P.E.I. Business Summit explores AI’s transformative powers
Event highlights AI’s role in boosting productivity
With technology’s rapid growth, AI has helped organizations maximize efficiency and productivity, according to the keynote speaker and strategic advisor during the recent P.E.I Business Summit.
Suzanne Knight discussed AI and Digitalization on April 7, 2026, at Delta Hotels Prince Edward.
In 30 seconds, she received six weeks’ worth of work at one of her chat sessions with ChatGPT.
“Build me a change management plan for an agile transformation for Walmart, Kansas,” she said. “This is something that’s affecting my team that will change the way that we work right now.”
However, there are still issues like A.I. hallucinations and cybersecurity concerns, she said.
“I’m not saying it’s perfect, but I look at the pace that it’s changed, and I feel optimistic that a lot of those issues that have prevented us from moving wholesale into AI are going to be no longer issues in the coming months.”
The summit was jointly organized by Junior Achievement Prince Edward Island, Innovation P.E.I. and Stingray.
Panel speakers include Canadian newspaper columnist Andrew Coyne, P.E.I Premier Rob Lantz and Federal Cabinet Minister Dominic Leblanc.
It also featured three panel discussions to talk about workforce challenges like generational shifts; what and how to use technology and AI; and expanding new markets beyond the United States and Canada
About 300 people attended to learn more about Canada’s economic and political landscape, and the use of artificial intelligence.
“It was amazing and wonderful to see business and community leaders come together to learn,” Soriano said. “I love how the organizers made the event accessible to students and community developers by keeping the price of the tickets as low as possible, they even provided free tickets to some of the students. They have credible speakers as well.”
As a community developer, Soriano learned practical tips and real-world examples.
“It created in me an interest in AI and technology, something that we can adopt in our small non-profit organization. Made me not scared of doing digital transformation.”
Jennifer Evans, director of operations with Stingray and the panel discussion host, said each panel was different, and as part of the organizers, she wanted the summit to cover diverse topics.
“AI is probably the topic that most businesses are talking about, and how do they integrate that into their business operations?” Evans said. “Having our keynote talk about AI and also having a panel talk discuss AI. We have a lot of great feedback on the AI sessions and then also providing that big macro approach to the economics today, which Andrew Coyne did, our premier did, and Minister LeBlanc.”
It’s really rewarding to be able to be part of an event that brings business leaders together, Evans said.
“We had our Junior Achievement students here today, too. I think for all of us involved in today’s event from an organizing perspective, just really rewarding, and we’re pleased that our vision actually came to life and everyone was so happy with the day.”
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