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Ground Truth: AI for Business Summit 2026!

AI for real business impact

Hosted by the AI Hub for Business

at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

April 16-17, 2026

Why Attend?

AI is moving faster than most organizations can keep up with. This summit is designed for leaders who want to move beyond experimentation and deploy AI for real business value. Over two days, participants will learn practical, evidence-based approaches from executives who have implemented AI at scale and researchers focused on what actually works. Attendees leave with clearer guidance on where AI delivers impact, where it does not, and how to move forward with confidence. They'll also connect with peers leading AI initiatives at companies like their own.

The event also marks the official launch of the UW AI Hub for Business, offering early access to a new ecosystem of industry partners, applied research, and business talent.

Registration

Registration includes:

Access to all sessions
Refreshment breaks and lunch
Thursday evening attendee reception

Available registration types:

Industry
UW Alumni
UWEBC Members
Students and Faculty

Meeting Agenda

April 16th: 8:30a.m. to 6:30p.m.

April 17th: 8:30a.m. to noon

The full AI Summit 2026 meeting agenda is coming soon!

Conference Venue

Memorial Union

The conference will be held at the Memorial Union on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. As one of the most beloved and historic destinations on campus, Memorial Union is the place to come socialize, relax, study, eat and enjoy all the beautiful sunsets and lake views that Madison has to offer. Situated on the shores of Lake Mendota, the classic architecture of the building boasts a picturesque lakeside view as well as a terrace with 600 colorful sunburst chairs.

Lodging

Double Tree

The DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown is just a 10-minute walk from the Union or a 4-minute drive via the hotel’s courtesy shuttle service. Popular for its free local and airport transportation, the hotel also offers a full-service restaurant, Starbucks® Café, and newly renovated guest rooms featuring a microwave, refrigerator, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Many of Madison’s iconic restaurants and bars as well as popular destinations like State Street, the University of Wisconsin campus, and State Capitol are just steps away. For guests driving in, self-parking is available onsite for $20 per night.

Room Rate: $179/night plus taxes

To make a reservation, call the hotel at

(608) 251-5511 and mention the AI Summit 2026 or book online here. Reservations must be made by March 25, 2026, to receive the discounted rate.

Graduate by Hilton

The Graduate Madison is located just steps from Madison's iconic State Street district's dining and shopping, and a stone's throw from the Memorial Union. The Graduate offers unique amenities near the heart of UW-Madison's campus. Enjoy Camp Trippalindee, a summer camp themed rooftop bar with breathtaking views of the State Capitol and picturesque Lake Mendota, a café serving coffee and all-day breakfast in the lobby, and 24-hour onsite gym. Enjoy a room design inspired by the lakeshore and college lifestyle complete with cozy beds, workstations, an HD TV, docking stations, and a lounge chair. Valet parking is available.

Room Rate: $209/night plus taxes

To make a reservation, call the hotel at

(608) 257-4391 and mention the AI Summit 2026 or book online here. Reservations must be made by March 25, 2026, to receive the discounted rate.

Hampton Inn & Suites

The Hampton Inn & Suites sits blocks from the heart of downtown Madison, located within walking distance of the Memorial Union and many great local restaurants, shops and other attractions. Rooms include a 42-inch LCD TV, microwave, a mini-refrigerator, and many additional comfort amenities. Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and on-site business center to keep you connected. Take a swim no matter the season in the indoor pool and stay in shape in the fitness center. Free hot breakfast is available, or try Basset Street Brunch Club, a local favorite attached to the hotel.

Room Rate: $179/night plus taxes

To make a reservation, call the hotel at

(608) 255-0360 and mention the AI Summit 2026 or book online here. Reservations must be made by March 16, 2026, to receive the discounted rate.

Things to do

Bassett Street Brunch Club

Casual Brunch

444 W Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 467-5051

Mon–Thu: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Fri–Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Sun: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

View Site

Outdoor UW

800 Langdon Street (Memorial Union, Lower Level), Madison, WI 53706

(608) 262-1630

Office Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – Sunset

Rentals Daily 12:00 PM – Sunset

Rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes or enjoy guided outdoor events (weather permitting).

View Site

Wisconsin State Capitol

Free, Hourly Tours (No reservation required)

2 East Main Street, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 266-0382

Open Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Weekends and Holidays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Explore one of the most beautiful and historic state capitol buildings, with a 5th-floor observation deck offering stunning views.

View Site

The Old Fashioned

German-style Wisconsin Classics

23 N Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 310-4545

Mon–Thu: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Fri: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Sat: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

View Site

Restaurants

Dotty’s Dumplings Dowry

Burgers/American

317 N Frances St, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 259-0000

Mon: Closed, Tue–Thu: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sun: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Graze

Fine Dining

1 S Pinckney St (at Main St), Madison, WI 53703

(608) 251-2700

Mon–Sat: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sun: Closed

Heritage Tavern

Farm-to-table, Fine Dining

131 E Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 509-7468

Mon–Sat: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Sun: Closed

Ian’s Pizza – 100 State Street

By-the-slice Pizza, Farm-fresh Salads

100 State St, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 257-9248

Sun–Tue: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Wed–Thu: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM, Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM – 2:30 AM

Ian’s Pizza – 319 N Frances Street

By-the-slice Pizza, Farm-fresh Salads

319 N Frances St, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 257-9248

Open Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 AM

I/O Arcade Bar

924 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703

Mon: Closed, Tue–Thu: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Fri: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Sat: 11:00 AM – 2:30 AM, Sun: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Jalisco Cocina Mexicana

Homestyle Mexican, Margaritas

108 King St, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 285-5471

Mon–Thurs: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM, Sat: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sun: Closed

Johnny Delmonico’s Steakhouse

Steakhouse

130 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 256-4999

Mon–Sat: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Sun: Closed

Lucille

Pizza, Small Plates, Craft Cocktails

125 N King St, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 283-4770

Mon–Sat: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Sun: Closed

Marigold Kitchen

Breakfast/Brunch

118 S Pinckney St (btwn King & Doty St.), Madison, WI 53703

(608) 255- 8205

Mon–Fri: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Sat–Sun: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Paul’s Pelmeni

Casual Russian Dumplings

414 W Gilman St, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 467-3234

Mon–Wed: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM, Thu: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM, Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM – 2:30 AM, Sun: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Parthenon Greek American Restaurant

Award-winning, Locally-made Gyros

316 State St, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 251-6311

Open Daily: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

The Post

Casual Brunch/Lunch, Happy Hour

24 S Carroll St, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 256-4884

Mon–Thu: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Fri–Sat: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Sun: Closed

The Great Dane

Microbrewery, American and German

123 E Doty Street, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 284-0000

Sun: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Mon–Thu: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM

Coffee Shops

Ancora Coffee

216 State St, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 255-5450

Mon–Fri: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sun: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Colectivo on State Street

100 State St, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 204-5100

Mon–Fri: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sat–Sun: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Indie Coffee

1225 Regent St., Madison, WI 53703

(608) 259-9621

Open Daily: 7:00 AM -4:00 PM

Valentia Coffee

10 S Pickney St, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 709-8382

Mon–Fri: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sun: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Wonderstate Coffee

27 West Main, Madison, WI 53703

(608) 282-9478

Open Daily: 7:00 AM -4:00 PM

Traveling to Madison

We recommend flying into the Madison Dane County Airport (MSN). It is not necessary to rent a car while at the conference, everything is within a few blocks and it is very easy to walk around town.

By Plane

Madison: Dane County Regional Airport is located 4 miles northeast of downtown Madison. Most major airlines fly into Madison. You can continue to the meeting site via taxi, Uber or Lyft and fares generally run between $12-$20. Please visit www.msnairport.com for more information.

Milwaukee: General Mitchell International Airport (www.mitchellairport.com) is located in Milwaukee, WI, approximately 75 miles east of Madison. You may continue to Madison via car or bus.

Chicago: Chicago, IL is located 150 miles southeast of Madison and has two international airports: Midway and O'Hare International Airport. Both airports can be found by visiting www.ohare.com - passengers can continue to Madison via car or bus.

By Bus

Milwaukee: The Badger Bus Coach line runs 6 trips daily from Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport directly to the meeting site for around $23 one way. Travel time is approximately 2 hours. Please call (608) 276-7490 for more information or visit www.badgerbus.com.

Chicago: The Van Galder Bus Company runs several times daily from both O'Hare and Midway Airports, directly to the Madison meeting site. The one way fare is currently $30-$32 and travel time is approximately 3.5 hours. Please call (800) 747-0994 for more information or visit www.vangalderbus.com.

Uber & Lyft

Uber and Lyft are both available in Madison and will provide rides to and from the Dane County Regional Airport. To utilize, download either the Uber or Lyft app on your smartphone.

Parking

Parking in Madison is very limited. If you plan to bring a car to the meeting, we suggest parking it at the hotel.