| CFP closes at | December 02, 2025 05:00 UTC |
| (Local) |
The 8th edition of RVA Tech Data/AI Summit is a one-day conference dedicated to all things data and AI. The summit is an engaging networking and learning experience for our attendees and we expect dynamic and highly engaging content from our speakers.
This event will be held in person at the Dewey Gottwald Center at the Science Museum of Virginia.
We will have morning and afternoon keynotes and then multiple concurrent talks in separate tracks. We are interested in any topics surrounding the 4 key tracks mentioned in the description, and will consider lightning talks (10 minutes), track talks (30 minutes) and hands-on demos and workshops (60 minutes).
Our audience will be about 600 people with a broad range of data science and engineering exposure ranging from students to deep practitioners to executive leadership. Please indicate in your submission what audience you have in mind, and if you are prepared to provide a broad overview or a technical deep dive. Speakers may record their talks to share after the summit and extend their reach.
WHEN: March 26th, 2026
WHERE: Dewey Gottwald Center
WHO SHOULD SUBMIT:
Everyone is encouraged to submit a proposal. Even if it doesn’t fit into a track neatly, we’d love to consider your innovative insight!
Please tag your talk with the track and other relevant tags listed in the submission page!
Our primary goal is to have excellent sessions that inform and engage our attendees. Thus, the speaker selection committee will favor speakers who have a record of delivering excellent talks, but we also understand that everyone has to start somewhere. If you are a first-time speaker, please make sure your proposal is compelling and communicates why you are the right person to deliver it. We are hoping to have a speaker pool that is representative of our local (Central Virginia) developer population and showcases some regional talent, but we welcome submissions from anyone anywhere. If you have an idea for a session, please submit it!
https://rvatech.com/rvatech-events/2025-rvatech-data-summit/ contains information from our conference from last year for reference.
CFP Description
Talk descriptions
This year we will have 4 tracks to build the conversation around “Foundations to Frontier.” We request that you submit a presentation for one or more of the following tracks. Please indicate if you are submitting for a lightning talk (10 min), track talk (30 min), or Workshop/Demo (60 min), and what audience you have in mind. One of the talks at each time slot will take the center stage, and the 3 others will be more focused breakouts. Keynotes are selected through a separate process; this CFP is for track talks specifically.
Tracks:
1.Foundations This track is about the essential building blocks of data and AI. From data architecture and governance to the principles that keep AI systems reliable, talks here will ground the audience in what’s needed to make AI work at scale. We’re looking for:
- Core practices and approaches that strengthen data foundations
- Lessons learned in building and maintaining reliable systems
- Perspectives that help organizations move from basics to readiness for AI
2.Frontiers This track highlights what’s new and next in the world of data and AI. It’s about exploring possibilities, spotting trends, and sharing ideas that stretch beyond today’s norms. We’re looking for:
- Emerging tools, technologies, and methods
- Forward-looking insights into where data and AI are headed
- Explorations of challenges and opportunities at the edge of the field
3.Applied Brilliance This track focuses on practical applications and demonstrations, from no code to high code solutions. It’s about showing what works in practice—tools, workflows, and ideas that others can take home and try. We’re looking for:
- Examples of tools or techniques in action
- Practical lessons from experimentation or implementation
- Showcases that make the abstract tangible
4.Virginia AI in Action This track celebrates AI that’s being built and used here in Virginia. It’s a chance to highlight local stories, projects, and successes that show how AI is making an impact close to home. We’re looking for:
- Stories of AI in production in Virginia
- Highlights of regional innovation
- Lessons learned from real-world projects and partnerships.