LSU is bringing the AI conversation back to Baton Rouge with a sharper focus this year. The AI in Action Symposium is set for Friday, March 20, 2026, at the LSU Student Union, with programming scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is open through March 15, and the event is hosted by the E. J. Ourso College of Business. Register here.
LSU shifts from AI basics to real-world strategy
Dr. Andrew Schwarz said this year’s event moves past the basic question of what AI is. The goal now is to help businesses figure out how to use it in real operations.
That means the symposium will focus on practical strategy. Organizers want business leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers to leave with ideas they can apply right away. LSU describes the event as a place for organizations looking to move beyond the hype and use AI for measurable results.
Responsible AI will be a major theme
Schwarz said the symposium will also tackle responsible and ethical AI use. That includes questions about where AI should be used, where it should not, and how organizations can build guardrails around the technology.
He pointed to one of the biggest concerns with AI today. These systems can still produce false or misleading answers, often called hallucinations. That makes oversight and transparency critical, especially as more industries begin weaving AI into daily work.
What attendees can expect
The event will feature speakers from Silicon Valley, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. According to LSU, the program includes sessions on enterprise AI, startup use cases, responsible AI, and sourcing AI talent or services. Registration for the general public is $100 and includes lunch and parking.
Schwarz said Louisiana is gaining attention in the AI space. He credited that momentum in part to major data center investments and growing statewide interest in AI education and adoption.