The AI Show @ ASU+GSV 2026
San Diego Convention Center, 111 Harbor Drive, San Diego Convention Center, meeting halls and expo floors, San Diego, 92101, California, United States (view on Google Maps)
THE AI SHOW @ ASU+GSV is billed as the world’s largest festival dedicated to artificial intelligence in education and workforce development. Scheduled for 11–13 April 2026 at the San Diego Convention Center, the three‑day programme invites educators, students, technologists, founders, policymakers and philanthropists to explore how AI can transform teaching and learning.
The show is organised by the ASU+GSV Summit, a collaboration between Arizona State University and Global Silicon Valley, and complements the broader ASU+GSV Summit (Apr 12–15). With free tickets for schools and non‑profits and modest fees for corporate attendees, the event aims to democratize access to AI insights.
The agenda spans dozens of stages and formats: hands‑on workshops where teachers learn to use generative AI tools for lesson planning and assessment; interactive demonstrations of adaptive learning platforms, virtual tutors and data analytics dashboards; inspiring keynotes from AI pioneers and education leaders; and panel discussions on ethics, equity, safety, data privacy and the policy landscape. Special tracks focus on early childhood and PreK–12 education, higher education, workforce reskilling, and lifelong learning, enabling participants to earn continuing‑education credits while building practical skills.
Exhibitors showcase hundreds of AI‑powered products and services, from intelligent tutoring systems to immersive simulation environments, and a Women in AI pavilion highlights innovations by women founders. Networking lounges, innovation showcases, start‑up pitches and the "AI Innovators" awards create opportunities for collaboration and investment.
The show also features a Bookstore and CareerX hub for professional development. By convening more than 15,000 registrants and 690+ speakers in 2025, THE AI SHOW has become a bellwether for the future of edtech, signalling the rapid integration of AI across curricula, administration and workforce training.
Attendees leave with a renewed sense of possibility and actionable strategies for implementing AI responsibly in their institutions.
Attendance type: Hybrid
How was the weather in San Diego around April?
2023
Min: 13°C
Max: 19°C
2024
Min: 14°C
Max: 20°C
2025
Min: 14°C
Max: 21°C
City Vibes
San Diego, United States
The vibe in San Diego is effortlessly cool, marked by an approachable friendliness that makes visitors feel at home immediately. Surfboards line the beaches, and the scent of saltwater mingles with the aroma of sizzling tacos from seaside food trucks. Balboa Park, with its sprawling gardens, museums, and the iconic San Diego Zoo, radiates a sense of cultural richness and outdoor enthusiasm. It’s the perfect spot for picnics, street performers, or simply soaking up the California sunshine.
San Diego’s neighborhoods each have their own distinct personality. The trendy Gaslamp Quarter buzzes with nightlife, craft breweries, and boutique shops, offering a lively urban pulse after sunset. La Jolla presents an upscale, artistic vibe, with stunning cliffs overlooking the Pacific and galleries that showcase local talent. Meanwhile, Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach capture the quintessential surfer spirit, where the community’s youthful energy is palpable from dawn to dusk.
The city’s atmosphere is also marked by its commitment to outdoor living and environmental sustainability. Whether you’re kayaking in La Jolla Cove, hiking the trails of Torrey Pines, or enjoying a sunset at Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego invites you to embrace its natural beauty at every turn. With its warm climate, friendly locals, and diverse attractions, San Diego offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure—truly a city that feels like a perpetual vacation.
District Vibes
Gaslamp Quarter / Downtown, San Diego, United States
The vibe in the Gaslamp Quarter is undeniably lively, yet it retains a welcoming, walkable charm. During the day, you might enjoy wandering among the colorful facades of restored 19th-century buildings, taking in street performers and outdoor cafes. As evening falls, the district transforms into a hub of excitement, with rooftop bars offering panoramic views of the San Diego skyline and lively clubs pulsating with music. It's a place where locals and visitors mingle seamlessly, sharing in the shared joy of good food, craft cocktails, and great company.
Some must-views include the sweeping vistas from Altitude Sky Lounge, which offers a breathtaking panorama of downtown San Diego and the bay, perfect for catching sunset views. The historic Horton Plaza, with its striking architecture, is a great spot for shopping and people-watching. And don’t miss the lively atmosphere of Petco Park nearby, where baseball fans gather for games and pre-game festivities.
Whether you're here for a weekend escape or a night out, the Gaslamp Quarter’s infectious energy and diverse scene make it one of San Diego’s most captivating districts. It’s a place where history meets modernity in the most fun and flavorful way—an essential stop on any San Diego itinerary.
Looking for bars around the event?
We did our homework and found some great options for you.
Half Door Brewing Co.
Price range: $
A craft‑beer townhouse with house ales, friendly staff, and a porch made for decompression. It’s the $ option that still feels like a discovery.
903 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA (Approx. 0.8 km away from the event)
The Nolen
Price range: $$
Modern rooftop with skyline lines, well‑made classics, and a mellow soundtrack. A short stroll and an easy recommendation for mixed groups.
453 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA (Approx. 0.7 km away from the event)
ALTITUDE Sky Lounge
Price range: $$$
A rooftop with stadium views, bay breezes, and cocktails that lean citrus. Flashy in photos, surprisingly comfortable in practice—great for small wins and big sunsets.
660 K St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA (Approx. 0.6 km away from the event)
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sanmc-san-diego-marriott-gaslamp-quarter/dining/
Or maybe a place to stay?
Looking for a place to stay? We found some great options for you.
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Price range: $$$
Twin‑tower resort attached to the marina with pools, views, and meeting nooks that make ad‑hoc debriefs easy. The definition of convenient for conference days.
333 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA (Approx. 0.2 km away from the event)
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sandt-marriott-marquis-san-diego-marina/overview/
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Price range: $$
Music‑forward boutique energy at the edge of Gaslamp—lively public spaces, comfortable rooms, and rates that can dip into mid‑range midweek.
207 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA (Approx. 0.4 km away from the event)
HI San Diego Downtown
Price range: $
Clean, social, and wallet‑kind hostel—private rooms available—ten minutes’ walk from the convention stairs. A pragmatic $ option for longer stays.
521 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA (Approx. 0.9 km away from the event)
https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/san-diego/san-diego-downtown
If you're looking for a place to eat
We found some great options but you'll probably want to book in advance.
Lolita’s at the Park
Price range: $
Counter‑service Mexican that nails the greatest hits—carne asada fries, tacos, and burritos built for $‑friendly speed. Lines move quickly even on game days.
202 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA (Approx. 0.7 km away from the event)
Puesto at the Headquarters
Price range: $$
Polished tacos and ceviches with a serious agave list, set in a handsome courtyard. Service is quick enough for conference timing, festive enough for team dinners.
789 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA (Approx. 0.4 km away from the event)
Lou & Mickey’s
Price range: $$$
Old‑school steak and seafood opposite the convention steps—white‑tablecloth reliable, with martinis that steady a long day. Ideal for VIP or client dinners.
224 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA (Approx. 0.2 km away from the event)
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