Keynote & Welcome

Arizona State University's President, Dr. Michael Crow, will deliver an opening address to set the stage for a day of engaging and impactful programming. Please be seated by 9:00 a.m. MST to hear President Crow's perspectives on the role of artificial intelligence as a catalyst for large-scale transformation in higher education and to explore how Al can enhance institutional adaptability, personalize learning at scale and support more inclusive, data-informed decision-making across complex academic systems.

Join Lev Gonick, ASU’s Chief Information Officer, as he explores these critical conversations in his latest series, TechEd and the Future of Education. Through bold insights and forward-thinking dialogue, Lev examines how technology and AI are shaping the next generation of teaching, learning, research and innovation and what it means for the future of higher education and society as a whole.

Dean's Panel

What does AI mean for the future of learning, work, and truth itself? Join Dean Kenro Kusumi and Dean Miki Kittilson for a forward-looking conversation on how ASU is thinking about artificial intelligence, from the lab to the classroom to the policy table. This is the rare chance to hear directly from academic leaders on the questions that matter most right now.

Breakout Sessions

Join this interactive breakout session to explore emerging technologies, innovative solutions, and practical strategies shaping the future of our work. Through real-world examples and guided discussion, participants will gain insights into current initiatives, lessons learned, and opportunities to leverage technology more effectively within their teams.

• What Students Are Telling Us: Applying Insights to Learner-Centered Experiences

  • This interactive session shares key insights from student-focused UX research across ASU tools and experiences. Participants will hear real student perspectives through clips and quotes, explore common patterns in how students navigate and interpret systems, and reflect on how these insights apply to their own work. Attendees will leave with practical, actionable ideas to improve learner-centered experiences.

    
    Location: Pima Room

• Where Do I Go From Here? Building a Career Discovery Platform in the AI Era

  • In this session, we'll show FutureMe, an adaptive discovery platform EdPlus is building for ASU students. We'll walk through the live product, share a few of the choices behind the design of the tool, and talk about how AI was used in all aspects of the project, including powering the student experience and how a small team shipped this tool. 

    
    Location: La Paz Room

• Why Universities Need AI Tools That Support Thinking

  • The session will explore how human-centered AI and data visualization can support critical thinking, while highlighting the role universities can play in teaching media literacy and responsible AI use. Attendees will get an inside look at tools that combine computer science and communication research to help people better understand how arguments shape what they believe and more critically engage with text.

    
    Location:Cochise Room

• Create AI

   

  • Roger Kohler and Ayat Sweid and will present a vision for the future of the student experience through the next evolution of CreateAI: a personalized AI agent designed around each individual student. The session will explore how future students could interact with AI that understands their courses, learning preferences, academic journey, and personal knowledge over time—while seamlessly surfacing faculty-created syllabots and trusted ASU information in a conversational, context-aware experience. Attendees will gain insight into how personalized AI agents may redefine how students learn, navigate university life, and receive support throughout their academic experience.

    
    Location:Turquoise Room

• Exploring the Learning Design Suite: A Hands-On Introduction
  • Curious about AI tools that are actually built for teaching and learning? Come explore the Learning Design Suite (LDS) — a portfolio of AI-powered tools grounded in learning science. In this hands-on session, you'll get to try out a selection of LDS tools designed to support faculty, instructional designers, and students. No experience needed — just bring your curiosity!
    Location:Gold Room
• Agentic AI Development using Kiro
  • Ever wondered about the other benefits that Kiro offers such as Agent Hooks, Sub Agents, and Steering, or about why Agents are need to do development? Come learn about these topics and others such as how Kiro distinguishes itself using Spec-driven development instead of just vibe coding.
    Location: Alumni Room

Student Panel 

Curious how the next generation of engineers actually uses AI, not in theory, but day to day? Hear directly from four ASU students on the front lines of AI innovation. From classroom experiments to real tools they've built themselves, this panel is an honest look at what it means to learn, work, and create in the age of AI. 

Expo 

At Empower 2026 our annual gathering focused on technology and innovation at ASU, join us and explore the Empower Expo Hall. Stop by interactive booths to learn about the tools, services, and initiatives supporting our university community. Ask questions, see demonstrations, share ideas, and connect directly with the teams driving technology innovation across ASU.