The Technology Alliance’s Policy Matters conference - a unique opportunity to connect with cross-sector leaders across Washington state. This event is designed to foster collaboration, build bridges, and expand our collective knowledge, all with a focus on strengthening our state’s innovation economy. With this year's theme, we're breaking down the day into 3 core sessions:

• People: The day kicks off with a deep dive into the workforce demands of the latest industrial revolution. We’ll explore both the technical skills and the new competencies needed across virtually every sector, from seasoned professionals to the next generation of workers.

• Power: Next, we’ll focus on the critical energy needs driving AI. This session will demystify why AI requires substantial power, how utilities are gearing up to meet these demands, and the innovative approaches AI researchers are taking to reduce energy consumption.

• Purpose: We’ll conclude by highlighting the remarkable scientific advancements, enhanced accessibility, and productivity gains that AI enables. At the same time, we’ll address the ethical considerations and safeguards that must accompany these innovations.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for speaker announcements —this is your chance to be at the forefront of the conversation!

*Ticket sales close on Thursday November 14th*

Agenda

  • 8-9 am | Continental breakfast, registration and networking

  • 9-10:30 am | People

    • 9-9:15am | Keynote: Generative AI and the Future of Work: Transforming America's Workforce 

      Insights of the transformative impact AI will have on the U.S. workforce. This keynote will explore how automation is reshaping industries, the rise in demand for skilled workers in STEM and healthcare, and the critical role of workforce development. Learn about the strategies needed to prepare for a future where up to 30% of job activities could be automated, with a focus on skill-building and adaptability. 

    • 9:15-10:10am, includes audience Q&A | Reshaping the American Workforce: Preparing for an AI-Driven Economy 

      As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize industries, the workforce must evolve to meet new demands. This panel will explore strategies for developing a skilled and adaptable workforce equipped to thrive in an AI-driven economy. Topics will include upskilling and reskilling initiatives, the role of education and policy in workforce development, and how public-private partnerships can address skill gaps. Experts from industry, government, and academia will discuss how to foster a culture of lifelong learning and adaptability, ensuring that workers are prepared for the future of work. 

      • Amit Singh, President at Edmonds College

      • Magdalena Balazinska, Professor and Director, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at University of Washington

      • Debbie Compeau, Interim Dean, Carson College of Business at Washington State University

      • Kate Zimberg, SVP of Global Talent Solutions at F5

      • Sybill Hyppolite, Government Affairs Director at Washington State Labor Council (WSLC)

      • Anind K. Dey, Dean and Professor of the Information School at University of Washington - Moderator

    • 10:10-10:30am | The Post-Secondary Credential Dilemma  

      With 56% of Washingtonians lacking a post-secondary credential eight years after high school, the challenge of building a skilled and adaptable workforce looms large. This panel will explore the critical role of post-secondary education and credential attainment in workforce development. Experts from both public and private sectors will discuss the implications of this credential gap on the future of work and examine strategies to ensure a robust, future-ready workforce capable of thriving in AI-driven industries. 

      • Isaac Kwakye, Deputy Executive Director at Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)

      • Paul Pitre, Chancellor at Washington State University Everett

      • Bish Paul, Senior Policy Officer at the Gates Foundation

      • Jolenta Coleman-Bush, Director of Washington State Microsoft Philanthropies, Microsoft - Moderator

  • 10:30-10:45am | Break

  • 10:45am-12:15pm | Power

    • 10:45 - 10:55am | Fueling the Future: Why AI Requires More Power Than Ever 

      AI technologies demand significantly more power than traditional computing tasks like basic searches. As AI models grow larger and more complex, their energy needs are rapidly outpacing existing infrastructure. This panel will examine the scale of AI’s energy consumption, explore the challenges of meeting these demands, and highlight the importance of sustainable solutions to support AI’s continued growth without overwhelming power grids. 

      • Jaime Shimek, Director of Communications at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)

    • 10:55 - 11:05am | The Hidden Cost of AI: Why Power Infrastructure Matters 

      This panel will explore the growing energy demands of AI and the strain they place on power infrastructures. As AI scales, supporting its growth creates significant challenges for power grids and data centers. We will discuss the environmental impacts of this energy consumption and examine sustainable power solutions essential to ensuring AI’s growth remains eco-friendly and scalable. 

      • Noel Schulz, Director, WSU Tri-Cities INEF and Bob Ferguson Endowed Professor at Washington State University Tri-Cities

    • 11:05-11:45am | Current and Future Power Needs: Balancing Growth and Sustainability 

      As AI technologies evolve, the power needed to support their development continues to grow. This panel will focus on both current energy requirements and future projections, analyzing how AI can maintain its rapid growth while balancing sustainability. Industry leaders will discuss innovations in energy-efficient technologies and strategic approaches to managing long-term power demands. 

      • Josh Jacobs, VP of Clean Energy Strategy and Planning at Puget Sound Energy (PSE)

      • Chris Green, President at PNW Hydrogen Association (PNWH2)

      • Greg Cullen, Vice President, Energy Services and Development, Energy NW

      • Jessie Barton, Director of Communications at Helion

      • Noel Schulz, Director, WSU Tri-Cities INEF and Bob Ferguson Endowed Professor at Washington State University Tri-Cities - Moderator

    • 11:45am-12:15pm, includes audience Q&A | Reducing Power Consumption in AI: Innovations and Strategies 

      With power consumption becoming a critical issue in AI development, this session will focus on solutions to reduce AI's energy footprint. Panelists will explore cutting-edge innovations in hardware efficiency, sustainable data center practices, and emerging strategies that reduce energy use without sacrificing AI’s advancement. 

      • Dr. Simon Peter, Associate Professor in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at University of Washington

      • Rich Lappenbusch, Senior Principal at Super Micro Computer

  • 12:15-1:15pm | Networking Lunch

  • 1:15 pm - 2:45 pm | Purpose

    • 1:15-1:24pm | AI for Accessibility: Real-World Impact through Policy and Innovation

      This panel will explore how AI is being deployed to advance accessibility, focusing on the Washington State Legislature’s proviso. Drawing on Anat Caspi’s experience translating AI and machine learning innovations into practical, real-world solutions, Caspi will discuss the intersection of policy, technology, and equity.

      • Anat Caspi, Director of Taskar Center for Accessible Technology, at University of Washington

    • 1:25-1:34pm | AI and Wildfire Management: Innovative Approaches for Rapid Disaster Response 

      Dr. Andre Coleman, will showcase how AI is transforming wildfire management and disaster response. Drawing on 27 years of experience in geoinformatics, hazard informatics, and remote sensing, Dr. Coleman will discuss advanced techniques in spatial modeling, heterogeneous data fusion, and machine learning for rapid disaster assessment. This session will explore the use of AI-driven models to predict wildfire behavior, enhance situational awareness, and support emergency response efforts. 

      • Andre Coleman, Chief Data Scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)

    • 1:35-1:54pm | A Balancing Act: Navigating Technology Policy in the AI Era 

      Crafting technology policy in the age of AI demands a careful balance between innovation and responsibility. This talk will explore the complexities of regulating AI while safeguarding privacy, civil liberties, and individual rights. Key topics include the evolving landscape of state and federal legislation, challenges in AI governance, and the intersection of technology with public policy. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how policy frameworks can foster both ethical innovation and societal trust. 

    • 1:55-2:04pm | Bridging the Gap: AI-Powered Guidance for Students and Families

      OtterBot is Washington’s financial aid and college-going texting chatbot. Supporting over 30,000 high school students and nearly 100,000 parents, OtterBot primarily assists low-income and first-generation students and families with the college-going and financial aid process. This session will share what OtterBot does and how it’s used, what has been learned from students and families, and where the tool and program are headed!

      • Sarah Weiss, Director of College Access Initiatives at Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)

    • 2:05-2:14pm | Reimagining Medicine: AI-Driven Drug Repurposing and Personalized Care 

      With a recent $60M investment, Professor Sui Huang and his team are at the forefront of using AI to identify new applications for existing drugs to treat neglected diseases. In this session, Professor Huang will explore how AI is revolutionizing healthcare, from drug repurposing to personalized medicine. He will also discuss how AI helps navigate the vast complexity of medical knowledge, offering unprecedented opportunities for tailored treatments. Attendees will gain insights into the challenges and breakthroughs in leveraging AI for more precise, effective healthcare solutions, illuminating how these innovations can improve patient outcomes and reshape the future of medicine. 

    • 2:15-2:54pm, includes audience Q&A | Building Ethical AI: Best Practices for Responsible Innovation 

      Ethical AI is essential for fostering trust and fairness in technology. Leaders in the field will discuss the challenges of creating responsible AI systems, such as addressing algorithmic bias, ensuring data privacy, and establishing accountability. This session will explore best practices for aligning AI with human values and navigating regulatory frameworks, promoting transparency to build public trust and serve the greater good. 

    • 2:55-3:04pm | Harnessing AI for Sustainable Energy: WhyGrene's Approach to Virtual Power Plants 

      Pat Phelps, Founder and CEO of WhyGrene, will discuss how AI is revolutionizing energy management through Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). WhyGrene's AI-driven Grene™ platform optimizes and aggregates distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles, transforming them into reliable, dispatchable assets. This session will explore the role of AI in balancing supply and demand, enhancing grid resilience, and promoting sustainable energy solutions. Attendees will gain insights into the integration of AI with renewable energy technologies and its impact on the future of energy systems. 

    • 3:05-3:14pm | The Future of Medicine: AI and Nano Protein Structures for Health Innovation 

      Neil King, PhD, from the Institute for Protein Design, will share how his lab is designing protein nanomaterials to unlock new opportunities in disease treatment. Working with global collaborators, the King Lab has developed an innovative design-build-test cycle that uses feedback from both lab-based and live testing to optimize performance. In this session, Dr. King will explain how AI-driven design is advancing precision medicine, enabling the creation of next-generation vaccines and targeted drug delivery systems. Attendees will gain insights into the potential of AI and protein engineering to transform healthcare through continuous optimization and collaboration. 

      • Dr. Neil King, Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Washington School of Medicine and of the Institute for Protein Design

Did we miss you in 2022?

Check out the recap of Policy Matters: Innovation Basics!