About this Event
FountainHead RI's Annual AI & Infrastructure Summit 2026
Event Theme: How Organizations Compete, Build, and Win in the AI Era
Friday, October 23, 2026
1:00 PM – 8:30 PM ET
Providence Marriott
Providence, Rhode Island
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every industry—but none more rapidly than the infrastructure required to power it.
Join FountainHead RI for our Annual AI & Infrastructure Summit, bringing together business executives, technology leaders, policymakers, developers, investors, educators, and innovators for an afternoon and evening focused on one of today's most important conversations: how organizations, communities, and states can successfully prepare for the AI era by investing in the right people, processes, technology, and infrastructure.
From energy and power generation to data centers, investment, permitting, workforce development, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, this summit will explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of AI infrastructure across the country.
More than just a conference, this event is designed to foster meaningful conversations, new partnerships, and practical insights through keynote presentations, fireside chats, an expert panel discussion, an interactive vendor showcase, and informal networking with leaders from across industries.
Whether you're helping build AI infrastructure, investing in it, regulating it, or simply preparing your organization for what's next, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
What to Expect
- Executive keynote presentation
- Multiple fireside chats with nationally recognized leaders
- Expert panel discussion featuring industry, government, and technology executives
- Vendor and technology showcase
- Informal networking with business and community leaders
- Cash bar and light refreshments during the networking reception
Agenda
12:00 – 1:00 PM | Arrival & Check-In
Attendee arrival, check-in, and networking ahead of the opening program.
1:00 – 2:45 PM | The Future of AI with Arnell Milhouse of Yconic
A forward-looking conversation on where AI is headed and what it could mean for organizations, individuals, and the future of work.
2:45 – 3:00 PM | Transition / Break
3:00 – 4:45 PM | Fireside Chats
Featured fireside chat programming on the main stage.
4:45 – 5:15 PM | Transition / Break
5:15 – 7:30 PM | Main Stage Panels
Expert panel discussions exploring AI, infrastructure, organizational readiness, workforce development, and what comes next.
7:30 – 8:30 PM | Networking Reception
Close out the Summit by connecting with business and community leaders, speakers, exhibitors, and partners. Cash bar available.
Who Should Attend
- Business and community leaders
- C-suite executives and board members
- Technology and AI professionals
- Data center and digital infrastructure leaders
- Energy and utility executives
- Economic development professionals
- Investors and venture capital professionals
- Government and public policy leaders
- Real estate and site development professionals
- Higher education and workforce development leaders
- Anyone interested in understanding how AI is transforming business, infrastructure, and our communities
Vendor Showcase
3:00 – 8:00 PM | Interactive Exhibition Floor
Explore our exhibition floor and connect with participating organizations, technology providers, and event partners throughout the afternoon and evening.
Explore innovative technologies and meet organizations helping shape the future of AI and digital infrastructure. Summit attendees will have opportunities throughout the day to connect directly with participating vendors, solution providers, and industry experts.
Interested in becoming a vendor or sponsor? Additional information will be released soon.
Networking Reception
The summit concludes with an informal networking reception where attendees can continue conversations with speakers, panelists, sponsors, vendors, and fellow leaders.
A cash bar will be available.
Speakers
Speaker announcements are coming soon.
Our lineup will feature leaders from business, government, technology, infrastructure, energy, economic development, and academia.
Thank you to our 2026 community and special event partners for making events, such as this one, possible:
2026 Community Partners:
- BankNewport
- Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP
Special Event Sponsors:
- Presenting Sponsors: TBD
- Platinum Sponsor(s): Primech/HYTRON
- Gold Sponsor(s): Datalyrix LLC
- Silver Sponsors: TBD
- General Sponsors: TrustBound, Moveo AI, Polymr, CIC Providence
About FountainHead RI
FountainHead RI is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to connecting leaders, sharing ideas, and strengthening communities through education, collaboration, and meaningful relationships.
Through conferences, leadership exchanges, fireside conversations, and community initiatives, FountainHead RI brings together executives, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, educators, public officials, and emerging leaders to learn from one another and create lasting impact.
Today, our community includes more than 2,000 business and community leaders across Rhode Island and beyond.
Learn. Connect. Grow.
Event venue & nearby stays
Providence Marriott Downtown, 1 Orms Street, Providence, United States
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