Community Connect, presented by Google, returns tomorrow with a sold-out audience of Indiana employers, educators, community leaders and emerging talent focused on a shared challenge: preparing Indiana’s workforce and economy for the age of artificial intelligence.

Hosted by TechPoint, Community Connect: Building a Workforce AI Can’t Replace brings together leaders from business, higher education and workforce development to explore how organizations can adapt to rapid technological change while continuing to invest in the uniquely human skills that drive innovation.

Exploring AI, Talent and Innovation

The day opens with a panel discussion featuring:

  • Tiffany McCree, Community & Workforce Development Leader, Google
  • Dr. Anne Leftwich, Barbara B. Jacobs Chair in Education and Technology, professor and associate vice president of Learning Technologies, Indiana University
  • Derek Weinberg, director of Data & AnalytiXIN, CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP)
  • Keenan Collins, senior HR and organizational development leader
  • Sally Reasoner, vice president of Talent Strategy, TechPoint

Together, they’ll explore topics including:

  • How AI is changing work across industries
  • The skills employers increasingly value
  • Stronger partnerships between education and industry
  • Emerging talent as a driver of innovation
  • Indiana’s future competitiveness in an AI-enabled economy

The program also includes an Emerging Talent Showcase featuring members of the 2026 XTERN cohort, who will share projects, experiences and perspectives gained during their internships with Indiana employers.

The day concludes with keynote presentations from:

  • Josh Haines, vice president, Group Software Factory & Digital Products at Rolls-Royce, presenting The Chemistry of Innovation
  • Chelsea Linder, vice president of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at TechPoint, presenting Talent is Where Innovation Begins

Together, the keynote presentations build on the day’s discussions by examining the relationship between workforce capability, innovation and long-term economic growth.

Celebrating Indiana’s Emerging Talent

Immediately following Community Connect, attendees are invited to stay for the annual XTERN Celebration & Awards, recognizing the accomplishments of the 2026 XTERN cohort.

The celebration includes:

  • Reflections from XTERN participants
  • Awards recognizing outstanding interns
  • Recognition of exceptional mentors
  • Honors for employer partners helping create exceptional learning experiences for Indiana’s emerging tech talent

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Community Connect is presented by Google, with keynote sponsorship from Indiana University and Rolls-Royce.

TechPoint also thanks its table sponsors for helping make the event possible:

  • Afidence
  • ANSA Solutions
  • Bearstone LLC
  • Comcast Business
  • eimagine
  • Genpact
  • OTAVA®
  • Reveal Risk
  • Western Governors University

Attendees are encouraged to visit each sponsor’s booth in the expo hall throughout the day to learn more about their work, explore new ideas and connect with organizations helping advance Indiana’s technology ecosystem.

While registration for this year’s Community Connect is now full, the conversations and connections sparked throughout the day will continue to strengthen Indiana’s talent pipeline, accelerate responsible AI adoption and support innovation across the state’s tech ecosystem.