The Thomas College of Business and Economics at UNC Pembroke will host its second annual AI Innovation Week, March 30-April 2, 2026, bringing together educators, industry leaders, students and regional partners to explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence.

While the four-day event highlights AI’s role across education and workforce development, Tuesday, March 31, will focus specifically on the business community, providing a forum for industry leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals to better understand how artificial intelligence will shape the future of the workforce.

AI Industry and Small Business Day will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the James A. Thomas Hall Event Room. The event will feature a networking breakfast followed by an expert panel discussion and workshop designed to help organizations prepare for the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

“Artificial intelligence is no longer optional for businesses that want to remain competitive,” said Dr. Bryan McLeod, assistant professor of marketing and the event organizer, in a press release. “Industry and Small Business Day is designed to give leaders and entrepreneurs a clear, practical understanding of how AI is transforming the workforce and how they can begin using it effectively right now.”

All Industry and Small Business Day attendees will receive an AI prompting and tool handbook and three one-on-one AI evaluation sessions.

“Our goal is to make AI accessible, relevant and immediately useful for organizations across our region,” McLeod added in a press release. “I strongly encourage industry leaders and small business owners to attend, not only to gain valuable insights, but also to take advantage of a unique opportunity.”

The featured panel discussion, “AI Readiness: The Dangers of an Unprepared Workforce,” will bring together leaders from technology and entrepreneurship to discuss how businesses must adapt to remain competitive in the AI era.

Panelists include:

• Amanda Klinck, Data Security Solution Engineer, Microsoft
• John Kozlowski II, CEO, KIT Digital
• Tré Bell, SVP, Director of IT, Lumbee Guaranty Bank
• Caleb Malcolm, President, Lumbee Federal Solutions
• Dr. Yihao Ren, Faculty, AI Researcher, UNC Pembroke

Additional industry experts are expected to join the discussion, offering insights into workforce development, AI adoption strategies and the risks companies face if they fail to prepare employees for emerging technologies.

Panelists will explore:

• The growing demand for AI literacy in today’s workforce
• Security and ethical considerations surrounding AI adoption
• Opportunities for businesses to integrate AI into operations and decision-making; and
• How regional companies can collaborate with universities to build AI-ready talent pipelines

Following the panel discussion, attendees will participate in a hands-on workshop focused on practical AI applications for business and industry. The workshop will help participants identify tools, strategies and partnerships that can help organizations begin or accelerate their AI adoption.

The event also provides a valuable networking opportunity for regional employers, small business owners, technology professionals and economic development leaders.

Each day of the week focuses on a specific audience:   

• Monday, March 30 – Faculty Research & Pedagogy Day: Exploring AI’s role in higher education, research and teaching.
• Tuesday, March 31 – Industry and Small Business Day: Connecting businesses with AI insights and workforce strategies.
• Wednesday, April 1 – High School AI Experience Day: Engaging regional high school students through hands-on AI labs and challenges.
• Thursday, April 2 – UNCP Student AI Competition Day: Students apply AI to solve real business challenges for regional entrepreneurs.

Business leaders and community members are encouraged to attend AI Industry and Small Business Day to gain practical insights and connect with experts at the forefront of AI adoption.

Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.