F.A.I.T.H. and the Future Conference
Friday, October 23, 2026 – 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Gus Machado College of Business, St. Thomas University
7:30 – 8:30
Vendor setup – Rico Plaza
The F.A.I.T.H. and the Future conference will bring together AI practitioners, researchers, students, and the general public to explore faithful approaches to intelligent technology and humanity. Participants will gather on the beautiful St. Thomas University campus in Miami on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
The conference features a special keynote speaker and a panel discussion on “Artificial General Intelligence: Salvation or Surrender.” Breakout sessions will address AI and the Human Person, AI for the Common Good, Faith-Inspired AI Solutions, AI and the Environment, Bias and Justice in AI, AI in Education, AI and Human Judgment, AI for Accessibility, AI and Privacy, and AI and Solidarity. To help form the next generation of ethical AI leaders, students will present posters on those same topics, competing for $8,500 in renewable scholarships to St. Thomas University.
Event Details
Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Gus Machado College of Business, St. Thomas University
Theme: F.A.I.T.H. and the Future: Faithful Approaches to Intelligent Technology and Humanity
Audience
General public
STU students, faculty, and staff
Parishioners and clergy from the Archdiocese of Miami
Archdiocese of Miami K–12 schools
South Florida institutions of higher education
Event Agenda
Keynote Speaker
Ilia Delio, OSF, PhD, is a Franciscan Sister of Washington, D.C., and holds the Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair in Theology at Villanova University. Sister Delio’s research focuses on the intersection of science and religion. She is the author of 22 books, including Re-Enchanting the Earth: Why AI Needs Religion.
Panel Discussion: Artificial General Intelligence: Salvation or Surrender?
This panel will explore whether the pursuit of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), machines with human-level reasoning and autonomy, is a path toward solving humanity’s greatest challenges or a dangerous surrender of moral agency. Panelists will debate theological, ethical, and practical implications of AGI, including whether it can align with STU’s Seven Standards for Ethical AI.
Key questions include:
- Can AGI respect human dignity and the primacy of human judgment?
- Is it ethical to create machines that simulate conscience or spiritual reasoning?
- What role should faith communities play in shaping AGI development?
- Should AGI be banned, regulated, or embraced?
Moderator and panelists will be announced.
Breakout Session Proposals
45-minute breakout sessions. Each presenter delivers their session twice: once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
Suggested Themes
- AI and the Human Person
- AI for the Common Good
- Faith-Inspired AI Solutions
- AI and the Environment
- Bias and Justice in AI
- AI in Education
- AI and Human Judgment
- AI for Accessibility
- AI and Privacy
- AI and Solidarity
Review Criteria
- Relevance to theme
- Alignment with the Seven Standards for Ethical AI
- Clarity, creativity, and impact
- Appropriateness for audience
Sponsor Opportunities
Organizations are invited to support the STU AI Conference 2026 and engage with South Florida’s faith, technology, and education communities.
Sponsorship Levels
- Title Sponsor – $10,000
- Gold Sponsor – $5,000
- Silver Sponsor – $2,500
- Bronze Sponsor – $1,000
- Supporter – $500
Benefits include recognition on the website and program, exhibit space at the AI Showcase, tickets, and promotional visibility.
Student Poster Competition
High school and college students are invited to submit poster presentations and present their work during the conference AI Showcase.
The summit is held at:
Gus Machado College of Business
St. Thomas University
16401 NW 37th Avenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33054
Recommended hotel:
Miami Lakes Hotel – Centrally located with easy access to campus and nearby dining.
Prizes
- 1st Place: $5,000 annual renewable scholarship
- 2nd Place: $2,500 annual renewable scholarship
- 3rd Place: $1,000 annual renewable scholarship
Judging Criteria
Clarity & Organization, Relevance to Theme, Alignment with Ethical AI Standards, Creativity & Visual Impact, Depth of Insight, Presenter Engagement.