Last year, TechWell, known for organizing the STAR software testing conferences, launched a brand-new event focused entirely on one of the most talked-about topics in recent years: Artificial Intelligence. AI Con USA is now quickly becoming one of the most forward-looking conferences for professionals exploring how AI is reshaping the world and how AI can be harnessed to elevate software quality.
This year’s event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Seattle, right in the heart of one of the West Coast’s most vibrant cities. Alongside a packed agenda of expert-led sessions and networking opportunities, the location offers plenty to enjoy, from standout dining and local coffee shops to iconic attractions worth visiting.
This guide is here to help you prepare. We’ll walk you through the schedule highlights, share practical planning tips, and suggest some great places to eat, explore, and relax during your stay at AI Con USA 2025.
AI Con USA 2025 Schedule
AI Con USA 2025 will span six days, from June 8 to June 13, offering a mix of in-depth training, tutorials, keynotes, sessions, and networking opportunities. Whether you’re planning to attend the full week or just the main conference days, there’s plenty to explore and learn throughout the event.
Here’s how the conference is structured:
- Opening Day — Sunday, June 8
The conference kicks off with full-day training classes that run across the first three days. These immersive sessions are ideal for attendees who want to dive deeper into AI concepts and hands-on learning.
Training Options:
- AI for Testers – with Jonathan Miller Kauffman
- Fundamentals of AI (ICAgile Certification) – with Tom Stiehm
- AI for Leaders – with Jeff Pierce
- Tutorials — Monday and Tuesday, June 9–10
The second and third days offer a mix of morning and afternoon tutorials alongside the continued training classes. These half-day sessions cover practical and technical topics around AI, testing, and system architecture.
Monday, June 9
- Getting Started with AI and Machine Learning – with Dionny Santiago.
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM. - Leveraging Generative AI for Software Productivity – with Tariq King.
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
Tuesday, June 10
- Common Software, Data, and AI Architectures and the Ways They Fail – with Matt Eland.
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM. - Image Classification using LLMs and Transfer Learning – with Jeffery Payne
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM. - Main Conference — Wednesday and Thursday, June 11–12
The core of AI Con USA takes place midweek, featuring keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. This is where much of the cross-discipline discussion happens, covering real-world AI implementations, productivity insights, and future-forward strategies.
Wednesday, June 11
- Best Practices for Using AI for Structured Data Extraction – with Erica Greene.
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM. - The Impact of AI on Developer Productivity – with Sida Peng.
9:35 AM – 10:20 AM.
Thursday, June 12
- Five Ways to Operationalize AI at Scale – with Mart Thorn.
9:35 AM – 10:20 AM. - The Future of AI Agents – with Marshall Belcher.
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM. - Last Conference Day — Friday, June 13
The final day is dedicated to leadership-focused discussions, bringing together experienced professionals and executives to explore AI strategy, innovation, and long-term planning.
- AI Leadership Summit – with Jeffery Payne & Tariq King.
8:30 AM – 3:00 PM.
- AI Leadership Summit – with Jeffery Payne & Tariq King.
See the full conference schedule.
Preparing for the Conference
A little preparation can go a long way when it comes to making the most of AI Con USA. Here are a few tips to help you get ready:
1. Plan Your Schedule in Advance
With so many tracks, tutorials, and concurrent sessions happening throughout the week, it’s worth reviewing the agenda and choosing your must-attend talks ahead of time. Don’t forget to leave space for networking and breaks.
2. Register for Training and Tutorials Early
If you’re attending training or half-day tutorials, be sure to register early. These sessions tend to fill up quickly..
3. Bring the Essentials
Pack comfortable shoes, a reusable water bottle, a portable charger, and your laptop/notebook for important notes. The days can be long, and you’ll want to stay powered up and ready to absorb new insights.
4. Connect with Fellow Attendees
AI Con is a great place to meet others in the QA and AI world. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself, exchange LinkedIn profiles, or join conversations between sessions.
5. Schedule Time with Vendors
If you’re exploring new tools or services, consider booking time with vendors ahead of the event. These conversations can go deeper than a quick booth chat and often lead to valuable insights. PractiTest will be at booth #2, showcasing our end-to-end test management platform and AI-powered capabilities designed to help QA teams work smarter and deliver with confidence. Schedule a time in advance here.
Getting from the Airport to the Conference
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), is about 15 miles from the Hyatt Regency Seattle. Here are the best ways to get to the conference venue:
Taxi, Uber, or Lyft: The estimated driving time is about 25 minutes. Expect fares to range between $45 and $70 depending on traffic and time of day.
Link Light Rail: A budget-friendly option, the Link Light Rail runs directly from Sea-Tac Airport to downtown Seattle. The ride costs around $3 and takes approximately 50 minutes.
Shared Rides: Consider coordinating an Uber or Lyft with fellow attendees to save on costs. Practicipants might post their arrival times in LinkedIn groups or testing community forums, so keep an eye out for potential carpool opportunities.Rental Cars: If you’re planning to explore more of Seattle or the surrounding area before or after the conference, renting a car might be worthwhile. Just note that parking downtown can be pricey and limited.
Where to Eat Near Hyatt Regency Seattle
Located in downtown Seattle, the area around the hotel is packed with plenty of excellent food options just steps from the Hyatt Regency. Here are some local favorites worth checking out:
- Tilikum Place Café: Charming European-inspired café known for brunch and seasonal dishes. Great for small group meetups or a quieter solo meal. 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk
- Dough Zone Dumpling House: Casual and flavorful, this spot is a local favorite for dumplings and noodles. Perfect for a group dinner or a quick comfort-food fix. Located just across the street, 3 minutes walk.
- The Capital Grille: An upscale option ideal for business dinners or team meals. Known for steaks, seafood, and a refined atmosphere. 145minute walk from the venue or 5-minute drive.
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Located right next to the Hotel, this is a convenient go-to for a solid meal with minimum traveling time. 2-minute walk.
- Wild Ginger: A vibrant spot serving Southeast Asian cuisine with modern flair. Great for a lively dinner or sharing plates with colleagues. 12-minute walk.
- Mr. West Café Bar: A stylish coffee and wine bar offering light fare, perfect for breakfast, casual meetings, or recharging between sessions. 2-minute walk.
Things to Do in Seattle
If you have some free time between sessions or you’re planning to stay a little longer, Seattle has plenty to offer. Here are some must-see spots and easy local adventures to check out:
Pike Place Market
One of Seattle’s most iconic destinations. Explore fresh produce, handmade goods, seafood stands, and street performers — and don’t forget to visit the original Starbucks.
Space Needle & Seattle Center
Get a 360-degree view of the city from the top of the Space Needle, then wander around the Seattle Center area which includes museums, public art, and green space.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Located next to the Space Needle, this stunning glass art exhibit is a can’t-miss visual experience. Ideal for a quick cultural break.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
If you are a coffee lover, this upscale Starbucks experience features rare brews, tasting flights, and in-house roasting.
Waterfront Park & Seattle Aquarium
Take a scenic walk by the waterfront prak or stop by the aquarium for a relaxing afternoon.
Kerry Park
Want the postcard view of Seattle? Head up to Kerry Park for the best skyline photo — especially at sunset.
Final Thoughts Before You Go
Right before you head to Seattle, make space in your calendar for the sessions that matter most to you. Leave room for a few spontaneous conversations — some of the best moments happen between talks. Pack for changing weather, bring a charger, and come curious.
And while you’re there, stop by the PractiTest booth to say hello. We’ll be demonstrating how PractiTest is helping teams bring clarity and control to their QA process with built-in AI capabilities and powerful test management features.
Want to chat one-on-one? Book a time with us here or come visit us at booth #2.
We can’t wait to see you at AI Con USA 2025!