AI Month Luncheon

• June 3, 2026

• Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

• Location: Bean Path Makerspace, 451 North Gallatin St.

Connect with tech professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and business stakeholders shaping the region’s growth. The AI Month Luncheon offers a focused space for meaningful conversation around how artificial intelligence is influencing industries, workforce development, and everyday operations.

The Bean Path will also unveil its 7-Year Impact Report, highlighting key milestones, community impact, and the organization’s path forward. 

Southern Spark AI Conference

• June 11-12

Take your AI Month experience to the next level at the Southern Spark Conference, the centerpiece of week two. This high-impact gathering brings together innovators, industry leaders, creatives, and changemakers from across the region to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of business, culture, and community.

Southern Spark delivers a powerful mix of keynote conversations, panel discussions, and real-world insights designed to move ideas into action. From emerging technologies to workforce development and entrepreneurship, the conference highlights what’s next—and what it means for Mississippi.

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*Note: This event requires separate registration. Click here to register.

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AI Afterhours

• June 11, 2026

• Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM

• Location: Bean Path Makerspace, 451 North Gallatin St.

Keep the energy going at AI Afterhours, the official social event of the Southern Spark Conference. This after-hours experience brings together innovators, creatives, and conference attendees for an evening of connection and conversation.

Unwind, network, and build relationships in a relaxed setting where ideas continue to spark beyond the stage. Whether you’re looking to collaborate, connect, or simply enjoy the vibe, AI Afterhours is where the community comes together.

OATS Scavenger Hunt

• June 17, 2026

• Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Ages: 55 & Up

• Location: Bean Path Makerspace, 451 North Gallatin St.

Designed to be engaging, interactive, and approachable, this event introduces older adults to artificial intelligence through a fun and guided AI Scavenger Hunt.

Participants will explore real-world AI tools, complete simple challenges, and learn how technology can support everyday tasks—from communication to accessing information. The experience is hands-on, supportive, and built for all skill levels, ensuring everyone can participate with confidence.

Primarily Pizza

• June 22, 2026

• Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Ages: 4-12 Only 

• Parent or guardian must be present for participants under 18.

• Location: Bean Path Makerspace, 451 North Gallatin St.

Primarily Pizza is a fun, high-energy experience for youth ages 4–12 to explore the basics of artificial intelligence in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand.

Students will enjoy pizza while participating in interactive conversations about how AI shows up in their everyday lives—from games to videos to the apps they use. The highlight of the evening is Technobeania, a hands-on math-based AI game that introduces problem-solving and critical thinking through play.

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Teens & Tacos

• June 23, 2026

• Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Ages: 12-18 Only

• Parent or guardian must be present for participants under 18.

• Location: Bean Path Makerspace, 451 North Gallatin St.

Created for teens 12-18 to explore AI in a way that’s real, relevant, and engaging, participants will dive into honest discussions about artificial intelligence—breaking down common myths, exploring the pros and cons, and understanding how AI is already shaping their world. 

The conversation is interactive, thought-provoking, and designed to meet students where they are. It’s more than just a discussion—it’s about building awareness, encouraging critical thinking, and helping young people in Jackson make sense of the technology shaping their future.

AI Digital Storytelling Camp

• June 24-26, 2026

• Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• Ages: 12-18 Only

• Parent or guardian must be present for participants under 18.

• Location: Bean Path Makerspace, 451 North Gallatin St.

A hands-on experience designed for teens ready to create, express, and innovate, the three day camp  invites participants to explore how artificial intelligence can be used as a powerful storytelling tool. Through guided activities, teens will learn how to use AI to generate ideas, enhance content, and bring their stories to life across digital platforms. Whether it’s video, visuals, or written narratives, participants will walk away with new skills and a deeper understanding of how creativity and technology intersect.