AI Now: From Generative Hype to Real World Impact

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how organizations operate, but separating hype from real, scalable impact has never been more critical.

Join the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce Minnesota (SACC-MN) for an evening of expert insights and real-world examples exploring how AI is being applied today across manufacturing, business strategy, leadership, and ethics.

https://www.saccmn.org/

This event brings together senior business leaders, AI practitioners, early-career professionals, and students to learn from prominent speakers with experience spanning Fortune 500 companies, startups, academia, and global advisory roles.

Through keynote speakers and a moderated panel discussion, attendees will gain practical guidance on moving beyond experimentation toward meaningful, responsible AI implementation.

The evening concludes with a networking reception with light refreshments, offering the opportunity to connect with peers, speakers, and industry leaders.

Topics Covered by the keynote speakers:

• Quinton Krueger "AI in Manufacturing: Lessons from 3M (30 min)
• Dr. Elizabeth M. Adams "Choosing Purpose Before Code: Ethical Leadership in the Age of AI (30 min)
• Dr. Toby J. Velte "The State of AI in Business" (30min)
• Panel Discussion "AI Today & Tomorrow: Bridging Vision & Execution" (30 min)

Event Agenda – “AI Now: From Generative Hype to Real‑World Impact”

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

When: 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Where

Venue: American Swedish Institute
Room/Space: Paulson Hall

Who

Sr. business leaders, early‑career professionals, students, and AI‑focused industry experts

Why Attend

Gain a concise, executive‑level view of the current AI landscape, discover concrete manufacturing use‑cases, ethical leadership when using AI, and network with peers and thought‑leaders.

Program (All times local)

Time

Session

5:00 – 5:05 pm

Welcome to ASI – President, Molly Steenson

Opening remarks & logistics - Event chair, Carl-Johan Torarp

5:05 – 5:30 pm

Keynote 1 – “AI in Manufacturing: Lessons from 3M
Speaker: Quinton Krueger – Director of AI‑Enabled Operations, 3M.

5:30 – 6:00 pm

Keynote 2 – “Choosing Purpose Before Code: Ethical Leadership in the Age of AI”
Speaker: Dr. Elizabeth M. Adams.

6:00 – 6:30 pm

Keynote 3 – “The State of AI in Business”

Speaker: Dr. Toby J. Velte – AI strategist, Faculty Oxford University, London Business School.

6:30 – 6:55 pm

Panel Discussion – “AI Today & Tomorrow: Bridging Vision & Execution”
Moderator: Carl-Johan Torarp Founder/CEO/ LocaLoop, Inc. & SACC Board Member
Panelists: Toby J. Velte, Quinton Krueger, Elisabeth M. Adams.

7:00 – 7:30 pm

Drinks & Networking – Light refreshments and cash bar.

Audience Take‑aways

1. Strategic Insight – Understand how GenAI differs from Applied AI and why the distinction matters for business strategy.
2. Geopolitical Lens – Grasp emerging AI policy trends and their implications for global supply chains.
3. Career Outlook – Identify emerging AI‑related roles, changes coming to employment, and the skillsets employers will demand.
4. Ethical and Leadership Frameworks – Learn practical approaches to responsible AI leadership and organization development.
5. Manufacturing Blueprint – Walk away with a roadmap of AI‑driven efficiencies, predictive maintenance, and quality‑control use‑cases from a Fortune‑500 leader.

Logistics & Registration

• Cost: Non-members -$30, members- free, Students - $15
• Capacity: Limited to 100 participants – first‑come, first‑served.

Partners

• Supporting Partners: ASI, 3M, Verilytix, Minnesota Responsible AI Institute
  https://www.probility.ai/

Contact

• Event Coordinator: Carl-Johan Torarp – [email protected] -
  (612) 327-3303
• Media Inquiries: Same as above

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Host or Publisher Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce (SACC-MN)