2025 Reflection: Re-Centering the Midwest in the AI Conversation

As we close out 2025, we want to pause and reflect on what has been a defining year for Disruption Now and MidwestCon.

This year was about execution, growth, and national positioning. We didn’t just talk about the future of innovation — we helped move where that future is being shaped.

What We Built in 2025Re-Centering the Midwest in AI, Policy, and Investment

In 2025, Disruption Now focused on something bigger than event success: shifting the center of gravity in the AI conversation. For too long, discussions around AI policy, governance, and investment have been concentrated on the coasts. This year, we helped move those conversations into the Midwest, positioning the region as a leader in responsible, human-centered AI.MidwestCon 2025: Fully Sponsored. Nationally Impactful.

MidwestCon 2025 served as a flagship proof point that the Midwest belongs at the center of national innovation conversations.

• Fully sponsored conference with premier partners, including 1819 Innovation Hub and the City of Cincinnati

• 741 attendees representing 347 companies across technology, healthcare, education, finance, government, and media

• 77 thought leaders

• Attendees from Chicago, DC–Baltimore, New York City, San Francisco, Atlanta, and other major markets

• Microsoft AI Training: Enterprise-grade AI education delivered in partnership with Microsoft, grounding regional innovation in globally relevant standards and tooling

• Advanced AI Certification with Noelle Russell: Hands-on training led by one of the foremost voices in responsible AI, resulting in 120 certifications focused on applied, ethical AI implementation

A defining moment of this work was our policy innovation lunch, where government leaders such as, enterprise partners, technologists, and ecosystem builders engaged directly on. The session featured insights from U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno, alongside other policymakers and civic leaders — reinforcing that meaningful public-sector engagement with innovation is possible right here in the Midwest:

• Responsible AI governance

• Data trust and accountability

• AI’s role in workforce and economic development

These were not symbolic conversations. They were working dialogues rooted in regional realities, public interest, and long-term economic impact. By intentionally embedding policymakers alongside practitioners, founders, and enterprise leaders, we demonstrated what’s possible when innovation and governance move together:

• A Midwest region prepared for AI investment

• A workforce positioned for emerging opportunity

• Policy shaped in partnership, not in hindsight

From Convening to Capability

Building on this foundation, Disruption Now expanded its year-round work in 2025 to support real execution:

• Human-centered AI training, including a six-course curriculum focused on practical and responsible application

• TechCred workforce upskilling, helping employers convert public funding into real AI capability

• Ecosystem partnerships, combining training with trusted introductions and long-term collaboration

• Development and AI enablement, supporting organizations as they move from ideas into implementation

Together, this work positions Disruption Now not just as a convener but as an infrastructure partner for regions, organizations, and leaders navigating AI transformation.

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2026, our focus remains clear: to ensure the next wave of AI investment is regional, responsible, and rooted in long-term value. The Midwest is no longer on the sidelines of the AI economy. It is becoming one of its most important proving grounds.
Thank you to the partners, policymakers, sponsors, and community members who helped make this year possible. The work continues.