Palm Springs aims to position itself as hub for tech innovation with citywide educational expo

In a desert community long known for reinventing itself, Palm Springs is betting that artificial intelligence represents its next evolution. City leaders see a perfect convergence: an influx of tech talent seeking second careers away from corporate pressures, students who need cutting-edge skills to escape poverty, and a community progressive enough to embrace emerging technology before others catch on.

“The whole world is at day one of AI,” City Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein said Wednesday. “Our kids who are severely socioeconomically disadvantaged are no more disadvantaged in the new tech area.”

The convergence will be on full display Monday when the Palm Springs AI & Creativity Expo runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the convention center. Event organizers expect to draw hundreds of attendees across multiple demographic groups, featuring keynote presentations from Emmy-nominated tech host Baratunde Thurston and Disney’s “The Lion King” director Rob Minkoff.

Bernstein said the expo represents a broader vision to diversify Palm Springs’ economy beyond tourism by building what some have called a “Silicon Desert.” The community discovered it already has significant tech talent among remote workers, retirees from the technology industry and professionals starting second careers in the desert.

“This is more than just a tech conference; it’s a vital community dialogue designed to demystify artificial intelligence and explore its profound impact on our daily lives, local economy, and creative landscape,” event materials state, noting that its purpose is to “foster understanding, inspire innovation, and empower our community to navigate the future with confidence and insight.”

Bernstein is quick to point out that 97% of the Palm Springs Unified School District students qualify for federal poverty assistance, making technology education events like Monday’s particularly important.

The former mayor has been a driving force behind building “another economic pillar besides tourism” that would create a year-round economy to complement the area’s hospitality industry.

The expo grew from a March 2024 presentation on AI by Microsoft veterans who live in the community — former corporate vice president Peter Loforte and Palm Springs Post publisher Mark Talkington — to networking events that drew 80 people in September of that year and 130 people in December, demonstrating community interest in technology development.

Thurston, co-creator and host of “Life with Machines,” will deliver the opening keynote titled “Prompting Our Future: AI, Humanity & A Dash of Palm Springs.” Minkoff will present “AI and the Creative Spark” during the lunch session, examining how artificial intelligence is reshaping creative industries from filmmaking to visual arts.

The event will feature separate educational tracks for residents and business professionals, with sessions including “AI: Your Personal Superpower” and “How AI Can Supercharge Your Business.” An interactive pavilion will host “Ask the Experts” stations where attendees can engage directly with AI specialists and technology professionals.

Still, organizers emphasized the expo will present a balanced view of artificial intelligence.

“It does talk about the good, the bad and everything in between,” Bernstein said, acknowledging concerns within the creative community while exploring potential synergies between technology and the arts.

The entire event relies on volunteers, with every keynote speaker, workshop leader and expert donating their time.

“Even Rob Minkoff, the keynote speaker who’s coming in from LA, is volunteering to do this, which is kind of amazing to me,” Bernstein said.

Students aged 16 and older will receive free admission with valid student identification, while general admission costs $50 per person. The student program includes hands-on workshops at College of the Desert called “GenJam@COD,” where participants will create AI-assisted films, music and art projects.

The expo will conclude with a panel discussion titled “AI & The Coachella Valley: Synthesizing Today, Shaping Tomorrow,” featuring Thurston alongside local leaders including Palm Springs Art Museum Interim Executive Director Christine Vendredi and Talkington. Wayne Olson, the city’s chief economic development officer, will close the presentation portion to emphasize technology’s role in Palm Springs’ economic future.

The timing connects with the College of the Desert campus currently under construction, which is expected to open in 2027. Bernstein said curriculum additions for the new campus must begin now, making the student focus of the expo particularly relevant.

The conference represents part of a broader economic development strategy that includes arts and culture, clean energy and health care as emerging sectors. Bernstein noted that when the city recently awarded a contract for convention center management, the new operators identified tech conferences as a key growth area for the facility.

Bernstein said Palm Springs’ progressive approach to business, from early cannabis adoption to vacation rental policies, positions the city well for technology development.

“The idea is how do you now apply that to tech?” he said.

Sponsorship opportunities range from $500 to $10,000, with proceeds supporting community access to AI education. The event also includes provisions for sponsored tickets to allow employees of local non-profit organizations and underserved community members to attend. College of the Desert, Palm Springs Unified School District and Eisenhower Health are among the institutional sponsors.

Registration and additional information — including how you can help sponsor an attendee for as little as $50 — are available through the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce website at pschamber.org/AIExpo.

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