By Valerie Milano
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/22/26 – Hundreds of technology enthusiasts, business leaders, educators, policymakers, and students gathered at the Palm Springs Convention Center for the second annual PS/NExT Summit, a conference focused on emerging technologies and the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence.
The summit showcased cutting-edge innovations while creating opportunities for attendees to learn from experts, network with industry professionals, and explore how AI is reshaping business, education, healthcare, and everyday life.
A major focus of this year’s event was student engagement. Young attendees ranging from middle school students to college learners participated in presentations, workshops, and networking sessions designed to introduce them to future career opportunities in technology.
Among those attending was the Passport to Leadership program, which brings together rising high school seniors to develop leadership and professional skills.
“I think it’s so important for young people to learn about networking, to learn to expand how they speak with adults at a younger age,” one program representative explained. “Exposing them to opportunities like this, where they can meet people working in these industries and find out what it’s really like, is a valuable and important experience.”
Students from College of the Desert also attended the summit, taking advantage of opportunities to connect with technology leaders, entrepreneurs, and potential business partners.
One student noted that the college’s involvement has opened doors for networking and business development throughout the Coachella Valley.
“For me to be here and be able to network, grow a business in the Coachella Valley, and connect with other businesses has been really great,” the student said.
Organizers see student involvement as a critical investment in the future workforce of the region. By bringing young people together with innovators and decision-makers, the summit aims to inspire the next generation of technology leaders while strengthening the Coachella Valley’s growing reputation as a center for innovation.
While artificial intelligence continues to generate excitement for its potential to transform industries and improve lives, speakers at the summit also addressed concerns surrounding the technology’s rapid growth.
Among the topics discussed were the environmental, economic, and community impacts associated with the infrastructure required to power advanced AI systems. In recent months, Coachella Valley residents have voiced concerns about the possibility of large-scale data centers being developed in the region. Such facilities are often built to support the enormous computing demands of artificial intelligence platforms.
Summit organizers and city leaders acknowledged those concerns while emphasizing the importance of public engagement in shaping the future of technology.
“I think a lot of people are feeling really overwhelmed,” one speaker noted. “Even overwhelmed by excitement, but sometimes overwhelmed by dread at the force of the future being pushed on them.”
Rather than viewing technological change as something beyond their control, attendees were encouraged to see themselves as active participants in determining how AI will be used in their communities.
“The message constantly is that we get to decide what our future is going to be,” the speaker added.
Local officials who helped bring the summit back to Palm Springs said community involvement will be critical as discussions continue about emerging technologies and their impact on the Coachella Valley. By bringing together business leaders, educators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and students, the summit seeks to create a collaborative environment where innovation and responsible growth can move forward together.
As the PS/NExT Summit entered its second and final day, organizers expressed hope that the conversations sparked during the event would help guide future decisions about technology, economic development, education, and infrastructure throughout the region.
As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries around the world, events such as the PS/NExT Summit provide a valuable platform for education, collaboration, and thoughtful discussion about both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
