Innovate Mississippi

Southern Spark 2025
2025-06-16 - 2025-06-17 | Mississippi E-Center at Jackson State University, 1230 Raymond Rd, Jackson, MS, 39204, United States
Get ready for Southern Spark 2025, Mississippi’s premier AI conference, hosted by the Mississippi AI Collaborative. This two-day event will take place on June 16–17 at the Mississippi E-Center at Jackson State University and is designed to ignite innovation, foster collaboration, and accelerate AI adoption across the Southern U.S.

What to Expect:

Keynote Speakers: Gain insights from leading figures in AI and education, including David Collins, Management Consultant at Innovate Mississippi and CEO of Read Beans Group; Bob Buseck, Executive Director at Mississippi Coding Academies; and Shaina Glass, Director of Education at the Computer Science Teachers Association.
Tailored Tracks: Choose from specialized tracks in education, business, and community engagement, each offering sessions, panels, and workshops tailored to your interests and professional needs.
Hands-On Learning: Participate in interactive workshops and demonstrations that showcase practical AI applications, providing you with tools and knowledge to implement AI solutions effectively.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with educators, industry leaders, technologists, and community innovators from across Mississippi and the Southern region to foster partnerships and collaborations.
Showcasing Local Initiatives: Learn about impactful programs like the AI Educator Accelerator and the AI Agency, which are driving AI integration in education and supporting small businesses through AI-powered solutions.

All attendees will enjoy catered meals and refreshments throughout the event. For accommodation, the Hilton on Capitol Street is the conference hotel of choice, with shuttle services provided between the hotel and the venue.
mississippiai.org

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of shaping the future of AI in Mississippi and beyond. Register now to secure your spot at Southern Spark 2025. https://whova.com/portal/registration/rhk70@wv3xz8BnArTFGR/

Oceans in Action 2025 Workshop
2025-08-26 - 2025-08-28 | Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, 2350 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS, 39531, United States
Join the Marine Technology Society for Oceans In Action 2025 Workshop, an in-person event featuring the marine science and technology research efforts along the Gulf Coast that transform into operational missions worldwide.
Following the success of the larger OCEANS 2023 Conference, the workshop will host presentations from locally based federal agencies, state-led initiatives, and high-tech companies. This year’s event will once again highlight the results of the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) vignettes that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in 2024. In addition to the Department of the Navy, these vignettes are supported by NOAA, USM, and LSU and are the results of testing new technologies in an operational scenario.
Hosted by the Marine Technology Society’s Gulf Coast Section and the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology, the workshop takes place along the thriving Mississippi Gulf Coast and offers a number of networking opportunities for marine science and technology companies.
When: August 26-28, 2025
Where: Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, Biloxi MS. Ballroom A
Register Here: https://mtsociety.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mcform&view=ngforms&id=2217165#!/

DelTech 2025
2025-10-08 - 2025-10-10
DelTech is a premier regional conference dedicated to advancing technology and innovation across the Delta region. By bringing together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, DelTech fosters collaboration and accelerates solutions to some of the region’s most pressing challenges. With inspiring keynotes, dynamic panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and startup showcases, DelTech is the hub for those passionate about driving a culture of innovation.
Epicenter Memphis
Oct 8 – 10, 2025
Learn more: https://whova.com/web/63P5WAhbUiPmJjutmc7Ij6dTh3I2ccbU2OaE1-giDfw%3D/
Register: https://whova.com/portal/registration/9Nh1lB6WCiO79WBm0czC/

Mississippi Aerospace and Defense Symposium 2025
2025-10-22 - 2025-10-24 | Golden Nugget Biloxi Hotel & Casino, 151 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS, 39530, United States
SAVE THE DATE OCTOBER 22-24, 2025

REGISTRATION OPENS JUNE 13
The Mississippi Aerospace and Defense Symposium (MADS) is an annual event, co-hosted by Mississippi Enterprise for Technology and the Aerospace and Defense Alliance of Mississippi. MADS rotates between the state’s different research institutions to highlight business opportunities across the industry and bring together industry executives, academic institutions, government officials and economic developers. MADS features networking opportunities, presentations on industry forecasts and highlights Mississippi’s assets including research centers, workforce training programs, and contracting opportunities.
Learn more here: https://mset.org/mississippi-aerospace-and-defense-symposium-2025/

TEDx Southern Miss
2025-10-30 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park Campus Fleming Education Center, 730 E Beach Blvd, Long Beach, MS, 39560, United States
TEDx Southern Miss is coming to the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park campus in Long Beach on October 30.
This milestone marks the first-ever TEDx event hosted along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and at USM, creating an inspiring stage for innovation, leadership, and regional progress.
This year’s program will shine a global spotlight on the groundbreaking work, opportunities, and ideas emerging from our coastal region. You can get involved by attending in person, hosting a livestream viewing party, or supporting the movement as an event sponsor.
Learn more, view the flyer, and get involved: usm.edu/tedx

Ignite 2026 Leadership Conference
2026-01-29
Ignite is a half-day leadership experience designed to ignite your potential and elevate your impact, whether you’re a seasoned leader, an emerging talent, or part of a team that wants to grow together. Hosted by the Community Development Foundation, this conference brings world-class speakers, energizing peer-to-peer interaction, and practical takeaways all under one roof right here in Northeast Mississippi.
Expect a high-energy morning filled with powerful insights from dynamic keynote speakers, real-world leadership strategies you can implement immediately, and meaningful connections with other professionals who are passionate about growth, community, and influence. Ignite is more than just talks — it’s an opportunity to expand your network, sharpen your leadership skills, and come away inspired to lead with confidence.
What’s included:
✨ Insightful presentations from top leadership voices
✨ Networking with local and regional leaders
✨ Free coffee, soft drinks & snacks
✨ Practical tools and action steps for your leadership journey
✨ Optional continuing education credit information available onsite
Whether you’re building influence in your organization, developing your team’s leadership capacity, or simply ready for a spark that pushes you forward, Ignite 2026 delivers inspiration and practical value in a collaborative, upbeat environment.
Register here: https://www.igniteleadership.com/

Mississippi Health Innovation Conference 2026
2026-02-02 08:00 - 17:00
The Mississippi Health Innovation Conference is a collaboration between the School of Business Administration at the University of Mississippi and some of the most renowned physicians, innovators, educators, investors, payers, providers, and policymakers who are leading the future of healthcare in the US.
Register here: www.mshic.org
