1. All Things Open AI Conference

   • Dates: March 17–18, 2025
   • Location: Carolina Theater, Durham, NC
   • Description: This conference focuses on AI technologies, processes, and the people driving innovation. It includes workshops and sessions tailored for AI practitioners and users.

2. AI Summit 2025

   • Date: May 2025 (Exact date to be announced)
   • Location: Blue Ridge Community College Campus, Flat Rock, NC
   • Description: Building on the success of the 2024 summit, this event aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and networking among AI professionals and enthusiasts.

3. AI in the Textile and Fashion Industries Conference

   • Date: August 23, 2024
   • Location: Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
   • Description: This one-day conference explores how AI is revolutionizing the textile and fashion industries, focusing on efficiency, business growth, sustainability, and consumer engagement.

4. Applied AI in Engineering & Computer Science Symposium

   • Date: October 2024
   • Location: North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
   • Description: This symposium brings together industry leaders and academia to discuss AI’s role in engineering and computer science, featuring keynote speakers and a poster session showcasing AI-related research.

Please note that while some events have already occurred, they are often held annually. For the most current information and future dates, it’s advisable to check the official websites of these conferences.

1. N.C. PSI Hackathon

   • Dates: September 12-14, 2025
   • Location: North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative
   • Description: An annual event that brings together undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars to tackle agricultural technology challenges using data analytics, machine learning, and hardware fabrication.

2. HackNC

   • Dates: To be announced for 2025
   • Location: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
   • Description: One of the largest hackathons in the southeastern United States, HackNC is a student-run event that encourages participants to develop innovative projects over a weekend.

3. HackNCState

   • Dates: To be announced for 2025
   • Location: North Carolina State University
   • Description: A premier hackathon open to participants from around the state and country, fostering innovation and collaboration among students.

Please note that specific dates for some events have not been announced yet. It’s advisable to regularly check the official websites of these hackathons or contact their organizers for the most current information.

Title: SparkTable: Where Conversation Ignites Innovation

In a world that thrives on collaboration and shared knowledge, the traditional round table dinner emerges as a unique format for meaningful conversations. Far from a formal conference or casual coffee chat, this gathering combines the intimacy of a shared meal with the intellectual rigor of a focused discussion. Recently, we hosted a round table dinner to delve into the state of the art on [insert topic], and it was an experience worth sharing.

The Setting: More Than Just a Meal

The round table dinner was designed to foster equality and openness. By seating up to five participants around a circular table, everyone had an equal voice. This simple setup eliminated hierarchies, encouraging free-flowing dialogue. The venue—a private, softly lit dining room—provided the perfect backdrop: comfortable, quiet, and conducive to deep thinking.

While food may seem secondary, it played a crucial role in setting the tone. A carefully curated menu catered to dietary preferences, serving as a catalyst for small talk that seamlessly transitioned into larger ideas.

Why SparkTable?

The concept combines the best of two worlds: the intellectual depth of a seminar and the personal connection of a dinner. Here’s why it works:

1. Focus on Quality Over Quantity: With a maximum of five participants, the discussion remained intimate, giving everyone ample time to contribute without feeling rushed.

2. Equal Voices at the Table: The circular seating arrangement ensured no one dominated the conversation, aligning perfectly with the collaborative ethos of the event.

3. Blurring Formal and Informal: Sharing a meal humanizes even the most intense debates, creating an environment where ideas flow more freely.