AI Adoption Takes Center Stage at Coralville Business Symposium

Cedar Rapids Waterloo Iowa City & Dubuque, IA, October 19, 2026 —

Artificial Intelligence’s rapid adoption and its potential effects on workplace efficiency and professional competitiveness were the focus of a keynote address at the Corridor Business Journal’s AI Symposium in Coralville, Iowa.

Josh Murray of Alliant Energy, the symposium’s keynote speaker, described AI adoption as accelerating at a pace that surpasses historical technological innovations. He also discussed the evolution of AI and its practical applications in workplace settings, particularly as a tool for improving efficiency.

Murray cautioned against viewing AI only through the question of whether it will replace jobs. While he said AI may not directly replace jobs, he emphasized that people who use AI tools effectively are likely to gain a competitive advantage. His remarks framed familiarity with the technology as a factor that could influence how individuals perform and compete in the workplace.

The summary of the address did not identify particular AI tools, workplace tasks, or examples Murray used to illustrate efficiency gains. It also did not provide measurements of AI adoption, a timeline for the changes he described, or details about how employers might respond. No specific occupations or industries were identified as more likely to be affected.

The comments at the Coralville event centered on two related themes: the speed of AI’s spread and the importance of using the technology effectively. The account of the keynote did not provide further details about the symposium’s other speakers or sessions, or about audience questions and responses.

Story summarized from the original created by Richard Pratt on corridorbusiness.com, see more information here.