EXTON, PA —The conversation about AI has shifted from the purely technical to the human side of adoption. While businesses are trying to grasp responsible AI use and its impact on employees and company culture, the Innovative Technology Action Group (ITAG), an initiative of the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC), will help to address some of these opportunities and challenges at the 2026 TECH360 business technology conference with the theme “AI Beyond the Hype—Real People, Real Impact, and the Human Side of AI at Work,” on Wednesday, October 14, 11:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. at The Desmond Hotel, One Liberty Blvd., Malvern, Pa.
“Emerging technologies such as AI move through a life cycle where expectations and actual capabilities move on different timelines. This period of uncertainty is what we often refer to as hype,” said ITAG Vice Chair and Programming Committee lead, Charlotte Conroy, Managing Partner at Recent Communications. “Now, businesses and organizations need to carefully consider not only their return-on-investment with respect to AI’s capabilities, but how these implementations affect employees and company culture.”
“ITAG’s TECH360 conference is happening in the right place, here in the Delaware Valley, where we have witnessed remarkable growth in the tech sector over the past several years, as organizations across industries increasingly invest in digital transformation, data innovation, and AI,” said Marianne Stack, ITAG Project Director, Chester County Economic Development Council. “Beyond the insights at this year’s conference, attendees will have an opportunity to network with other professionals who are considering important decisions related to AI, its successful implementation and their employees.”
TECH360 is a premier business technology conference that brings together the region’s top companies, organizations, academic institutions, and technology professionals to explore the latest developments in emerging technology and its transformative impact across industries. The day will feature presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to help business leaders consider what successful AI implementations can bring to their organizations. The day’s speakers represent companies across the region, including CTDI, Comcast, and MacElree Harvey.
TECH360 attendees will have the opportunity to learn:
- Why many AI initiatives fail
- How to develop a human-centered framework for AI implementations
- How to develop the “soft skills” that are most valuable in a world with AI
- How to deliver real business value from AI
For more information about TECH360 2026, including ticket and registration details, speaker announcements, and the full conference agenda, visit https://www.tech360pa.com/. Use promo code NEWSFLASH to receive 20 percent off an individual ticket price through Sunday, Sept. 20.
About TECH360
TECH360 is a program of the Innovative Technology Action Group (ITAG), an initiative of the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC), and is driven by the volunteer efforts of numerous public, private and educator organizations, along with public and private investments.
About the Chester County Economic Development Council
The Chester County Economic Development Council is a private, non-profit economic development organization promoting smart growth in Chester County and the surrounding region for more than 60 years. The CCEDC provides proven financing solutions, cultivates workforce talent, leverages business partnerships and fosters entrepreneurial collaboration. Together, with the support of the private and public sectors, CCEDC initiates, implements and innovates programs that improve the business community and enhance the quality of life in Chester County. For more information, visit www.ccedcpa.com.
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