The AI Forum in Oshkosh is rescheduled to April 22.

Multiple Dates and Locations | March & April 2026

Understanding AI: A Forum for Local & Tribal Governments

Join Extension and UW-Madison experts at one of four locations throughout the state to gain a clear understanding of how local and tribal governments can use AI.

Through hands-on sessions and discussions tailored to address the unique needs of local and tribal governments, participants will gain critical tools and strategies.

About

Designed for government leaders and employees to gain practical uses of generative AI in their work, the Understanding AI Forum will equip participants with actionable skills.

Participants will:

Learn what generative AI is

Understand how to use AI responsibly

Discover common pitfalls to avoid

Gain hands-on experience

Cost

Understanding AI: A Forum for Local Government costs $50 and includes lunch and refreshments.

Partners

Dates & Locations

Select one of four convenient locations throughout the state of Wisconsin

Wisconsin Dells

Thursday, March 5, 2026
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Kalahari Resort

Eau Claire

Wednesday, March 18, 2026
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The Lismore Hotel

Oshkosh

New Date

Wednesday, April 22, 2026
8:30 a.m – 3:30 p.m.
Marriott Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center

Register Now Registration closes April 10

Hotel Block Closes April 8

Lac du Flambeau

Thursday, March 26, 2026
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Lake of the Torches Resort

Registration closed

Contact Lake of the Torches Resort at 1-888-599-9200 by 3/11/2026 for room block rate using group name “Extension AI Workshop.”

Networking & Opening Remarks

Featuring Provost John Zumbrunnen or Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau

For over 120 years, UW-Madison has embodied the Wisconsin Idea, and addressing technological leaps like AI is no different.

UW is at the forefront of innovation for public good and is leading the way on cutting-edge research and transformative real-world impacts.

Hear more about AI’s role in the future, the RISE initiative at UW-Madison, and applied AI in fields ranging from computer science and statistics to agriculture and health.

Staff Portrait of Interim Provost John Zumbrunnen — John Zumbrunnen

Staff portrait of Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau — Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau

Agenda & Tracks

View the Agenda

Printable Agenda

Morning Sessions

Each participant will choose between AI 101 and AI 201

AI 101

What is AI

How AI is used by Wisconsin local units of government

Risks of using AI, including privacy, security, copyright, bias, etc.

Organizational risk/mitigating AI risks

Introductory AI training exercises, focusing on creating more effective prompts

AI 201

Summarizing primary AI risks and mitigation strategies

How to spot AI hallucinations

How to recognize deepfake videos

Series of exercises tailored to the local government

Learn about AI for research, writing agendas, publishing open meeting notices, writing ordinances, and evaluating regulatory applications

Afternoon Sessions

Each participant will choose between the following sessions:

AI Impacts to Local Governments

Delivery of Services: Learn how local governments can use and are currently using AI

Impact of employee use

Data
Centers

What is a data center? How does it work?

What factors should local governments consider? (e.g. economic development, land use, policy, environment)

AI Forum Resources

AI Account Set Up

Workshop Preview Slides (PowerPoint)

AI holds immense potential to enhance efficiencies and reduce costs in local government operations. Extension’s AI training sessions enabled Bayfield County employees to gain a better understanding of the technology and its practical applications for local government operations.
Mark Abeles-Allison, Bayfield County Administrator