NOVEMBER 10-12, 2026 | TOLEDO, OH
THE TOP AI CONFERENCE IN TOLEDO RETURNS
Level up your AI skills, network, and impact at Great Lakes AI Week in Toledo, Ohio. Three days of keynotes, professional trainings and workshops, and curated networking across Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo. Attend workshops to earn credit toward AI Certificates powered by JobsOhio as part of the AI Ready Ohio initiative.
The Experience
Two university summits anchor a week of AI leadership, hands-on learning and connection across the Great Lakes region. Start at Bowling Green State University on Tuesday, then head to The University of Toledo on Thursday.
What to expect
Featured sessions
A first look at sessions announced so far. More than 100 sessions, workshops and breakouts are on the way, with new additions every day.
Featured Events & Agenda Overview
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Monday, November 09, 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Maumee Bay Brewing
Kick-off Great Lakes AI Week in Toledo, the community social event that is free-to-attend!
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Tuesday, November 10, 2026
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Bowling Green State University- Student Union
The AI Leadership Summit @ Great Lakes AI Week brings together leaders across industries and sectors to explore the future of artificial intelligence for people, teams, organizations, and communities.
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Tuesday, November 10, 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
VIP reception open to speakers, sponsors, VIP ticket-holders and invited guests celebrating the region’s AI leaders.
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Thursday, November 12, 2026
8:00 AM 9:30 AM
This women-only event brings together leaders in business and technology to explore careers pathways, unique perspectives, and the future of business technology in the age of artificial intelligence.
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Thursday, November 12, 2026
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The AI For Business Summit will dive deep into AI for Teams and Organizations, AI in Manufacturing and Supply Chain, AI for Marketing and Growth, and AI Technologies and Models. Choose your own adventure, follow your own tracks, and connect with other leaders across industries and sectors.
Meet Your 2026 Great Lakes AI Week Speakers
New speakers being announced daily!
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Payal Thakur
CDAIO / Managing Director of Data, Analytics
JobsOhio -
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Tom Bush
CEO
Actual Reality Technologies -
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Mel McGee
CEO & Co-Founder
SkillSpout -
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Chris Thomas
CEO + Founder
YNDR -
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Maddie Bell
CEO
Synapsa -
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Ray Waite
Speaker, Trainer and Business Consultant
Lighthouse Force -
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Brett Ewing
Founder & CEO
Axe -
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Jon Salisbury
CEO + CAIO
Nexigen -
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Scott Phillips
VP of Engineering
Nexigen
Thank You To Our Sponsors and Partners
These companies make AI Week possible. They're here to share knowledge, build relationships, and help shape what's next.
Interested in joining them? Click Below!
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New List Item
Not all playbooks work for Great Lakes businesses
That's why we built something different.
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Skip the Hype
No theoretical frameworks. No vaporware demos. Just real AI deployed by real companies within 200 miles of you.
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Make Powerful Connections
Skip the small talk. At Great Lakes AI Week, you're surrounded by real builders who are actively implementing AI at scale. One conversation could be worth millions.
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Leave With a Plan
Not inspiration. Implementation. Walk out with deployable strategies, local vendor connections, and a real action plan.
Don’t Just Take Our Word For it…
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-Shanon S (Director of Business Development & Technical Operations)
“If you’re looking for a conference that blends sharp insight with genuine connection, this is it. From the content to the community, it’s been thoughtful, future-focused, and full of substance."
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- Sameer M. (Software Engineer II)
“From welcoming curious minds to connecting with inspiring speakers and innovators — this event is all about energy, collaboration, and a shared passion for AI. The vibe was electric, and it’s just the beginning!"
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- Mark E. (President & CEO)
“I hear a lot of fear and concern about AI but the best way to tackle that is education. If you haven't started your education about AI you should start here!"
Join The Team!
Volunteer at Great Lakes AI Week and get a front-row seat to the region’s leading AI event.
Enjoy complimentary event access and exclusive behind-the-scenes experience
Network directly with AI leaders, speakers, and sponsors
Build valuable skills in event operations, tech support, and community engagement
Make new connections, gain hands-on experience, and help shape the future of AI in Central Ohio
Ready to make an impact? Join our volunteer crew and help bring Great Lakes AI Week to life!
