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Defining the Future conference

From left, event emcee Ralph Figueroa, conference co-organizer Tim Akers, keynote speaker Valerie Capers Workman, conference co-organizer Ryan Keating.
April 27, 2026

Cal State San Bernardino is featured in a national Fortune article highlighting keynote speaker Valerie Capers Workman, Esq., whose remarks at the university’s Defining the Future Conference were shared on LinkedIn and later amplified to a national audience. The coverage places CSUSB at the center of a broader conversation on the value of higher education and the future of work in the age of AI.

David Harding, CEO of Entrokey Labs, gave the opening keynote address on April 15. In his address, he spoke about the progression of artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
April 21, 2026

The inaugural Defining the Future Conference brought together leaders from industry, government and higher education to examine how emerging technologies are transforming the workforce and expanding opportunity for students. At the same time, CSUSB students showcased their own research, engaged with new technologies, and connected directly with industry professionals.

An image of a business conference in progress.
April 8, 2026

CSUSB’s Defining the Future Conference brings emerging technology, workforce leaders and student innovation together in one place, offering the CSUSB community a firsthand look at what’s ahead. With employers on campus and the April 15-16 Meeting of the Minds Student Research Symposium happening alongside the conference, it’s a unique opportunity to connect ideas, talent and real-world possibilities.

The annual Research Week, set for April 8-16, will showcase the talent, knowledge and achievements of CSUSB students, faculty and alumni.
April 1, 2026

The weeklong series of events highlights the research and scholarly achievements of CSUSB faculty, students and alumni across all disciplines.

David Harding
April 13, 2026

Harding, who will be the opening keynote speaker at the April 15-16 conference, has more than 30 years of experience in cybersecurity, digital identity and emerging technologies. He currently serves as chairman and CEO of Entrokey Labs, a company developing advanced encryption technologies designed to protect digital systems from emerging threats posed by artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

This year, CSUSB’s annual Meeting of the Minds student research symposium will take place alongside the Defining the Future Conference on April 15-16.
March 18, 2026

The inaugural Defining the Future conference on April 15-16 will connect students with career opportunities in emerging technology fields. Taking place alongside the annual Meeting of the Minds student research symposium, it will bring together students, researchers and industry leaders to explore how innovation at CSUSB can translate into real-world workforce pathways.

Robert Grey
April 14, 2026

After building a global career at the intersection of innovation and sustainability, Robert Grey returns to where his journey began. This week, he returns to his alma mater and joins other respected leaders in a variety of fields, including sustainability, technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and more, at the Defining the Future Conference, offering a glimpse into what lies ahead.

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences building with a Faculty in the News graphic
March 9, 2026

Ryan Keating (history), Kathryn Ervin (theatre arts, emerita), Stuart Sumida (biology), and Brian Levin (criminal justice, emeritus) were mentioned in recent news coverage.

Photo of an audience at a conference, facing a stage.
January 8, 2026

Registration is open for Defining the Future, the nation’s first conference dedicated to accelerated workforce development in emerging technologies, set for April 15-16 at Cal State San Bernardino. The conference is open to students, professionals, researchers, innovators and anyone interested in technology, business innovation, sustainability and future trends shaping industries and society.