AI Now: From Generative Hype to Real World Impact
Schedule
Wed Feb 25 2026 at 05:00 pm to 07:30 pm
UTC-06:00Location
American Swedish Institute | Minneapolis, MN
About this Event
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
- Strategic Insight – Understand how GenAI differs from Applied AI and why the distinction matters for business strategy.
- Geopolitical Lens – Grasp emerging AI policy trends and their implications for global supply chains.
- Career Outlook – Identify emerging AI‑related roles, changes coming to employment, and the skillsets employers will demand.
- Ethical and Leadership Frameworks – Learn practical approaches to responsible AI leadership and organization development.
- 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
Where is it happening?
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 33.85
