What happens when Palm Springs, known for its glamour and sunshine, takes a bold step toward becoming a hub for AI and innovation? At last week’s Tech Mixer, the answer began to take shape.

So yeah, I attended the Palm Springs Tech Mixer at the PS Air Museum, a night buzzing with conversations about the intersection of humans and machines. Guest author Eric Cunningham already shared his insightful takeaway (linked here) diving into the philosophical side of the evening. Well done Eric.

Me? I took a different approach. On my drive home, I spoke with my AI Agent, capturing my thoughts, observations, and big questions for the future.

What you’re gonna read is the result of that collaboration. First, a straightforward report of the event’s highlights. Then, my personal reflections and ideas on what comes next. Any errors in the data I am resting squarely on the shoulders of my Agentic AI assistant, Darth Revan.

Stealth Mode: Highlights from the PS Tech Mixer

• Who:
  The Palm Springs Tech Mixer brought together a diverse mix of leaders, educators, and innovators. Key participants included:

  • Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein: Sharing his vision for Palm Springs as a tech hub.

  • The Steering Committee: Featuring Peter Loforte (former Microsoft VP), Rich Weisman (DMA founder), Brian “Skip” Schipper (EVP at Yext), Kent Thoelke (CEO of Paradigm), Wendy Beerbower (SVP at Eisenhower Health), Ellen Goodman (Foundation Director at PSUSD), Wayne Olson (Chief Economic Development Officer), and Baratunde Thurston (Storyteller and tech advocate).

  • Educators and Students: Representing PSUSD and the College of the Desert, they showcased innovative AI projects and inspired attendees with their vision for the future.

• What:
  The event highlighted Palm Springs’ ambition to grow into an AI and technology hub, emphasizing its potential to integrate technology into education, renewable energy, and creative industries.

• Where:
  Set at the iconic Palm Springs Air Museum, the event symbolized a connection between the city’s storied past and its forward-looking ambitions.

• When:
  Tuesday, December 10, 2024—a pivotal moment in the city’s journey to redefine its economic and cultural landscape.

• Why:
  Palm Springs aims to diversify beyond tourism, using AI to enrich industries and foster local innovation. With professionals from companies like Microsoft and Oracle calling the valley home, the pieces are in place to create a resilient, homegrown tech ecosystem.

• How:
  The evening featured:

  • Presentations: Visionary talks by Mayor Bernstein and Steering Committee members.

  • Demonstrations: Students showcased AI-powered projects, including a generative AI short film led by Minh Do.

  • Networking: Discussions between tech professionals and local leaders about collaboration opportunities.

My Notes and Observations

Cleared for Takeoff
Walking into the Palm Springs Air Museum, I was struck by the palpable mix of curiosity and ambition. The venue set the stage perfectly for conversations about innovation. Educators, students, business leaders, and tech enthusiasts—all were eager to explore what’s next for AI in the Coachella Valley.

Throughout the evening, I noticed a consistent theme: excitement for AI’s potential paired with caution about its ethical and financial implications. Business leaders talked about the promise of efficiency and growth, while educators stressed the need for critical thinking and thoughtful integration in schools.

Engines Ignited: Minh Do’s Generative AI Breakthroughs
A highlight for me was chatting with Minh Do, who mentored students in creating AI-driven short films. Seeing these young creators produce high-quality projects in hours with generative tools was eye-opening. It reinforced the idea that, with the right support, AI can unlock extraordinary creativity. Minh’s promise to return for a deeper workshop only adds to the excitement.

Fueling the Next Generation: Education Takes Flight
Educators I spoke with emphasized the urgency of integrating AI literacy into curriculums. They also pointed out significant hurdles, like funding and teacher training, which are essential to empowering both educators and students. Addressing these challenges will be critical for the valley’s tech future.

Conversations also revealed something striking: many tech professionals were unaware of the depth of talent already in the Coachella Valley. There’s a real opportunity to formalize a network, or even create a physical hub, to connect this community and unlock its potential.

Charting a Flight Path: IRL Events and a Flagship Future
One thing became clear to me at the mixer: Palm Springs needs more regular, in-person events to bring the community together. Imagine weekly meetups, monthly workshops, and panels featuring experts across industries. These events could foster collaboration and provide a space for sharing ideas and learning.

Beyond that, I’d love to see the Coachella Valley host a flagship AI event—a major conference or showcase that puts us on the map as a hub for innovation. Something that draws not only locals but also national and international attention, signaling that this region is serious about its tech future.

Open the Hangar Doors: Inviting New Voices to the Table
One untapped resource we can’t ignore is the wealth of talent and expertise living behind the country club walls. These are individuals with the knowledge, networks, and resources to make a real difference in the valley. Inviting them into the conversation—through events, forums, and showcases—could unlock incredible potential. Of course, creating spaces that feel inviting and worthwhile for them to engage will be key.

Flight Crew for All: Making AI Inclusive and Accessible
As we build this tech ecosystem, accessibility has to remain front and center. It’s not just about students and young professionals—though their involvement is critical. I’d love to see programs that include our aging population, offering training and tools to engage with AI in ways that enhance their lives. A truly impactful initiative would create opportunities for all demographics, making AI a force for community-wide benefit.

The Control Tower: A Vision for an AI Hub in the Desert
For me, everything comes back to the vision of an AI Hub. A physical space in the Coachella Valley where education, collaboration, and innovation intersect. A hub like this could serve as a training ground, a creative lab, and a networking hotspot—all rolled into one. Whether it’s in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indio, or elsewhere in the valley, the first group to establish such a space will not only capture attention but also lay the foundation for lasting impact.

My Key Takeaways

The mixer reinforced two truths for me: the potential for growth is enormous, and the work to get there is just beginning. Local businesses are eager to integrate AI tools into their operations but need practical guidance and accessible resources to make it happen. Educators, meanwhile, are focused on preparing students with the skills to thrive in a tech-driven world. They see opportunities for deeper partnerships with local tech professionals to ensure programs align with real-world needs—but challenges like funding and teacher training remain significant hurdles.

One surprising insight came from conversations with attendees in the tech space who didn’t realize just how much talent exists right here in the Coachella Valley. There’s a clear appetite for more collaboration, and the idea of building a formal network or even a physical hub to connect these innovators feels more urgent than ever.

The Steering Committee is shaping its action plan, and while the direction feels promising, I left the event with one overriding thought: Palm Springs has the ingredients to lead in tech and innovation, but it’s going to take real investment, sustained effort, and an inclusive approach to make it happen.

A Personal Wishlist for 2025

As I look to the future, my vision for the Coachella Valley as a thriving tech and innovation hub revolves around three interconnected steps:

1. A Vibrant Virtual Community:
   I’d like to see a purpose-built digital platform where ideas, resources, and connections can flourish—without the noise of Slack or Facebook groups. This would be a virtual town square, open to anyone passionate about shaping the future of innovation in our region. It’s not just about communication; it’s about building a culture of collaboration that spans industries and interests.

2. A Calendar of IRL Events:
   Regular in-person events—weekly meetups, monthly workshops, and panels with domain experts—are essential for keeping the momentum alive. These gatherings can provide a place to connect, learn, and spark new ideas. Imagine a flagship event, like an AI summit, that positions the Coachella Valley as a leader in innovation and attracts national attention.

3. A Physical Space Somewhere in the Desert:
   Ultimately, I’d love to see a dedicated hub that serves as the beating heart of this movement. Whether it’s in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indio, or elsewhere, this space would be a home for experimentation, learning, and collaboration. Whoever takes the lead in creating such a space will not only capture the hearts and minds of the community but also establish the region as a true player in the tech world.

Each of these steps builds on the others. A virtual community lays the foundation for connections, IRL events deepen those relationships, and the physical hub anchors everything in a tangible space. This is my roadmap for 2025—a vision to turn the Coachella Valley into a vibrant, homegrown AI ecosystem.

Now, I’d love to hear from you:

• How do you see AI shaping the future of our region?

• What kind of community spaces or events would you like to see?

• What role do you think you or your organization could play in building this AI vision?

Whether you’re an educator, business leader, or simply curious about what’s next, your voice matters. CTA: Share this newsletter with a few of your colleagues. RSVP to our next IRL event. Listen to our podcasts, And definitely buy our Merch!