SEATTLE — A major technology summit focusing on artificial intelligence opened in Seattle today, drawing industry leaders and innovators to discuss how AI can enhance rather than replace the modern workforce.
The Acumatica Summit 2026, running through Wednesday at the Seattle Convention Center, brings together more than 3,000 members of the business technology community to explore cutting-edge ERP solutions and the practical applications of AI across industries. The three-day event, which kicked off Saturday, emphasizes learning best practices and collaborative problem-solving among partners, customers, and technology experts.
At the heart of many discussions is a message that challenges common fears about artificial intelligence: the technology is designed to augment human capabilities, not eliminate jobs.
“There’s a lot of noise about AI, a lot of misinformation even,” said Shreesha Ramdas, CEO of Lumber, an AI-driven construction workforce platform and a platinum sponsor at the summit. “The AI is not going to build a large, massive building, or it will not be able to even plan all the details around that structure. This is where you have to figure out, like, what are the new roles that will evolve.”
Ramdas emphasized that the construction industry, traditionally seen as resistant to technological change, is experiencing a transformation in how workers interact with technology. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, his company’s approach focuses on making employees more productive and capable.
“What I see is actually technology making employees more productive, allowing them to grow and expand what they do versus some degree of replacement,” Ramdas explained. He pointed to AI’s ability to handle repetitive tasks, analyze complex data sets, and provide workers with better tools to make informed decisions, ultimately freeing human employees to focus on higher-value activities that require creativity, judgment, and interpersonal skills.
"The summit reflects a broader industry trend toward what organizers are calling “AI-driven business technology.” John Case, CEO of Acumatica, has positioned the event as a gathering place for business leaders to “imagine what’s possible” with modern cloud-based enterprise resource planning systems enhanced by artificial intelligence.
“Bringing together industry leaders and experts to define the future of technology, Acumatica Summit 2026 will showcase how AI can transform business operations while maintaining the human element that drives innovation,” Case noted in promotional materials for the event.
As the global capital of cloud computing and technological innovation, Seattle has become synonymous with cutting-edge tech development. The summit’s agenda includes informative breakout sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and opportunities for attendees to engage directly with industry experts about implementing AI solutions in their businesses.
Acumatica’s focus on AI integration into enterprise resource planning systems represents a significant shift in how businesses manage operations, finances, and workforce planning. The cloud-based platform serves over 8,000 customers worldwide, many of whom are exploring how AI can streamline their operations while enhancing employee capabilities.
The summit also highlights the importance of community in technology adoption. Organizers have emphasized that the event is not just about showcasing new products, but about creating an environment where professionals can learn from each other’s experiences, share challenges, and develop solutions collaboratively.
For construction technology companies like Lumber, the summit provides a platform to demonstrate how AI can address industry-specific challenges. Construction has historically lagged behind other sectors in technology adoption, but AI-powered workforce platforms are beginning to change that dynamic by offering practical solutions to long-standing problems like project planning, resource allocation, and skills development.
As the summit continues through Wednesday, attendees will explore topics ranging from AI-powered financial management to predictive analytics, supply chain optimization, and workforce development. The overarching message remains consistent: artificial intelligence is a tool for empowerment, not replacement, and the businesses that thrive will be those that successfully integrate AI while investing in their human workforce.
The Acumatica Summit 2026 runs through January 28 at the Seattle Convention Center Summit Building, with sessions designed for customers, partners, developers, and business leaders interested in the future of AI-enhanced business technology.
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