The 2026 Business Intelligence Summit brought together faculty, students, alumni, industry professionals, and community partners for an afternoon of practical learning, professional engagement, and discussion about the rapidly changing role of data and artificial intelligence in organizations.
Hosted by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, the Summit focused on business intelligence, analytics, artificial intelligence, data-informed decision-making, and workforce and career pathways. The event was designed for a broad audience, with presentations that connected emerging technologies to real organizational challenges, leadership decisions, ethical responsibilities, and career opportunities.
The Summit opened with remarks from Mario Rodriguez Gomez and Dr. Michael Ratajczyk, followed by the keynote presentation, “Governing AI: The State of the Play,” delivered by Professor Onur Bakiner of Seattle University. The keynote established an important foundation for the day by exploring the governance, oversight, and responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Additional sessions highlighted the wide range of ways AI and analytics are affecting organizations and communities. Hamse Warfa, CEO of World Savvy, presented “Transformational Leadership in the Era of AI,” examining how leaders can guide organizations through technological and workforce change. Corey Koehler, founder of Corey Koehler Media, discussed “Marketing in an AI World,” offering practical insights into how AI is reshaping communication and audience engagement.
The Summit also provided an opportunity to highlight applied student work. Saint Mary’s graduate student Jim Smart presented “Can You Predict a Store’s Success Just by Looking at It?” demonstrating how data, observation, and analytical thinking can be used to evaluate real-world business questions.
During the final session block, attendees selected between two concurrent presentations. Teri Market, Digital Content Specialist with Mid-West Family La Crosse, presented “Ethical Content Creation Using AI,” addressing the responsible use of generative tools in professional communication. Dr. Michael Ratajczyk presented “Music Creation with GenAI,” providing an accessible and engaging demonstration of how generative artificial intelligence can support creativity, experimentation, and new forms of digital production.
The event concluded with a career panel featuring Brad Hauser of Legends Global, Corey Koehler, Teri Market, and Dr. Michael Ratajczyk. Panelists answered questions and shared perspectives on professional pathways, changing employer expectations, emerging skills, and the growing importance of AI and analytics across industries.
A major strength of the Summit was its ability to connect academic learning with professional practice. Students gained direct access to industry perspectives and career guidance, while faculty, alumni, and community partners exchanged ideas about the opportunities and responsibilities created by new technologies.
Through its keynote, five speaker sessions, concurrent presentations, and career panel, the 2026 Business Intelligence Summit demonstrated the value of bringing education, industry, and the community together. The event strengthened professional connections, showcased applied learning, and helped participants better understand how business intelligence, analytics, and artificial intelligence are shaping organizations and the future of work.
