On Monday, December 16, the Four Corners AI Conference returns to the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. The AI Institute at FLC is partnering with the Durango Chamber of Commerce and the La Plata Economic Development Alliance to co-sponsor this free event, which is built for beginners, skeptics, and everyday users who want practical skills for real work and life.

Keynotes from Angelo Baca and Luke Norris will set the tone. Baca brings perspective on Indigenous sovereignty, cultural protection, and ethical policy in a world of AI. Norris will explore Sovereign AI and the importance of maintaining ownership and control of systems and the intellectual property they create.

Breakout sessions are built for real work in our region. You might get your AI journey started with “AI Foundations” or explore how ethics shows up in daily decisions through “AI for Any Industry: Practical Ethics for the Real World.” If you are curious about how models connect math to meaning, “AI Embeddings: Can AI Taste Chocolate? Math Meets Meaning” offers a fun, clear, and approachable introduction.

From there, the program widens to reflect local needs. Health professionals can look at guardrails in “AI in Rural Healthcare: Ghost IT to Guardrails in Rural Medicine.” Nonprofits can find workflow gains in “AI for Non-Profits: Working Smarter for Your Mission.” Small businesses can build simple tools in “AI for Small Businesses: Expand Capacity with Smart Automations.” Educators and communicators can explore “AI in Education: Using AI as a Metacognitive Partner” or “AI for Multi-Format Content: From Text to Media That Connects.” While some sessions highlight specific industries, each is designed so participants from any field will leave with meaningful takeaways.

“This conference is about useful skills and honest conversation,” said Mario Martinez, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs and AI Institute founder. “People will try tools, learn from one another, and bring ideas home.”

“Our aim is to help the region move from curiosity to capability,” Martinez added. “We want people to leave with a clearer view of what AI can do for their work and their community.”

Register: Tickets are free, reserve your spot today.
When and where: December 16, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College

‍