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Empowering Authentic Intelligence Beyond Smart Tech

February 4-6, 2026

The Washington Campus & Howard University

Washington, DC

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It’s a wrap!

The big day may have come and gone, but stay tuned for updates on next year's conference!

In an era defined by automation, algorithms, and accelerating smart-tech innovation, the value of being human has never been more essential.  Howard University's 29th Annual MBA Exclusive (MBAX) Conference is a transformative gathering that will explore how unique human capacities such as creativity, empathy, ethical reasoning, resilience, intuition, critical thinking, and collective wisdom, can be elevated, not overshadowed, in a technology-driven world.

 

As entrepreneurship reshapes industries and challenges traditional boundaries, this conference examines how founders, innovators, and creators can harness authentic human intelligence to build ventures that are ethical, sustainable, and boldly imaginative. Whether launching a startup, leading innovation inside an organization, or designing community-centered solutions, participants will explore how human insight fuels entrepreneurial vision in ways technology alone cannot.


Through keynotes, innovation labs, and collaborative dialogues, we will interrogate the evolving partnership between human ingenuity and intelligent technologies, and uncover the entrepreneurial opportunities that emerge when we design with humanity at the center.


Join us as we explore new paradigms of learning, leadership, community, and innovation that honor the statement at the heart of our theme: 

How can we cultivate the full spectrum of authentic human intelligence and entrepreneurial empowerment to build futures where humanity and technology thrive together?


Key Conference Features

  • Executive Insights: Gain direct exposure to forward-thinking executives and industry trailblazers who are redefining what leadership looks like in the age of smart-tech. These curated sessions offer candid perspectives, strategic foresight, and real-world lessons on balancing human-centered decision-making with rapid technological change.
  • Virtual Career Fair: Connect with top employers across sectors seeking talent that embodies both technical capability and authentic human intelligence. Explore job and internship opportunities, attend recruiter-led sessions, and access career development resources—all designed to help you navigate an evolving workforce shaped by AI and emerging technologies.
  • Networking Opportunities: Build meaningful relationships with peers, thought leaders, and professionals from around the world. Through themed meetups, discussion lounges, and facilitated connection events, participants can spark collaborations, share ideas, and forge communities dedicated to shaping a more human-centered future.
  • Case Competition: Put authentic intelligence into action through a dynamic case competition that challenges teams to design human-first solutions to tech-era problems. Participants will tackle real organizational dilemmas involving ethics, innovation, societal impact, or human–tech collaboration, showcasing creativity, strategic thinking, and practical insight.

Featured Partners

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

Student Attendee

Case Competition Team

Student Attendee

Includes: 

- Registration for one person

- Access to all open conference sessions

- Conference Breakfasts, Luncheons, and Reception 

- Pre-Conference Virtual Career Expo






Reserve Your Ticket

General Attendee

Case Competition Team

Student Attendee

Includes: 

- Registration for one person

- Access to all open conference sessions

- Conference Breakfasts, Luncheons, and Reception 

- Pre-Conference Virtual Career Expo






$60

Case Competition Team

Case Competition Team

Case Competition Team

Includes:

- Registration for case competition team (4 people)

- Lodging Accommodations

- Access to all open conference sessions

- Conference Breakfasts, Luncheons, and Reception

- Case competition participation

- Pre-Conference Virtual Career Expo


Case Competition Guidelines

$200

Corporate Sponsor

Case Competition Team

Case Competition Team

Includes:

- Pre-Conference Virtual Career Expo

- Resume Booklet

- Workshop, Breakfast, Luncheon, or Reception Sponsorship

- On-site interview rooms

- Networking Reception






Email For Pricing

Meet Our Speakers

Etoulia Salas-Burnett

Executive Director Center for Digital Business, Howard University

    Hotel Information

    AC Hotel Washington DC Convention Center

     601 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001 

    Conference at a Glance

    2/4/2026

    MBAX Check-In & Kickoff Mixer

    6:30pm

    -

    8:30pm

    Ciel Social Club (601 K Street NW Washington, DC 20001)

    Event Details

    2/4/2026

    MBAX Check-In & Kickoff Mixer

    Powered by: 

    • Howard University Center for Excellence in Supply Chain

    6:30pm

    -

    8:30pm

    Ciel Social Club (601 K Street NW Washington, DC 20001)

    2/5/2026

    MBAX Case Competition and Conference

    8am

    -

    4:30pm

    The Washington Campus (1150 18th St NW #400 Washington, DC 20036)

    2/5/2026

    MBAX Case Competition and Conference

    8am

    -

    4:30pm

    The Washington Campus (1150 18th St NW #400 Washington, DC 20036)

    2/5/2026

    Reception and Mecca Marketplace

    5pm

    -

    8pm

    Howard University Ballroom (2397 6th St NW Washington, DC 20059)

    Event Details

    2/5/2026

    Reception and Mecca Marketplace

    Powered by:

    • The National Urban League Business Executive Exchange Program (BEEP)
    • Howard University PNC Center for Entrepreneurship

    5pm

    -

    8pm

    Howard University Ballroom (2397 6th St NW Washington, DC 20059)

    2/6/2026

    MBAX Conference

    8am

    -

    2:30pm

    The Washington Campus (1150 18th St NW #400 Washington, DC 20036)

    2/6/2026

    MBAX Conference

    8am

    -

    2:30pm

    The Washington Campus (1150 18th St NW #400 Washington, DC 20036)

    2/6/2026

    Closing Celebration

    2:30pm

    -

    3pm

    The Washington Campus (1150 18th St NW #400 Washington, DC 20036)

    2/6/2026

    Closing Celebration

    2:30pm

    -

    3pm

    The Washington Campus (1150 18th St NW #400 Washington, DC 20036)

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