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CIEConnect 2026!
Computing Intelligence & Engineering Connect
Welcoming Innovators, Technologists, and Future Thinkers
CIEConnect is UNT Engineering’s regional forum for professionals to discuss advancements in the field, share insights, and build strategic connections. This series of in-person mini-conferences strengthens ties between local industry and the university by providing a dedicated networking platform for professionals, faculty, and students.
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Our first event, on Feb 28, 2026, will focus on The Future of AI & ML in Texas, featuring approximately six 20-minute talks, a set of 45-minute workshop discussions, and a panel session. By bringing together industry leaders, faculty, and innovators, CIEConnect fosters the exchange of ideas, exploration of collaborations, and the growth of a stronger professional network in our region.
Future of AI in Texas
Feb 28, 2026 (event has been postponed from Fall to Spring semester)
University of North Texas | Discovery Park - Room K150
3940 N. Elm Street, Denton, TX 76207
Participants will receive an official Certificate of Participation, along with a verified digital badge issued by the UNT Professional Learning program.
ONE DAY TO LEARN, CONNECT, AND INSPIRE
Engage with leading voices in tech, education, and industry. Gain full access to sessions, panels, networking mixers, and sponsor showcases.
1 DAY | PANELS, TALKS & NETWORKING WITH EXPERTS
OUR SPEAKERS
David Evans
CTO - Sentiero Ventures
Talk: Future of AI ​
Bart Slowik
CEO & Founder - SylLab Systems
Talk: AI in DFW: trends, real uses, and responsible growth.​
Abraham Assi
Director - Business Information Security Officer of Advisory Services at CBRE
Talk: AI's impact on Cyber Attacks​
Brenda Stoner
CEO - ByteTrail, Inc.
Talk: You Can’ Spell ByteTrail Without AI​
Venkata Nagarjun Devarapalli
Lead - Sustainable Technology Solutions - KBR
Talk: AI Innovation shaping the Future of Energy Industry​
Chris Collander
GNC Engineer at Aerovironment
Talk: Real world AI applications outside language and generative models.​
EVENT AGENDA
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Opening Remarks
Talk Session I
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
1:15 PM - 1:35 PM David Evans - Talk: Future of AI ​
1:35 PM - 1:55 PM Bart Slowik - Talk: AI in DFW: trends, real uses, and responsible growth.
1:55 PM - 2:15 PM Abraham Assi - Talk: AI's impact on Cyber Attacks​
Pause / Networking Break
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
Talk Session II
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
2:30 PM - 2:50 PM Brenda Stoner - Talk: You Can’ Spell ByteTrail Without AI​​
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM Venkata Nagarjun Devarapalli - Talk: AI Innovation shaping the Future of Energy Industry​
3:10 PM - 3:30 PM Chris Collander - Talk: Real world AI applications outside language and generative models.​
Student Expo
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM
Panel Discussion
4:15 PM - 4:50 PM
Closing Remarks
4:50 PM - 5:00 PM
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