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Artificial Intelligence and Creativity Expo offers inside look at push to make the Coachella Valley a hub for AI

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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Experts gathered to discuss the implications of artificial intelligence at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Monday.

The inaugural Palm Springs Artificial Intelligence & Creativity Expo drew a sold-out crowd.

The event came at a time when the technology is developing at an accelerating rate. With these changes fast approaching, many people are understandably anxious about what the future holds.

The opening keynote speaker, Baratunde Thurston, reassured, "This can be a very isolating time politically, climate-wise, economically, and yet throw AI in the mix and it can feel really overwhelming.”

"My core message is that it's up to all of us to shape this future. And we do it best when we do it together."

According to Thurston, events like these are critical to help dispel the mystery, fears, and unknowns, and it represents an important first step when it comes to understanding and shaping the potential of artificial intelligence.

Palm Springs City Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein felt the same way. "We've seen it with all new technological advances that there is often fears and often valid. But if it's used properly, it can be a great asset for residents, students, businesses and creatives," he said.

Bernstein added that investing in educating our youth now will set the Coachella Valley up for success in the future.

"In the Palm Springs Unified School District, 97% of our students are at the federal poverty level, and so they're often disadvantaged in many areas," Bernstein said. "If we act now, we can help our students be on the same level as any other students in the rest of the country and the rest of the world."

College of the Desert is one of the local institutions that is leading the charge on artificial intelligence education. New curriculum – the first for the college, as well as community colleges across the state – will focus on generative AI. The course will be offered both online and in-person at the college's Palm Springs campus.

The inaugural event wrapped up at 5:00 p.m. after a full day of keynote speakers, a luncheon, expert Q&A panels, and hands-on demonstrations of artificial intelligence in personal assistant and marketing roles.

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