University of Wisconsin–Madison
CFL Rainbow Grid Logo

2026 Conference
AI’s Impact on the Creative World

Register Here

Early Bird Special – Register before July 1, 2026 with code EARLY to receive $50 off admission

About the Conference

September 29, 2026 | 8:30am – 4:45pm | Madison, WI

This inaugural CFL conference brings together thought leaders from across the
country to collaboratively unlock the current and future impacts of Al on creative
media. With over with over 20 speakers, facilitated working sessions, and active
collaboration spaces – this is a unique space for bold ideas, high-impact strategies and
action-oriented insights in a rapidly evolving world.

Who should attend?

The Creative Futures Lab conference brings together a community of experts curious to understand the impacts of artificial intelligence and eager to collectively envision a future in which the creative media industry can thrive. This event is open to anyone interested in being a part of shaping this future, including:

  • Creators
  • Heads of creative teams
  • Strategic leaders of media companies
  • Industry influencers
  • Community and government leaders
  • Media technologists and technology developers
  • Anyone else interested in exploring the current and future impacts of AI on creative media
Creative Futures Lab, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Conference program | 8:30am-4:45pm

Networking event | 5-8pm

Pyle Center

702 Langdon St. Madison, WI 53706

Directions, Accomodations, and Schedule

Keynote Speakers

The conference will feature two keynotes from leading experts discussing the impacts of AI in creative industries.

Ben Relles

Founder and CEO, Make Believe

Co-Creator of Reid AI

Tarleton Gillespie

Senior Principal Researcher at Microsoft Research

Affiliated Professor, Department of Communication and Department of Information Science at Cornell University

Conference Program

The conference will offer a full-day experience with keynotes, breakout sessions, Q&As, and shared discussion.

Learn more about speakers and see the full program here.

Activating on the Creative Futures Lab’s dedication to building a sustainable network of shared inquiry, the conference will also offer significant opportunities for networking, including an end-of-conference social, dinner and after party from 5-8pm

Register Here
Headshot: Jillian Arnold
Jillian Arnold
President, IATSE Local 695
Headshot: Nikki Baker
Nikki Baker
CEO, Fallon Agency
Jonathan Gray
Jonathan Gray
Professor of Media and Cultural Studies, UW-Madison
Headshot: Katie Harbath
Katie Harbath
CEO, Anchor Change
Derek Johnson
Derek Johnson
Author of Media Franchising and Professor, UW-Madison
Jeremy Morris
Jeremy Morris
Professor and Faculty, Director of the Center for Humanistic Inquiry into AI, UW-Madison
Headshot: Devon Powers
Devon Powers
Professor of Communication and Media, University of Michigan
Headshot: Amber Samdahl
Amber Samdahl
Director of Design and Innovation, PBS WI
Jing Wang
Jing Wang
Assistant Professor, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, UW-Madison
Ben Sobel
Assistant Professor of Law, University of Wisconsin Law School
Brooke Erin Duffy
Associate Professor, Department of Communication, Cornell University
Dan LaCloche
President and Video Marketer at DLC
Jess Maddox
Associate Professor of Media Studies, University of Georgia
Miranda Banks
Professor of Film, Television, and Media Studies, Loyola Marymount University

Sponsors

Logo: College of Letters & Science

Promotional Partners

Logo: Wisconsin Broadcasters Association
Logo: Madison Media Professionals

This inaugural conference is also made possible by a generous gift to the Communication Arts Annual Fund by Robert and Linda Pepper.