TECHICAGO 2026: AI Voices – The Translation Layer

2026 TECHICAGO Week – AI Voices: The Translation Layer

As AI-Artificial Intelligence rapidly reshapes industries, economies, and access to opportunity, a critical gap has emerged—not in technology itself, but in translation. There remains a disconnect between enterprise-level AI capabilities and the readiness of community institutions, nonprofit organizations, and emerging professionals to leverage these tools effectively.

A half-day Community Summit bridging enterprise AI capability and community readiness — ensuring our communities lead the AI revolution, not just observe it.

The Problem: A critical gap exists between enterprise AI capabilities and community readiness — not in technology, but in translation.

Our Approach: A 2.5–3 hour Community Summit: keynotes, panels, live demos, and structured networking — every segment with a tangible takeaway.

The Outcome: Attendees leave with tools, frameworks, new relationships, and a roadmap for organizational AI readiness.

Interactive Agenda – Microsoft Technology Center – Aon Center

Conference Room: MPR3, 2nd Floor [You Must Be 18 Years & Older w/Photo ID]

1:00pm to 4:00pm [Arrive On-Time]

• AI Voices: Welcome – Denise “DT” Thomas
• Opening Remarks: Sponsors – KLEO, Microsoft
• AI Voices Overview: Community Purpose & Vision – Mike A. Williams
• Keynote: AI and the New Power Equation in Education – Illinois State Comptroller, Susana A. Mendoza 
• Community Panel #1: AI Strategy in Plain Language + Lightning Talks – Moderator, Denise “DT” Thomas
• Live Demo – Microsoft: Tony Almaraz
• Prompting Overview – Microsoft: Neil Tucker
• Community Panel #2: Community Impact & Equity + Lightning Talks – Moderator, Denise “DT” Thomas
• Closing Remarks: Fleming Consulting LLC®, Brownmine AI, KLEO, Microsoft
• 4:00pm to 5:00pm: Transition to the Post-Networking Reception and Book Signing, hosted by KLEO at The Park Bar & Grill, 65 E. Garfield Blvd, Washington Park Community, Chicago.

Note: You Must Be 21+ to attend the KLEO-Park Bar & Grill Post-Networking Reception & Book Signing. Doors open at 4:00pm, and the Reception is from 5:00pm to 7:30pm. Ms. Denise DT Thomas will be available for her award-winning book, “The Only One in the Room.”

AI is powerful. What’s missing is translation.

• Bridging enterprise AI capability with community application
• Making AI accessible, practical & actionable
• Ensuring inclusive participation in the future of work

More Information about TECHICAGO WEEK: https://gotechchicago.com/week/