Where Innovation Meets Action in Maryland
BannerX brought together Maryland’s business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, technologists and innovators to explore what was shaping the future of business. From AI and applied life sciences to biotechnology, investment and emerging technologies, the event sparked thought-provoking conversations, fresh perspectives and meaningful connections.
Across four conversations, BannerX brought together the people shaping what’s next—sparking ideas, connections and new opportunities.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Sept. 30, 2026
Location: 10285 Lakefront
Address: 10285 Little Patuxent Parkway, first floor, Columbia, MD
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
2026 AGENDA
Podium Remarks: Kristi Smith, President of the Maryland Region, Howard Hughes Communities
Jennifer Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Howard County Economic Development Authority
Data Centers: What’s Happening
The race to build digital infrastructure is reshaping economies, energy and business strategy. Data centers have become some of the most important — and least understood — components of the modern economy. This panel explores why data center growth matters to businesses, communities and Maryland’s economy, as well as what leaders should know about the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Kelly M. Schulz, CEO, Maryland Tech Council
Senator Katie Fry Hester, State of Maryland
Moderator: Jason Michael Perry, Founder and Chief AI Officer, PerryLabs
Building Maryland’s Innovation Future: A Conversation on Technology, Policy, Workforce Development and Economic Strategy
What will it take to make Maryland a premier destination for innovation? This discussion brings together leaders from government, industry and the broader innovation ecosystem to explore how technology, policy, workforce development and strategic partnerships can strengthen Maryland’s competitive edge, drive economic growth and position the state as a national leader in innovation.
Harry Coker, Secretary, Department of Commerce
Jason Silva, Chief Technology Officer, Maryland Secretary of Information and Technology
W. Mason Emnet, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, Constellation
Keith Michel, Capitol Artificial Intelligence Learning and Innovation Environment (CAILIE) Director, Capitol Technology University
Moderator: Mary Kane, President & Chief Executive Officer, Maryland Chamber of Commerce
AI, Risks and Liabilities: Beyond the Hype
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way organizations work, but successful adoption requires more than implementing new technology. This panel will explore the realities of AI adoption and what businesses need to know to use AI responsibly, securely and strategically. Industry leaders will discuss the challenges of separating hype from reality, including workforce readiness, employee use, risk and liability, bias and ethical considerations, data privacy, cybersecurity and governance. The conversation will focus on how organizations can move from experimentation to building secure, responsible and intelligent systems.
Monica Lopez, PhD, Privacy Officer, VHC Health and Co-Founder & CEO, Cognitive Insights for AI
Bezawit Sumner, CISO and sr. director of security & compliance, CRISP Shared Services
Moderator: Ari Hicks, Artificial Intelligence & Data Innovation Architect at Unissant
Life Sciences and Biotech: Maryland’s Innovation Engine
Maryland is home to one of the nation’s most dynamic life sciences and biotechnology ecosystems, driving breakthroughs in health care, research and economic growth. Learn how collaboration among industry, government and academia is fueling innovation and creating new opportunities for businesses across the region.
David L. George, DDS, MBA, MS, FAGD, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Chief Operating Officer, Faculty Dental Services
Leo Senai, Vice President, Innovation & Emerging Technology Center, Baltimore Development corporation
Bret Schreiber, Senior Vice President, Life Sciences and Technology, The Fulton Financial Corporation
Mary Morris, Director of Innovation Initiatives, University of Maryland, Baltimore
Moderator: Brad Stewart, National Leader - Life Sciences, BDO
EVENT PHOTOS
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
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Community Partners
Venue Information
Location: 10285 Lakefront
Address: 10285 Little Patuxent Parkway, First floor, Columbia, MD
Parking: There is complimentary parking under the building, as well as parking on the surface lot that is part of Whole Foods
About Merriweather District:
Merriweather District, the urban core of Columbia, is home to innovators and change makers. Designed to foster best-in-class spaces where people, businesses and technology thrive, Merriweather District offers an empowering environment for more. More forward thinking. More joy. More experiences. More Life. The more the Merriweather.
NOTICE OF FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY
By registering for the event, you are authorizing The Baltimore Banner (“TBB”) to use any photos, video and audio taken of you for TBB promotional purposes.
When you enter any TBB event or program, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, be they in person or virtual, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, web casts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by TBB and its representatives. Images, photos and/or videos may be used to promote similar TBB events in the future, highlight the event and exhibit the capabilities of TBB. You release TBB, its directors, officers, and employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication and use of interviews, photographs, computer images, video and/or or sound recordings. By entering the event premises, you waive all rights you may have to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any use, exhibition, streaming, web casting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such use, exhibiting, broadcasting, web casting, or other publication irrespective of whether a fee for admission, donation or sponsorship is charged. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by TBB or the person or entity designated to do so by TBB. You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before entering the event.