UC Tech is an annual technology conference hosted by the University of California (UC) system to promote innovation and engagement within the Information Technology (IT) community. Uniting hundreds of UC staff and faculty associated or interested in technology, the conference provides an inclusive space to share knowledge and best practices that strengthen our individual universities and puts the UC system at the forefront of education, research, and patient care. Each year, a different UC campus is selected to host the conference over a few days, offering a program full of enriching sessions and activities.

This year, UC Davis and UC Davis Health will be co-hosting the 42nd UC Tech Annual Conference in Davis and Sacramento on October 27-29, 2024. Marking the first time that both campus and health entities from the same university have hosted UC Tech, this sold-out conference is expected to draw over 800 attendees.

Collaboration at the cornerstone of success

The 2024 conference theme, Collaboration for Transformation, celebrates the collaborative spirit of IT across the UC system and reminds us to rise to the challenge in our rapidly evolving technological landscape. Together, we pave the road to a successful future for students, faculty, staff, and patients.

Reflecting this focus, the conference will gather attendees from many different backgrounds, making it a great place to network with like-minded individuals, discover how other campuses are addressing technology issues, and learn from a wide range of topics, from the latest innovations in classroom technology to project management.

Jessica Hilt, a colleague from UC San Francisco, highlights one of the values of attending the conference. “I see it every UC Tech when someone's mind is blown that another group is tackling a problem in a unique way, or when someone meets their counterpart at another campus. I get to be part of building that momentum and helping people find their community.”

Jam-packed conference schedule

The Sacramento campus will kick off the 2024 UC Tech Annual Conference with a welcome reception in the Betty Irene Moore Hall and courtyard on Sunday, October 27. The Davis campus will continue the conference with sessions and activities in the Gateway District on Monday, October 28 through Tuesday, October 29.

Attendees will have the opportunity to choose from nearly 100 sessions offered in various presentation formats, including active learning activities, interactive presentations, panel discussions, birds of a feather meetings, or posters. These sessions are organized into seven diverse program tracks, providing something for everyone: 

• Artificial Intelligence & the Future of IT 

• Communications & User Experience 

• Community, Collaboration & Culture 

• Health Sciences 

• Infrastructure, Research Computing & Data Science 

• Security, Compliance & Privacy 

• Teaching, Learning & Student Success

The conference will also feature keynote addresses from faculty members and thought-leaders at UC Davis, Dr. Raissa D’Souza and Dr. Martin Hilbert, who will provide a multidisciplinary lens on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Dr. D’Souza, Associate Dean of Research for the College of Engineering and Professor of Computer Sciences and Mechanical Aerospace Engineering, will be speaking on October 28 with her keynote, “Harnessing UC to Navigate Our Complex, Interconnected World in the Age of AI.” She will explore how AI is influencing systems in our modern society and how AI can be integrated for the betterment of humanity.

Dr. Hilbert, Computational Social Science Chair and Professor of Communication will be speaking on October 29. His keynote, “AI Unleashed: Navigating Boundless Intelligence & Existential Risks—Choosing Our Future” will explore the opportunities and challenges for humans to be part of the generative AI revolution.