Southern Alberta AI Conference 2026

Attendee Guide

Use this page to prepare for the virtual conference, participate well in online sessions, and make the most of the people and ideas you will encounter at SAAIC 2026.

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July 24, 2026 Online sessions, Q&A, and networking Beyond the Prompt
Date

Friday, July 24, 2026

Theme

Beyond the Prompt: Making Sense of AI Possibilities and the Future of Intelligent Systems.

Format

SAAIC 2026 is virtual. Registration is open, and access details will be shared with registered participants.

Prepare Before You Join

A little preparation makes the day more useful. Join knowing what you want to learn, who you want to meet, and what sessions matter most to you.

Plan your day

  • Review the conference page before the event for session and access updates.
  • Pick a few talks or topics you do not want to miss.
  • Leave room for conversations and unexpected sessions that look relevant.

Set a goal

  • Decide whether your priority is learning, networking, recruiting, or exploring research ideas.
  • Write down two or three questions you want answered during the day.
  • Keep notes so follow-up is easy after the conference.

Be ready to introduce yourself

  • Prepare a short introduction about your role, interests, or current project.
  • Have a LinkedIn profile or preferred contact method ready to share in chat or follow-up messages.
  • Bring curiosity, not just a contact link.

Participate Well During Sessions

SAAIC works best when attendees actively contribute. Good questions, focused discussion, and professional courtesy improve the event for everyone in the session.

Ask better questions

  • Keep questions concise and connected to the speaker's topic.
  • Ask for clarification, examples, implications, or next steps.
  • Make room for others by avoiding long personal commentary.

Capture useful takeaways

  • Note ideas you want to test, articles to read, and people to follow up with.
  • Mark practical insights separately from broad trends or speculation.
  • Write down names and organizations while they are fresh.

Connect With People Intentionally

Networking does not need to be forced. The best conversations usually start with a specific topic, a shared session, or a concrete follow-up question.

Start from substance

  • Open with something you just heard: a talk, demo, panel point, or shared challenge.
  • Ask what others are building, researching, or trying to understand.
  • Offer context about your own work so the conversation has direction.

Share contact details appropriately

  • Exchange LinkedIn or email when there is a clear reason to stay in touch.
  • Respect privacy and avoid pushing for contact information.
  • Follow up after the conference with a short, specific message.

Leave with next steps

  • Capture promising collaborations, resources, and introductions before the day ends.
  • Organize your notes into people, ideas, and actions.
  • Reconnect within a few days while the discussion is still fresh.

Respect, Inclusion, and Reporting Issues

SAAIC is intended to be welcoming, professional, and inclusive. Everyone should be able to participate without harassment, hostility, or needless disruption.

What we expect

  • Treat attendees, speakers, organizers, and staff with respect.
  • Use inclusive language and be open to different backgrounds and viewpoints.
  • Assume good intent, but remain mindful of impact.

What is not acceptable

  • Harassment, discrimination, or demeaning behavior.
  • Hostile, offensive, or repeatedly disruptive comments during sessions.
  • Conduct that makes others feel unsafe or unwelcome.

How to report a problem

  • Speak with a panel chair or conference organizer as soon as possible.
  • Report technical issues, accessibility concerns, or interpersonal problems promptly.
  • Serious misconduct may result in removal from the conference and future events.

Quick FAQ

These are the questions most attendees usually need answered before the event.

Where should I look for updates?

The main conference page is the source for registration, schedule, and format updates as they are confirmed.

Where is the conference held?

SAAIC 2026 is virtual. Registered participants will receive online access details before the event.

Do I need to be an AI specialist?

No. SAAIC is relevant to researchers, practitioners, students, and professionals exploring how AI affects their work and organizations.

What should I do after the conference?

Review your notes, share useful resources, and follow up with new contacts while conversations are still current.

Ready to Join Us?

Register now, watch for schedule updates, and come prepared to participate thoughtfully and connect with people doing serious work around AI.

Register Back to conference