focus on the business community., It provides a forum for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to better understand how artificial intelligence will shape the future of the workforce.
AI Industry and Small and Medium Enterprises Day will be held from from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the James A. Thomas Hall Event Room. The event will feature a networking breakfast followed by expert panel discussions and workshops designed to help organizations prepare for the rapidly evolving AI environment.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer an option for companies that want to remain competitive,” said Dr. Brian McLeod, assistant professor of marketing and event organizer, in a press release. “Industry and Small Business Day aims to provide leaders and entrepreneurs with a clear, practical understanding of how AI is transforming the workforce and how they can start using it effectively today.”
All Industry and Small Business Day attendees will receive a handbook of AI prompts and tools, as well as three one-on-one AI assessment sessions.
“Our goal is to make AI accessible, relevant and immediately useful to organizations across the region,” McLeod added in a press release. “We strongly encourage industry leaders and small business owners to attend, not only to gain valuable insights, but also to take advantage of a unique opportunity.”
The featured panel discussion, “AI Readiness: The Dangers of an Unprepared Workforce,” will bring together technology and entrepreneurship leaders to discuss how companies must adapt to remain competitive in the AI era.
The panelists are:
- Amanda KlinkData Security Solutions Engineer, Microsoft
- John Kozlowski IIKIT Digital Representative Director
- Tre Bell, Senior Vice President; Director of IT, Lumbee Guaranty Bank
- Caleb MalcolmPresident of Lumbee Federation Solutions
- Dr. Yehao RenUNC Pembroke, faculty, AI researcher
Additionally, industry experts will participate in the discussion and provide insight into workforce development, AI adoption strategies, and the risks businesses face if they fail to prepare their workforces for emerging technologies.
Panelists will consider:
- The growing demand for AI literacy in today’s workforce
- Security and ethical considerations for AI deployment
- Opportunities for companies to integrate AI into operations and decision-making. and
- How local businesses can collaborate with universities to build an AI-enabled talent pipeline
After the panel discussion, participants will participate in a hands-on workshop focusing on practical AI applications for business and industry. This workshop will help participants identify tools, strategies, and partnerships that can help organizations begin or accelerate their AI adoption.
The event also provides valuable networking opportunities for area employers, small business owners, technology professionals, and the business community. Development leaders.
Focus on specific audiences each day of the week.
- Monday 30th March – Teacher Research and Pedagogy Day: Explore the role of AI in higher education, research, and teaching.
- Tuesday 31st March – Industry and Small Business Day: Connect your business with AI insights and workforce strategy.
- Wednesday, April 1 – High School AI Experience Day: Engage local high school students through hands-on AI labs and challenges.
- Thursday, April 2 – UNCP Student AI Competition Day: Students will leverage AI to solve real-world business challenges for local entrepreneurs.
Business leaders and community members are encouraged to attend AI Industry and Small Business Day to gain practical insights and connect with experts on the front lines of AI adoption.
Space is limited; early registration is recommended.
