The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is hosting its highly anticipated second annual OMA x AI conference on June 30, an event strategically designed to cultivate a citywide understanding and application agenda for artificial intelligence across Omaha's diverse local companies and organizations. This significant gathering, which will take place at UNO’s Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center and Strauss Performing Arts Center, aims to bridge the gap between complex AI theories and practical, real-world implementation. The conference promises a rich program featuring insights from various experts and innovators, with sessions specifically tailored to address how entrepreneurial founders can effectively integrate AI into their startups and how established institutions, such as local hospitals, are deploying sophisticated AI tools to enhance their operations. This initiative underscores UNO's commitment to positioning Omaha at the forefront of AI innovation and practical technological advancement.
Conference Vision and Inclusive Learning Approach
The OMA x AI conference is fundamentally structured to be inclusive, moving away from typical AI events that often cater exclusively to highly specialized technical audiences or delve solely into abstract theoretical concepts. Jason Coleman, UNO’s associate vice chancellor for the Division of Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives, emphasized that the event is 'designed for everyone.' This means attendees, regardless of their prior experience or role – be it an emerging entrepreneur, an established industry leader, or someone with no prior exposure to AI – are guaranteed to gain a 'clear, practical understanding of what AI is and how to apply it in your day to day.' Beyond individual learning, a core objective of OMA x AI is to foster a collaborative environment to shape a unified, citywide agenda for AI integration. This overarching goal involves envisioning Omaha as a leader in AI adoption, with discussions extending to how local government can leverage AI for public services such as safety and urban development, building upon the vision articulated by Omaha Mayor John Ewing at the inaugural conference. The conference ultimately aims to equip participants with actionable knowledge to both understand and contribute to Omaha's future as an AI-powered hub.
Key Presenters and Thematic Sessions
The upcoming OMA x AI conference offers a meticulously curated program featuring a diverse array of speakers from influential Nebraska-based companies and organizations, ensuring a comprehensive and locally relevant perspective on artificial intelligence. Among the esteemed presenters are representatives from industry leaders like Buildertrend, an innovative software company, and ALA Engineering, a firm likely showcasing AI applications in engineering contexts. The Aksarben Foundation, a prominent civic organization, will also contribute its insights. Furthermore, the conference will highlight the academic expertise within Nebraska, with presentations from specialists at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the College of St. Mary, alongside other higher education institutions, fostering a rich exchange between academia and industry. The session lineup is particularly compelling, including strategic discussions such as 'Building Omaha as an Al City: Business Attraction, Employer Growth, and Startup Momentum' by the Greater Omaha Chamber, indicating a strong focus on economic development. Another notable session, 'A CLEAR Guide to Our Al Journey' from the College of St. Mary, suggests a practical exploration of institutional AI adoption. Critically, for the burgeoning entrepreneurial community, Pedal Works founder and CEO Rachel Jacobson will lead 'The Non-Technical Founder’s Guide to Building with Al,' a session designed to empower founders to integrate AI solutions even without a specialized technical background. These sessions collectively underscore the conference's commitment to practical application and fostering a vibrant AI ecosystem in Omaha.
