Get involved

Join us on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 for NextTech Kern: a conference about emerging technology!

Want to participate in NextTech Kern? Fill out our interest form to become a speaker or sponsor. Be more than an attendee — be the reason it happens.

Take advantage of our early bird pricing — register by September 28 and pay just $75!

Get Involved Register Now

Keynote Speaker

Adam Sutherland

Worldwide Public Sector Strategy Lead, Generative AI Innovation Center, Amazon Web Services

Adam Sutherland leads worldwide public sector strategy for the AWS Generative AI Innovation Center (GenAIIC), where he helps government, education, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations turn generative AI strategies into real-world solutions. A former CEO and global executive with leadership roles at National Geographic, Discovery, and Ogilvy, he brings decades of experience driving innovation, digital transformation, and global growth.

About Adam Sutherland

NextTech Kern

Exploring What's Next in Technology

NextTech Kern at CSUB is a one-day conference that connects global innovation with regional opportunity. The event brings together students, educators, industry leaders, and community partners to explore the technologies shaping our future, from cutting-edge research and digital transformation to real-world applications that impact Kern County and beyond.

We're building the future — together.

A group of attendees sit at a table during a conference, one person working on a laptop.

Become a 2026 Sponsor

Showcase your brand by sponsoring NextTech Kern.

Choose from a range of sponsorship benefits designed to maximize visibility and impact.

Sponsorship Details

Thank You to Our 2026 Presenting Sponsor

Explore NextTech Kern

NextTech Kern will take place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at the CSUB main campus (see driving directions).

Whether you're a student, educator, technologist, or community partner, there's something for everyone! There is a limited number of seats available for students.

The event registration fee is $75 per person. Registrations received on or after September 28, 2026 will be subject to a late fee. Early registration is encouraged.

NextTech Kern will feature expert speakers, interactive sessions, research showcases, and hands-on demos.

We will have industry leading companies in 2026.

Learn more about our event sponsorship opportunities.

NextTech Kern is committed to making this event accessible to everyone in our community. CSU Bakersfield provides reasonable accommodations to participants with disabilities in accordance with the ADA, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and CSU policy. Live captioning will be displayed on screen during main-stage sessions. If you need an additional accommodation to fully participate, please indicate it during registration or email nexttechkern@csub.edu. To help us meet your request, please submit it at least seven working days before the event (by October 19, 2026). We will make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests received after that date.