Palm Springs’ first-ever summit focused on artificial intelligence, emerging technology, creativity, education, and business innovation returns with a bold new identity: PS/NExT Summit 2026 – New Experiences in Technology, happening June 22–23 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. This two-day experience brings together the community and leaders in AI emerging tech, creativity, business, and education to develop skills, solve, challenges, spark innovation, and expand economic opportunities across the region. The exciting lineup of renowned voices driving the future of innovation includes AI artist Kelly Boesch, known for her large-scale immersive visual experiences and digital artistry. Headlining the event is Rob Minkoff, co-director of Disney’s Academy Award-winning film “The Lion King”.

“I’m excited to return to Palm Springs for the PSNExT Summit. Technology and creativity have always been inextricably linked, and it feels like we’re standing at the edge of an unprecedented new era for artists and storytellers,” said Rob Minkoff. “Palm Springs is the perfect place for that conversation, a city where the arts are deeply embedded in its DNA. And if this Summit can also make a meaningful impact on education, and young people, that makes it all the more important.”

Tickets are on sale now at PalmSpringsNExT.com with a special $95 two-day pass available exclusively for Coachella Valley residents. Local students and educators can attend for FREE through sponsored community access programs.

An official and FREE kick-off event will take place May 21, 2026, at 5 p.m. at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum.

PS/NExT Summit 2026 – New Experiences in Technology, sponsored by the City of Palm Springs Economic Development Department and the Chamber of Commerce, builds on the 2025 Palm Springs AI & Creativity Expo expanding the event into a broader regional platform for community education, workforce development and innovation.

“PS/NExT is about ensuring our community participates in the future instead of watching it happen from the sidelines,” said Jeffrey Bernstein, Palm Springs City Councilmember and Chair of the Palm Springs Technology Steering Committee. “This summit connects creativity, technology, education and entrepreneurship in ways that help residents, students and businesses build practical skills and opportunity. Importantly, our students and educators will receive free access to this event.”

PS/NExT Summit 2026 – New Experiences in Technology will feature six immersive tracks focused on residents, small business, education, creativity and entrepreneurship, including a Local Business Vibe-a-thon innovation challenge and GenJam, a creative sprint for AI-powered film, music and visual art.

Featured speakers and talent include:

• Rob Minkoff, co-director of The Lion King
• Baratunde Thurston, Emmy-nominated storyteller and author
• Philip Su, Former Engineer at Meta, OpenAI, and Microsoft  
• AI Artist Kelly Boesch
• Artists Cristopher Cichocki and Glen Wexler

“PS/NExT positions Palm Springs at the center of the national conversation of emerging technology and its impact to our communities and local economies,” said Wayne Olson, Palm Springs Chief Economic Development Officer. “This summit is about creating opportunity, preparing our workforce for the future, and building toward an economy that attracts investment and new ideas to our City.”

The inaugural 2025 event attracted more than 500 attendees and achieved a Net Promoter Score of 53, prompting organizers to expand programming and sponsorship opportunities for 2026. 

Current sponsors include Visit Greater Palm Springs, Amazon, Wintec Energy, College of the Desert, PSUSD Foundation and the Grace Helen Spearman Foundation. 

To support broad community participation, Coachella Valley residents will be eligible for discounted registration pricing, while students and educators will have access to free sponsored participation opportunities. 

“AI is no longer just for large technology companies,” said Nona Watson, CEO of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. “PS/NExT gives local businesses practical tools and ideas they can apply immediately to save time, grow revenue and stay competitive.”

PS/NExT Summit 2026 – New Experiences in Technology is presented by the City of Palm Springs Office of Economic Development and the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Palm Springs Convention Center.

To register, explore sessions, view the speaker lineup and get event updates, visit: PalmSpringsNExT.com.

For sponsorship opportunities contact:

Nona Watson
CEO, Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce
T: (760) 325-1577
E: nwatson@pschamber.org

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