Where Innovation Meets Action in Maryland
Innovation doesn't happen in isolation. It happens when bold ideas meet the right people.
BannerX is Maryland's premier gathering of business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, technologists, and innovators shaping what's next. This year's event explores how artificial intelligence, applied life sciences, and biotechnology are transforming industries, accelerating growth, and redefining the future of business.
Expect thought-provoking conversations, candid discussions, and practical insights from the people building tomorrow's economy today. From emerging technologies and evolving regulations to investment trends and real-world business strategies, every session is designed to help you stay informed, make smarter decisions, and uncover new opportunities.
But BannerX is more than a conference it's where meaningful connections happen. Whether you're leading a company, launching a startup, investing in innovation, shaping public policy, advancing research, or simply curious about what's next, you'll meet the people driving change across Maryland and beyond.
Come to discover new ideas. Leave with new perspectives, valuable relationships, and the inspiration to take your next bold step.
2026 TOPICS
Data Centers: What’s happening and Why They Matter to Business.
The race to build digital infrastructure is reshaping economies, energy, and business strategy. Discover why data centers have become one of the most important and least understood. This panel explores why data center growth matters to businesses, communities, and Maryland's economy and what leaders should know about the opportunities and challenges ahead.
AI, Risks, and Liabilities: Beyond the Hype. Exploring the real-world hype verse reality, risks, and liabilities of AI and how organizations can move from experimentation to building secure, responsible, and intelligent systems
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way organizations work, but successful adoption requires more than implementing new technology. This panel will explore what businesses need to know to use AI responsibly, securely, and strategically. Industry leaders will discuss the realities of AI adoption separating hype from reality, including workforce readiness, employee use, risk, liabilities, bias and ethical considerations, data privacy, cybersecurity, and governance.
Life Sciences & Biotech: Maryland’s Innovation Engine
Maryland is home to one of the nation's most dynamic life sciences and biotech ecosystems, driving breakthroughs in healthcare, research, and economic growth. Learn how collaboration between industry, government, and academia is fueling innovation and creating new opportunities for businesses across the region.
Building Maryland’s Innovation Future. A conversation on the intersection of technology, policy, workforce development, and economic strategy
What will it take to make Maryland the 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.
Full agenda and speakers to be announced
EVENT DETAILS
Date: September 30, 2026
Location: 10285 Lakefront
Address: 10285 Little Patuxent Parkway, First floor, Columbia, MD
Time: 08:30am - 11:30am
Doors open at 8:30am, program will start promptly at 9:00 a.m.
Parking: First and second floor parking decks of 10285 Little Patuxent Parkway. If both decks are full, please park on the surface lot on the north side of the building.
Tickets are $45.00 per person and include access to the panel conversations,
networking and breakfast.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Community Partners
2025 EVENT PHOTOS
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.