Defining the Future Conference 2026

Defining the Future Conference 2026

By California State University, San Bernardino

Get ready to dive into the latest trends and innovations shaping our future at the Defining the Future Conference 2026!

Date and time

Location

California State University, San Bernardino

5500 University Parkway San Bernardino, CA 92407

Agenda

April 15, 2026
April 16,2026

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Registration & Networking Breakfast

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Welcome & Opening Remarks

CSUSB President

9:15 AM - 10:15 AM

Keynote: AI and the Future of Innovation

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM

Networking Coffee Break & Exhibitor Hall Ribbon Cutting

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Breakout Sessions Block 1


AI & Machine Learning - Workforce Impacts, Robotics & Automation in Industry, Quantum Computing for Sustainability, Biotechnology Innovations in Health.

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Breakout Sessions Block 2:


AI & Machine Learning Frontiers, Life Sciences Innovation, Urban Mobility and Smart Cities, Understanding the Federal Grant Process

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Keynote Lunch Options


Lunch A: Robotics and Workforce Opportunities, Lunch B: National Security and Emerging Technologies

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Fireside Chat: Commercializing Your Research

2:00 AM - 2:45 PM

Afternoon Coffee Break

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Breakout Sessions Block 3


Cybersecurity in an AI-Driven World, Smart Cities and IoT Infrastructure, Biotech Stratups and Workforce Training, Innovation Showcase: Lightning Tech Talks

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Breakout Sessions Block 4


STEM Education Policy, Medical Literacy in the Digital Age, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Successful Public-Private Grant Collaborations

4:15 PM - 6:00 PM

Evening Networking Reception & Student Research Poster Showcase

Good to know

Highlights

  • 1 day 10 hours
  • all ages
  • In person
  • Paid parking

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

About this event

Science & Tech • High Tech

Defining the Future Conference is a platform designed to bring together forward-thinking professionals, innovators, and leaders to explore emergent trends, technologies, and strategies that will shape tomorrow. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, technical sessions, and networking events, the conference aims to advance dialogue on how industries, society, and institutions can proactively define the future.

Key Themes & Focus Areas

  • Innovation in technology and digital transformation
  • Sustainability, environmental solutions, and clean energy strategies
  • Emerging business models, disruption, and futures thinking
  • Cross-sector learning: how insights from one field (e.g. engineering, digital, social) can influence others

Audience & Participants

  • Thought leaders, researchers, and academic experts
  • Industry professionals, technologists, and business executives
  • Policymakers, futurists, and change agents
  • Students and early-career professionals interested in future trends

Format & Offerings

  • Keynotes & Featured Talks: Delivered by leading figures in relevant fields
  • Breakout Sessions: More specialized or technical tracks to dive deep into specific topics
  • Panel Discussions: Conversations around opportunities, challenges, and future trajectories
  • Networking & Community Building: Opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations

Frequently asked questions

Organized by

$0 – $750
Apr 15 · 8:00 AM PDT