FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — The MetroWest Economic Research Center (MERC) at Framingham State University will host its 33rd Annual Conference, “AI and the Future Economic Prosperity of Greater MetroWest: Disruption and Opportunity,” on Thursday, May 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Forum at the McCarthy Center on the Framingham State's campus.

The conference will bring together leaders from government, higher education, technology, and economic development to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the regional economy and workforce.

The keynote address will be delivered by Jason Snyder, Secretary and Commonwealth Chief Information Officer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Synder has more than 30 years of information technology experience in government, higher education, and the private sector. He has worked at Harvard for almost ten years, as a Program Director for Identity & Access Management, as Managing Director of Architecture and Engineering, and as Chief Technology Officer since 2015. He served as Chief Technology Officer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the duration of Governor Patrick’s tenure.

The event will also feature pre-recorded remarks from U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey.

Panelists include:

• Max Fathy, Senior Program Manager for Cybersecurity Innovation at MassCyberCenter at MassTech
• Tricia Farley-Bouvier, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet, and Cybersecurity
• Rick McKenna, Executive Director of the Framingham Economic Development Corporation
• Kamali O'Mally, Director of Data Strategy at Fidelity Investments
• Kristen Porter-Utley, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Framingham State University

The event is free and open to the public, though registration is required. Lunch will be provided. Additional information and registration are available through the conference Eventbrite page and on the MERC website.