Bennett College will host a major AI Music & Creators Conference in 2026, bringing together artists, technologists, educators, and industry leaders to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping creative work across music, fashion, media, and innovation. The conference features Suno, a generative AI music creation platform and digital audio workstation, as a key partner, alongside live demonstrations, panel discussions, performances, and cross-disciplinary conversations designed for both beginners and experienced professionals .

What Makes This Conference Different From Other AI Events?

Unlike typical tech conferences, Bennett College's event explicitly bridges entertainment, education, and community service by featuring Emmy Award-winning television hosts, award-winning actors, producers, and entertainment attorneys. The conference moves beyond theoretical discussions of AI to examine real-world applications in music production, creative ownership, and legal implications. Participants will engage with industry professionals from companies like Micron Technology, Index Exchange, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Cisco, creating networking opportunities that connect emerging creators with established innovators .

The conference programming spans foundational AI concepts through practical applications, with sessions exploring how AI is reshaping music production, ownership, and creative control. A special academic programming announcement will also be revealed during the opening session, suggesting the conference may introduce new educational initiatives at Bennett College related to AI and creative industries .

How to Prepare for the AI Music & Creators Conference

• Registration Timing: General admission is free until April 10, 2026, then costs $25 after that date. Students receive free general admission regardless of registration date.
• VIP Experience Option: Upgrade to VIP access for $75 until April 10, 2026 (increases to $95 after), which includes a private reception, priority seating at the conference luncheon, and enhanced networking with speakers and industry professionals.
• Music Showcase Submission: Submit original or AI-assisted tracks for live review by industry judges for $45 per track, with a maximum of two tracks at three minutes or less each. Participants receive feedback, recognition, and potential promotional opportunities.

The conference runs for 2.5 days at Bennett College's Global Learning Center, with check-in beginning at 9:00 a.m. The schedule includes live AI tool demonstrations, interactive sessions, a music showcase featuring emerging artists, a virtual celebrity panel, and an AI, Tech, and Faith Experience designed to engage participants at every level .

Who Are the Industry Experts Speaking at the Conference?

The speaker lineup reflects deep expertise across entertainment, technology, law, and creative entrepreneurship. Kevan Hall, former designer for Halston, and TJ Walker, co-founder of Cross Colours, lead conversations on fashion, culture, sustainability, and technology as co-founders of the Black Design Collective. Jeannie Jones-Ledford, President and CEO of J3 Consulting LLC, shares her journey building a company rooted in innovation, integrity, and execution .

Virtual appearances include Sheryl Underwood, an Emmy Award-winning television host and stand-up comedian with over three decades spanning entertainment, education, and community service; Kevin Frazier, host of Entertainment Tonight and founder of HipHollywood.com; Loni Love, television host and former electrical engineer; Vanessa Estelle Williams, award-winning actress and producer; and Alimi Ballard, award-winning actor and producer known for roles in "Law & Order," "Queen of the South," and "Queen Sugar" .

Music industry expertise comes from Dr. William "Worm" Blount, producer and co-founder of Blackstreet, and Omari Clarke, a multi-platinum-certified record producer and engineer who is a Suno VIP Member. Lafouji Alexander, a Suno VIP Beta Tester, will discuss emerging AI music tools. Entertainment attorney Yemi Adegbonmire, Vice President of Legal and Associate General Counsel at Cineverse, will address the legal side of art and creativity .

"This session is an engaging, practical session designed for students, alumnae, academics, professionals, and innovators who want to understand AI technology and its practical applications. Through real-world examples and live demonstrations, you will learn how AI can enhance productivity, creativity, and decision-making across industries and experiences," explained Gwendolyn M. Bookman, Associate Professor of Political Science at Bennett College.

Gwendolyn M. Bookman, Associate Professor, Political Science at Bennett College

What Topics Will the Conference Cover?

The conference addresses critical questions facing creators in the AI era. Sessions include "Real Talk on AI: It's Not Replacing You, But Someone Who Knows It Might," featuring Malcolm Jackson, Principal Specialist of Global Talent Acquisition Operations at Micron Technology, and Montecia Roulhac, AI and Emerging Technology Talent Leader at Index Exchange. This candid conversation unpacks the real-world impact of AI on careers and industries, moving beyond fear-based narratives to practical career strategy .

Additional programming explores how not to be replaced by AI, the importance of culturally relevant large language models trained with diverse histories and inclusive voices, and how to integrate AI into creative workflows while navigating entrepreneurship and growth. Latimer AI, a large language model trained with diverse histories and inclusive voices, will be featured in demonstrations, emphasizing the importance of AI systems built with cultural awareness and representation .

The conference also includes sessions on creative ownership, digital music rights, and the intersection of AI with video production and digital storytelling. Rickey Thomas Jr., a storyteller and creative producer, will share insights into production and storytelling in the AI era. Linda Jones, a celebrity publicist, will moderate conversations with special celebrity guests on creativity and AI's impact on the entertainment industry .

Why Should Creators Care About This Conference Right Now?

The timing is critical. As AI music generation tools like Suno become more accessible, creators face unprecedented questions about ownership, compensation, and how to position themselves in an evolving industry. The conference brings together voices from multiple disciplines, ensuring that conversations about AI in music include not just technologists but also fashion designers, entertainment executives, attorneys, and established musicians who understand both the creative and business implications .

The inclusion of Suno as a conference partner signals that the event will provide hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI music tools, allowing participants to understand both the capabilities and limitations of current technology. By featuring both established industry figures and emerging creators, the conference creates a space where questions about creative control, fair compensation, and cultural representation can be addressed by people with real stakes in the outcome .