A Night of Innovation: CBPP Showcase 2024
October 18, 2024The UAA College of Business and Public Policy (CBPP) hosted its annual Showcase in Rasmuson Hall on October 4, 2024. The vibrant event highlighted the College’s leadership in the field of AI, with the theme “Innovate Together: Unleashing potential with Artificial Intelligence.” Featured speakers from within and outside Alaska give participants specific examples of how AI has impacted their businesses.
Guests also visited the Alaska Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab (ADSAIL) located in Rasmuson Hall, had robots draw their portrait, and interacted with Aurora, the State of Alaska Department of Transportation’s AI-powered robotic dog, who roamed throughout the venue all evening.
A Showcase of Innovation
Attendees chose from a variety of sessions featuring a diverse lineup of speakers who shared their expertise on AI applications across various industries.
- Dr. J. Randall Moorman, Bicentennial Professor of Advanced Medical Analytics, shared how AI is revolutionizing healthcare.
- Dr. Eric Bortz, UAA College of Arts & Sciences, discussed his groundbreaking research in AI genomics for biosecurity.
- Dr. Heidari, UAA College of Engineering, explored the future of AI and its potential to address global challenges.
- Clay Koplin, CEO of Cordova Electric Cooperative, Inc., discussed using digital twins to optimize energy systems.
- Dr. Victoria Coleman, Former Air Force Chief Scientist, shared her insights on AI-piloted F16 fighters and the future of military technology.
Additionally, CBPP students shared their own innovative projects developed during the AI with Business Applications MBA course, demonstrating their mastery of AI and its applications.
“We’re proud to be leaders in AI business education,” said Dr. Terry Nelson, CBPP Interim Dean. “At last year's CBPP Showcase, Dr. Helena Wisniewski co-hosted an AI session with Dr. Mike Jones that drew a large crowd. Attendees were so engaged that they lingered long after it ended. The strong turnout and the many visitors who explored ADSAIL made it clear that people want to engage on this topic.”
Dr. Wisniewski holds the Marion Porter Endowed Chair and is a Professor of Entrepreneurship at CBPP, where she also chairs the Department of Management, Marketing, Logistics, and Business Analytics. She leads AI initiatives, co-founded ADSAIL, and launched the first AI course and webinar series at CBPP.
“AI is not just a tool,” said Dr. Wisniewski. “It’s a catalyst for innovation across every industry. At CBPP, we’re leading the charge in preparing future leaders to harness its potential and drive meaningful change. I was honored to be a part of organizing this year’s showcase and proud to invite the speakers. This showcase was an opportunity for everyone to engage with AI’s possibilities and shape a future where technology and human ingenuity work together.”
Networking Opportunities and Engagement
The Showcase offered opportunities for attendees to network with industry leaders, alumni, students, faculty government officials, college supporters and fellow professionals. Attendees had the chance to discuss the latest trends in AI, explore potential partnerships, and learn about new business opportunities – all backed by up-tempo music provided by the UAA Jazz Ensemble.
The College also accepted two State of Alaska legislative citations. The first honored CBPP for its 50 years of providing quality business education. The second acknowledged the 25th anniversary of the UAA hospitality administration program.
Supporters make the Showcase possible
“We started the Showcase in 2022, on the heels of the pandemic,” said Interim Dean Dr. Terry Nelson. “It became clear very quickly that people were really happy about the buzz the event created in Rasmuson Hall. We look forward to the Showcase every year as a way to connect with so many of our alumni and supporters.”
This year’s generous supporters included First National Bank Alaska, AT&T, TOTE Maritime Alaska, Alaska CHARR, Chevron Denali Express, Rasmuson Foundation, KPMG, the Bridge, Thomas, Head & Greisen, R&M Consulting, Northrim Bank, Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, Peak Trust, Art Clark and Bob Doehl.
An Engaging Tradition
The CBPP Showcase is becoming known across campus and in the larger community as an engaging evening where guests can learn something new about the College or about the theme of the evening. Next year’s Showcase will feature Economics, a theme that will highlight the study of economics along with the research and experimental economic studies conducted by CBPP faculty.