AI/VR SUMMIT

See It. Experience it. Reimagine whats possible.
AI, Virtual Reality plus the technology transforming learning and innovation

July 20-21, 2026
Ameristar Conference Center
St. Charles, Missouri

Learn From Visionary Leaders

Hear from pioneers at the intersection of education, technology, and immersive learning who are shaping the future of higher education and training.

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Walter Parkes

Producer & Co-Founder
DreamWorks Pictures & Dreamscape Learn

Academy Award-nominated producer behind iconic films including Men in Black, Gladiator, and Minority Report. Co-founded Dreamscape Learn to revolutionize education through cinematic VR storytelling.

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Dr. Hod Lipson

Professor of Engineering & Data Science
Columbia University

Pioneer in artificial intelligence, robotics, and 3D printing. Director of Columbia's Creative Machines Lab, exploring AI systems that can self-replicate, self-reflect, and innovate autonomously.

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Josh Reibel

Chief Executive Officer
Dreamscape Learn

Leading the charge in scalable VR education solutions. Under his leadership, Dreamscape Learn has partnered with major institutions to deploy immersive learning experiences that improve engagement and outcomes.

Why Attend

Education is entering a pivotal moment—one where artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and immersive technologies are no longer future concepts, but powerful tools reshaping how learning happens today. The AI and Virtual Reality Summit brings together leaders from across the counrty to explore how innovation is transforming teaching, learning, and workforce preparation. Moving beyond discussion and into meaningful action, participants will engage with real-world examples and forward-thinking strategies that demonstrate how AI, VR, and immersive learning environments can deepen engagement, accelerate skill development, strengthen career pathways, and expand access and opportunity for learners of all ages.


Dr. Barbara Kavalier, President of St. Charles Community College, notes,
“The future of education belongs to institutions willing to reimagine learning through innovation. This summit is about turning bold ideas into practical solutions that prepare learners—and communities—for what’s next.”



Summit Highlights
  • Hands-on immersive learning demonstrations
  • Peer showcases from innovative educational partners
  • Networking with presidents and leaders from institutions across the country

Who Should Attend
  • Presidents and Chancellors
  • Provosts and Academic Leaders
  • K-12 Academic Leaders
  • Workforce and Economic Development Leaders
  • Innovation and Technology Officers
  • Foundation and Philanthropic Partners
  • Policy and State Agency Leaders
  • Business and Industry Leaders

Experience Innovation Firsthand

Experience Innovation first hand. Step beyond the screen and engage directly with cutting-edge AI and virtual reality technologies. Explore hands-on experiences that bring innovation to life and show what’s possible today.

Interact with National Leaders and Experts in the Field

Keynote speakers include Josh Reibel, the CEO of Dreamscape Learn, Walter Parkes, media executive, Dr. Michael Crow, President, Arizona State University, Dr. Hod Lipson, Professor, Columbia University, and more.

Gain Practical, Implementable Strategies

Move beyond inspiration to execution. Gain practical strategies and real-world insights you can apply immediately within your organization.

Connect Education to Workforce Impact

Engage directly with leaders from economic development, workforce agencies, and industry to strengthen alignment between learning and careers.

Summit Schedule

Engage in keynotes, hands-on demonstrations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed for executive leadership.

Day One
Monday, July 20, 2026
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Registration & Continental Lunch
Network with fellow presidents, experts and business leaders.
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Welcome from St. Charles Community College President and St Charles, MO Mayor Dan Borgmeyer.
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Keynote: Leading in a Time of Change
 
 
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM
Walter Parkes: The Power of Story
 
 
5:15 PM - 6:30 PM
Welcome Reception
 
Day Two
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Breakfast & Networking
Continental breakfast with fellow attendees. Day two preview.
Select Your Track For Schedule

Track 1


8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Shuttle to SCC
9:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Dreamscape Experience and AI/VR Demos
11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Shuttle to Ameristar
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Keynote Lunch/Hod Lipson
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM
Session 1
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Session 2
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Session 3
3:45 PM – 4:30 PM
Session 4

Track 2


8:30 AM - 9:15 AM
Session 1
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Session 2
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Session 3
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Session 4
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Keynote Lunch/Hod Lipson
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM
Shuttle to SCC
1:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Dreamscape Experience and AI/VR Demos
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Shuttle to Ameristar

4:45 PM - 5:30 PM
Closing Session

Ameristar Conference Center

A premier venue offering state-of-the-art facilities for our and executive gatherings.

Getting There

Address
Ameristar St. Charles
1 Ameristar Blvd
St. Charles, MO 63301
From Lambert Airport
18 minutes (11 miles) via I-70 West
Complimentary shuttle service available
Parking
Complimentary self-parking
Accommodations
Special summit rate: $189/night
(636) 949-7777

Reserve Your Seat Today

$200
Per attendee | July 20 and 21 breakfast (1 day), lunch (2 days)
Register Now →
Questions? Contact eschneider@stchas.edu or call (636) 922-8000

Our Partners

This summit is made possible through the collaborative vision of organizations pioneering the future of learning, work and innovation.

St. Charles Community College

Serving St. Charles County since 1986, SCC provides accessible, affordable education with a strong focus on workforce training, community development, and innovative learning experiences. As a forward-thinking institution, SCC is redefining what a community college can be—leading the way in AI, immersive technology, and workforce solutions that prepare learners for what’s next.

Dreamscape Learn

Founded by DreamWorks veteran Walter Parkes and Arizona State University, Dreamscape Learn creates cinematic VR educational experiences that combine Hollywood storytelling with advanced pedagogy to transform student engagement.

Metropolitan Community College

Metropolitan Community College (MCC) is a public, multi-campus community college in western Missouri dedicated to providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality education to diverse communities. Established to serve both traditional and nontraditional students, MCC offers associate degrees, career and technical programs, workforce development training, and transfer pathways to four-year institutions.

Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University is a private university located in St. Charles, Missouri, founded in 1827. With a strong tradition of academic excellence and innovation, Lindenwood offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines including business, education, arts and sciences, and health professions.

Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) is the state agency responsible for coordinating Missouri’s higher education system and aligning postsecondary education with workforce needs. The department supports public colleges and universities, oversees financial aid programs, administers workforce development initiatives, and provides data and policy guidance to strengthen educational outcomes statewide.

Washington University Continuing and Professional Studies (CAPS)

Washington University Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) is a division of Washington University in St. Louis dedicated to serving adult learners and working professionals. CAPS offers flexible undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and noncredit programs designed to help students advance their careers, change professions, or complete their degrees.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The AI and VR Workforce Summit convenes thought leaders to explore how emerging technologies are transforming education, training, upskilling, and talent pipelines.

As artificial intelligence and immersive technologies rapidly reshape how people learn and work, employers face increasing pressure to identify scalable, cost-effective training solutions and stronger partnerships with education providers. This summit creates a high-value forum for sponsors to engage directly with the institutions and leaders responsible for curriculum, credentials, and workforce preparation.


Audience and Reach

Attendees represent organizations with purchasing influence, partnership authority, and responsibility for innovation initiatives.


The Summit Attracts:

  • K–12 administrators
  • 2-year and 4-year higher ed administrators
  • Business and industry leaders
  • Policy makers
  • AI and VR Trailblazers

Sponsor Value

The AI and VR Summit positions sponsors at the center of conversation about how talent is trained, credentials are earned, and the future workforce is prepared. It is a practical, relationship-driven opportunity for organizations seeking visibility, partnerships, and long-term impact, especially in the Midwest.

Corporate sponsorship offers more than brand visibility—it provides strategic access and influence.


Sponsors benefit from:

  • Direct engagement with decision-makers and adopters
  • Opportunities to demonstrate real-world applications of AI and VR
  • Alignment with workforce readiness, innovation, and economic development priorities
  • Lead generation and relationship-building with high-intent partners



Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities

AI and VR are reshaping how talent is trained, upskilled, and retained. This summit convenes the decision-makers who influence curriculum, credentials, and workforce pipelines—giving corporate partners direct access to future adopters, collaborators, and employees.


  • Opening remarks connecting your organization to workforce readiness and innovation
  • Keynote introduction with verbal recognition
  • Premier branded presence across summit channels
  • Full brand visibility before, during, and after the event
  • Full-page digital program feature highlighting your organization
  • 6 registrations for clients, partners, or executives
  • Sponsor a featured session or demo
  • Large logo placement across summit channels
  • Half-page digital program feature highlighting your organization
  • 4 registrations for clients, partners, or executives
  • Logo placement in program and website
  • Quarter-page digital program feature highlighting your organization
  • 3 registrations for clients, partners, or executives
  • Logo placement in program and website
  • Branding at a VR lab, simulation zone, or hands-on experience
  • 1 registration for clients, partners, or executives
  • Networking Reception Sponsor – $5,000
  • Lunch Sponsor (2 available) – $4,000
  • Breakfast Sponsor - $3,000


Contact us directly regarding sponsorships


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