RVML Presents: Approaching AI Summit Community Forum March 21-22 at Southern Oregon University

Explore the Societal and Sociological Impacts of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is quickly reshaping industries, education, economies, and human interactions worldwide. To help southern Oregon communities prepare for these rapidly coming changes, RVML Community Resource Center presents the Approaching AI Summit on March 21-22 at Southern Oregon University.

This two-day, in-person event is part of RVML’s Architects of the New Paradigm Conference Series. ANP’s productions are large, multi-day, immersive events delving into complex and controversial topics that are shaping Humanity’s future.

ANP’s March 2025 event brings together top thought leaders, policymakers, educators, along with community members to discuss AI’s rapid entry into our lives and how communities can navigate this transformative era responsibly, efficiently, and creatively.

A Community Forum, Not a Tech Conference

Jordan Pease, event producer and director of RVML, emphasizes that the event is about inspiring meaningful dialogue about AI’s societal and sociological impact.

“As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, creativity, and everyday life, this summit is an opportunity to connect and engage with the issues as a community. With over 25 expert speakers and exhibitors, the event is designed to inspire inquiry and conversation about how AI is rapidly reshaping our world.”

The summit will address AI’s entry into all aspects of our lives, exploring how AI impacts the way we learn, think, create, work, and live.

Key Features of the Summit

A full schedule of fast-paced panels, keynotes and discussions:

• Meet-and-Greet Wine and Reception: An opportunity to connect with speakers and fellow attendees. Friday, March 21 at 5:30 (SOU Art Building, Meese Auditorium.)

• Keynote Lectures: Inspiring and insightful multimedia presentations by Heather Stafford, CEO of Rogue Workforce Solutions, and Dr. Randy Weber, President of Rogue Community College (RCC)

• Community Forum: A facilitated interaction with the panelists and attendees on the ideas and implications presented at the Summit.

• Five Thematic Panel Discussions: Moderated panels addressing AI’s impact on the many aspects of our lives.

• Exhibitor Booths: Local organizations and groups doing ongoing education and services on AI-related issues.

Panel Topics

Friday, March 21, 6:30 – 9 PM (SOU Art Building, Meese Auditorium)

• Creating with AI in Industry – How AI is driving innovation in business, entrepreneurship, and product design.

• Creating with AI in Culture – The evolving relationship between AI, the arts, media, and creative expression.

Saturday, March 22, 9 AM – 4:30 PM (SOU Stevenson Union, Rogue River Room)

• Learning with AI – The role of AI in education, research, and expanding human knowledge.

• Working with AI – The future of employment, automation, and professional adaptation in an AI-driven world.

• Living with AI – How AI influences daily life, ethical considerations, and human-AI relationships.

• Community Forum – Audience interaction with all the panelists.

“These discussions are designed to educate, engage, and empower participants,” Pease said. “Understanding AI’s enormous implications is becoming a necessity for individuals, organizations, and policymakers.”

AI’s Impact on Society: Examine Key Issues

AI is no longer a futuristic concept, it is deeply embedded in our present reality. From chatbots assisting customers to AI-generated art and music and machine learning, artificial intelligence is redefining creativity, productivity, and human interaction. However, as AI’s role expands, so do the concerns surrounding bias, misinformation, ethics, labor replacement, ‘deep fakes,’ cryptography, and more.

A few examples of the many topics addressed:

• How can AI be integrated into society in ways that benefit humanity rather than replace it?

• What safeguards are needed to ensure AI is used ethically and responsibly?

• How can businesses and communities adapt to AI-driven transformations without losing the human element?

• What are the opportunities for creative collaboration between AI and humans?

Panelists & Presenters

The event features a diverse lineup of expert speakers from academia, government, the creative sectors, and industry:

• Dr. Rick Bailey – President of Southern Oregon University and leader of the SOU Forward Initiative driving institutional growth.

• Micah BlackLight – Multidisciplinary digital artist, writer, speaker, and coach known for his work in visual arts, music, and empowerment projects.

• Nisha Burton – Award-winning filmmaker and VR/AR/AI storyteller specializing in interactive media and cultural inclusivity.

• Adam M. Curry – Inventor and entrepreneur in consciousness research, founder of the ENTANGLED app, and collaborator with Princeton’s PEAR Lab and BLUON.

• Dr. Daniel DeFreez – AI & ethics researcher, academic, and thought leader on the philosophical and ethical implications of artificial intelligence.

• Dr. Kim Freeze – Innovation Ecosystem Steward at the Southern Oregon Innovation Hub, focusing on the integration of AI technologies to drive regional economic development.

• Sen. Jeff Golden – Oregon State Senator, policymaker, and advocate for responsible technology policy.

• Paul Hynek – AI & Finance consultant, entrepreneur, and expert in the financial implications of AI adoption.

• Ian Ingram – AI deployment consultant and educator, advocate of proactive development of safety methodologies and protocols.

• Rep. Pam Marsh – Oregon State Representative and leader in digital infrastructure, economic development, and rural broadband expansion.

• Aaron Moffatt – AI & business innovation strategist, helping organizations integrate AI-driven solutions.

• Thor Muller – Technology entrepreneur and futurist, focused on AI’s role in shaping future economies and societies.

• Dr. Casey Shillam – SOU Provost and former Dean of Nursing at the University of Portland, explores AI’s impact on medical education, workforce training, and patient care.

• Heather Stafford – Economic development strategist, specializing in tech-driven workforce transformation.

• Marta Tarantsey – Technology & Southern Oregon workforce development leader, focused on AI’s impact on workers and employers.

• Teighe Thorsen – AI & consciousness researcher, exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and human cognition.

• Dr. Randy Weber – President of Rogue Community College, thought leader on AI’s role in education and workforce training in the Western US.

Get Ahead of the Fast-Coming Changes

As AI continues to evolve, AI literacy is becoming an essential skill. Whether you are an educator, business owner, policymaker, or simply a curious individual, understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations is crucial. The summit offers an opportunity to become informed and engaged in AI’s future, ensuring that human agency remains central in an AI-driven world.

An Opportunity to Approach AI as a Community

Whether you are already involved with AI technology or simply want to understand how AI will impact your world, this summit offers a unique opportunity to explore the social, ethical, and creative dimensions of AI. Don’t miss this chance to be part of this info-packed event about how these new and unprecedented technologies are shaping the future of our community, region and the world.

When & Where: Friday-Saturday, March 21-22 at Southern Oregon University, Ashland, OR

Tickets: $65-165 (Students $30) before March 18. $75-200 at the door. Tickets include free parking, a wine and hors d’oeuvres meet-and-greet with the presenters reception on Friday, and a lunch buffet on Saturday.

NOTE: The event is expected to sell out in advance. Check the ANP website for availability after March 18.

See Also: The 2nd-Annual Southern Oregon Human Trafficking Disruptors Summit – May 8-10, Ashland Hills Hotel.

Get Info & Tickets: www.ANPconference.com