DL Opinion columns, Tech & AI

Conversational AI comes to Chattanooga, again – by Deborah Levine

originally published in The Chattanooga Times Free Press

Project Voice 2026 marks a decade of Conversational AI and it was a pleasure to attend at its conference at the Chattanooga Convention Center. I’m in total agreement with the organizer, Bradley Metrock, (General Partner, Project Voice Capital Partners) and his explanation of the celebration. “We’ve been very pleased to host Project Voice for the last ten years here in Chattanooga. 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 first-hand. The conference itself moves the voice AI world forward, and quietly has established a reputation as a central event for this young but growing technological domain.”

There were more than 160 attendees for amazing sessions like: Alexa, What’s Next For Voice AI?, Security Reimagined in an Age of AI, Hiring In The Age Of AI, Conversational AI in Modern Healthcare, and Measuring AI’s Effectiveness in Customer Service.

How to begin all this? The introductory keynote was a fascinating overview of AI’s history,  “From Siri To ChatGPT And Beyond: Voice AI’s Next Chapter. Quite the introduction by the co-founder of Siri and VP of AI/Airbnb, Adam Cheyer. 

Adding a local perspective, Denise Reed shares this: “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 State of TN: Re-imagining Government: AI and the Great State of TN. Kristin shares, “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.”

Chattanooga’s Tasla Malakasis (CEO/Co.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 business to Chattanooga.

One new business may be NuFangledTV, founded by CEO 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/hybrid works—championing indie creators. “I embrace the concept that in an age of digital innovation, artificial intelligence can be an amazing medium. 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/UTC Quantum Center). Rick detailed the Center’s interdisciplinary courses in AI and Quantum tech, impacting students in multiple majors, preparing them for future jobs. 

BTW, this future isn’t 10-15 years away. It’s here now! Learn and adapt!

Editor-in-Chief
Latest posts by Editor-in-Chief (see all)