AI & THE FUTURE OF OUR REGION
September 10, 2026 | CSU Monterey Bay University Center
ABOUT THE EVENT
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live, work, govern, and innovate—and its impact will be felt across every sector of our regional economy. From healthcare and education to agriculture, manufacturing, public policy, and business, AI is reshaping how organizations operate and preparing us for a new era of opportunity and change.
Join the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership for AI & the Future of Our Region, a premier regional summit bringing together leaders from business, government, education, nonprofits, and the technology sector to explore what artificial intelligence means for California’s Central Coast.
Featuring nationally recognized AI leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators—including speakers from organizations such as OpenAI, Loti AI, the Hoover Institution, Stanford Law, and additional leading AI organizations—this event will connect global perspectives with practical insights relevant to our region.
Through keynote conversations, expert panels, and thought-provoking discussions, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of AI’s rapidly evolving landscape, its implications for the future of work, public policy, economic competitiveness, and the opportunities and challenges facing organizations across the Monterey Bay region.
Whether you’re a business executive, entrepreneur, public official, educator, nonprofit leader, or community stakeholder, this summit offers a unique opportunity to learn from some of the nation’s leading voices in artificial intelligence while connecting with regional leaders shaping the future of our communities.
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
LUKE ARRIGONI
CEO, Loti AI
IAN CALDERON
Former Majority Leader, California State Assembly
DONNIE FOWLER
Head of US State Policy and Partnerships, OpenAI
ZACH FRIEND
Summit Moderator
TAHRA GORAYA
President & CEO, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership
NICOLE LOPEZ
Partner, Orrick LLP
ERIKA MCENTARFER
Research Scholar & Distinguished Policy Fellow, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR)
IAN OGLESBY
Mayor, City of Seaside
MARGARET RICHARDSON
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, GoFundMe
NATE SALETAN
Co-Founder, Influent AI
JACQUELYN SCHNEIDER
Hoover Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University
SARAH SHIRAZYAN
Research Fellow at Hoover Institution; Lecturer at Stanford Law.
WHY ATTEND AN MBEP EVENT?
MBEP’s events offer a unique opportunity to engage with the leaders, ideas, and data shaping the future of the Central Coast. By bringing together diverse voices from across sectors, this event creates space for meaningful dialogue, shared understanding, and collaborative problem-solving.
Whether you’re looking to stay informed, strengthen partnerships, or ensure your perspective is part of the conversation, MBEP’s convenings provide the insight and connections needed to move our region forward—together.