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NEW: OMA x AI Conference Keynote Speakers, Breakout Presenters Announced

Omaha Mayor John Ewing, Greater Omaha Chamber President & CEO Heath Mello, UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, and UNO Cybersecurity Professor Robin Gandhi, Ph.D., will kick off OMA x AI Oct. 7.

  • published: 2025/09/11
  • contact: Sam Peshek - Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
Graphic introducing speakers, from left to right, John W. Ewing Jr., Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, Heath Mello, Robin Gandhi, Ph.D.

Graphic: Mason Hatfield, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications

Get ready for a stacked lineup at the OMA x AI Conference on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at KANEKO in Downtown Omaha.

➡️ What’s new: These keynote speakers will kick off a day of immersive breakout sessions, networking, and interactive exhibits:

  • John W. Ewing, Jr.: Mayor of Omaha
  • Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA: University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Chancellor
  • Heath Mello: Greater Omaha Chamber President & CEO
  • Robin Gandhi, Ph.D.: UNO Distinguished Professor of Cybersecurity

🔎 Zoom in: New breakout presenters (with more to be announced) include:

  • Erin Saxby: FNBO Vice President of Technology Data Services
  • Edna Wong, CPA: KPMG Audit Transformation Group Senior Manager
  • Joel Elson: National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE) Director of Information Science & Technology Services.

✅ Register for OMA x AI:

  • Media interested in covering the event are required to RSVP. Credentialed journalists will have access to keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and interactive exhibits.
  • Community members interested in attending can register today – space is limited and filling quickly.

⚡️ What to expect at OMA x AI: Most AI events target tech industry specialists or are full of theory and jargon. OMA x AI offers something different, for everyone:

  • Understand AI: Whether you’re a scrappy entrepreneur or a titan of industry, you’ll get an inside look at what AI is (and isn’t), with language and real examples that are practical and approachable.
  • Apply AI: “Is this going to be another day of panels and lectures?” Nope! You’ll use the tools, test the strategies, and walk away with actionable ideas and tactics tailored to your skill level (and your ambition).
  • Accelerate AI: With breakout tracks and networking opportunities with your Omaha peers, you’ll leave with a roadmap and a community to help you move faster and smarter with AI.
  • Experience AI: Get your hands on the latest AI tech and connect with AI innovators at interactive exhibits throughout the event space.

🌎 About OMA x AI: Led by the University of Nebraska at Omaha, hosted in partnership with KANEKO, powered by the Greater Omaha Chamber, and supported by Mayor Ewing and the City of Omaha, OMA x AI is rooted in innovation and impact. This event reflects a shared community mission to drive workforce development and social mobility in Omaha through learning experiences that meet the moment.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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