AI Without the Hype: Harper to host executive summit on what AI really means for employers

Harper College will bring together business leaders, decision-makers and economic development partners for a free summit designed to demystify artificial intelligence and demonstrate how it can be used as a competitive advantage for local employers.

The summit, AI Without the Hype: Practical Implementation for Employers, will take place 7:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 19, at the Wojcik Conference Center on Harper’s Palatine campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road. The morning will feature expert speakers, interactive panel discussions and networking opportunities aimed at helping organizations understand real-world applications of AI, workforce implications and strategies for implementation. Registration is open to everyone, including business leaders, trade association representatives and community partners.

“Harper College is committed to equipping our students and local businesses with the tools to compete and thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape,” said Dr. Avis Proctor, Harper president. “This summit offers practical insights for leaders at every stage of their AI journey.”

AI is no longer a futuristic concept – it is reshaping how companies operate across marketing, talent acquisition, analytics, operations and logistics.  For many organizations, connecting the technology’s promise to practical application remains a challenge. The summit is designed to cut through technical jargon and deliver actionable insights for organizations across the region.

Following a welcome breakfast and opening remarks from Dr. Proctor, the program will feature a keynote introduction by Dr. Claire Brady, a national thought leader on AI’s transformative potential. Dr. Vala Afshar, chief digital evangelist at Salesforce, will follow with a keynote address titled, “Why the Fittest Businesses Embrace AI-First Strategies and Digital Labor.” An author, columnist and expert on agentic AI, Dr. Afshar will examine how organizations can build sustainable competitive advantage by leveraging AI in thoughtful, practical ways.

The event will also include panel discussions offering deep dives into topics such as foundational AI principles, emerging trends and required skill sets. Industry leaders will share real-world case studies on successful integration of AI tools – from boosting operational efficiency to enhancing decision-making. Moderators and panelists bring perspectives from higher education and the tech sector, with leaders from Oracle, Addison Group, Salesforce, Info-Tech and more. Attendees will gain insight into adapting their organizations to a rapidly evolving environment where technology and human capital must work together.

In addition to learning opportunities, the summit is designed to create space for networking with peers and potential partners across the region. Local employers can connect with others who are navigating similar challenges and share lessons learned about adopting AI tools responsibly and effectively.

Harper has a deep commitment to supporting economic growth and innovation in the district and beyond. The college offers a range of AI-related training and education programs – from introductory Community Education courses in to the recently launched Associate in Applied Science degree in Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing. Initiatives such as Harper’s Innovation Accelerator and Business and Industry Leadership Teams are aimed at preparing the regional workforce for the future of work.

For more information about the AI summit or to register, visit harpercollege.edu/business/ai-summit.