Deborah Levine: Conversational AI comes to Chattanooga, again
Project Voice 2026 has marked a decade of working with conversational AI, and it was a pleasure to attend its conference at the Chattanooga Convention Center. I’m in total agreement with the organizer, Bradley Metrock.
“We’ve been very pleased to host Project Voice for the last ten years here in Chattanooga,” Metrock said. “Every time I get asked ‘Why Chattanooga?’ I respond, ‘Why not?’ The city is growing, vibrant, and hungry, and those working with voice AI and conversational AI from around the world that have attended over the years have witnessed that energy firsthand.”
(READ MORE: Deborah Levine: AI still needs human oversight in 2026)
There were more than 160 attendees for amazing sessions on topics including security and hiring in the age of AI, conversational AI in healthcare and customer service and “Alexa, What’s Next for Voice AI?”
How to begin? The introductory keynote was a fascinating overview of AI’s history from Siri to ChatGPT and beyond. Quite the introduction by the cofounder of Siri and former vice president of AI at Airbnb, Adam Cheyer.
Adding a local perspective, Denise Reed shared: “In 2010, EPB and Chattanoogans built our digital infrastructure with the ‘Gig City.’ In 2026, we are building digital intelligence through quantum computing. My almost 30 years with The Concierge Office Suites have given me a front-row seat to business leadership. Bradley Metrock’s Project Voice 2026 makes it clear: this isn’t just about tech — it’s about the human voice and the unimaginable ideas that surface when we stretch our paradigms. We must cultivate AI creativity by putting on our ‘business explorer caps,’ pushing our boundaries and paradigms. We are on the precipice of an AI shift for everything we thought possible — and some ideas we never even imagined.”
The Tennessee perspective came from keynoter Kristin Darby, chief information officer for the state. Kristin shared, “Voice AI has the potential to be one of the most inclusive technologies we’ve ever deployed in government, expanding access in ways traditional digital services never could. This isn’t just about automation. It’s about using AI to simplify complex processes and make government services easier, faster and more human-centered.”
(READ MORE: Deborah Levine: AI is scary, but more human than you think)
Chattanooga’s Tasia Malakasis, chief executive at The Company Lab, echoed Kristin with support for startups that use AI with programs that give them the fuel, connections and runway they need to scale bold solutions and build the future. And she’s working on bringing more of these businesses to Chattanooga.
One new business may be Nu Fangled TV, founded by chief executive Penny Styles in 2005. Originally from England, now in Nashville, she partners with Clyde Harris providing a platform offering free submissions for films, TV, music and AI or hybrid works — championing indie creators.
“I embrace the concept that in an age of digital innovation, artificial intelligence can be an amazing medium,” Styles said. “By removing the need for a ‘green light,’ innovation doesn’t just change the product; it democratizes the process and allows for true creativity without limits.”
That creativity also comes from combining AI with quantum computing, which is reshaping technology as highlighted by Rick Mukherjee, director of UTC’s quantum center. Rick detailed the center’s interdisciplinary courses in AI and quantum tech, impacting students in multiple majors and preparing them for future jobs.
By the way, this future isn’t 10 or 15 years away. It’s here now! Learn and adapt!
Contact Deborah Levine, an author, trainer/coach and editor of the American Diversity Report, at Deborah@AmericanDiversityReport.com.
