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Registration includes a full two-day ACE 2026 Conference Pass for October 15–16, 2026.

Already registered for ACE 2026?

Contact info@atdatlanta.org before registering to receive a custom invoice for the certification only.

Half-day executive AI keynote and kickoff session. The session is a common orientation for all USAII® certification pathways; after the conference, each registrant continues into their selected self-paced online certification program.

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Launch your AI certification journey at the ATD Super Southeast Conference (ACE 2026). This half-day executive kickoff, delivered in partnership with the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®), is your live, in-person entry point into a nationally recognized AI certification pathway.

Choose the credential that matches your role — from foundational AI literacy (CAIFA™) to specialized consultant tracks for project managers (CAIC-PM™) and HR professionals (CAIC-HR™), up to the executive-level Certified AI Transformation Leader (CAITL™).

CAIFA™ — Certified AI Foundational Analyst.

For individuals beginning their AI journey. Self-paced, online, ~5 weeks at 6–8 hours/week. Covers AI fundamentals, LLMs, prompt practice, AI in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, and AI ethics.

CAIC™ — Certified AI Consultant.

For consultants and business professionals. Self-paced, online, 8–10 hours/week; applied AI foundations plus business-value, strategy, ROI, and governance modules.

CAIC-PM™ — Certified AI Consultant, Project Management. 

For project and program managers. Self-paced, online, 8–10 hours/week; AI-driven project planning, Agile/lean delivery for AI projects, MLOps execution, and PMO governance.

CAIC-HR™ — Certified AI Consultant, Human Resources. For HR professionals. Self-paced, online, 8–10 hours/week; AI in talent acquisition, engagement and performance, people analytics, and AI governance in HR.

CAITL™ — Certified AI Transformation Leader. For senior leaders, executives, and strategy directors. Self-paced executive program (8–10 hours/week) covering AI strategy, data science for business, digital transformation risk, and AI ethics/security — plus two live masterclasses. The October 16 kickoff serves as the live launch experience for this cohort. Recommended for Executive - Direct Level and above.

Your bundled registration includes the October 16 kickoff masterclass, your full ACE 2026 conference pass, and your complete self-paced USAII® certification program.

Attendance at the in-person kickoff is encouraged but not required — enrolled participants receive the full certification experience either way.

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Presenter: David Friedson

David Friedson is the Senior Vice President of Partnerships at the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII), where he works with organizations, universities, workforce development agencies, and industry leaders to accelerate responsible AI adoption through executive education and professional certification.

A former President and Chief Operating Officer with more than 30 years of executive leadership experience, David has led enterprise transformations across manufacturing, industrial distribution, logistics, technology, and supply chain organizations. His career has focused on aligning strategy, operations, people, and technology to improve business performance and deliver measurable results.

Drawing on both executive operating experience and AI leadership, David helps organizations move beyond AI experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption by developing AI-ready leaders, building organizational capability, and integrating AI into business strategy and execution. He is also the founder of Synchronize Partners™, where he advises executive teams on enterprise operating models and AI readiness.

Presenter: Malay A. Upadhyay

Malay A. Upadhyay is a pioneering AI management expert, advisor(USAII®), author, and master trainer who helps organizations translate Artificial Intelligence into measurable business value through strategy, leadership, and operational excellence. He has developed some of the earliest managerial frameworks for AI adoption through executive leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer at SalesChoice and as Master Trainer and Executive Faculty with the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®), where he delivers leadership programs, including the Certified Artificial Intelligence Transformation Leader (CAITL™).

A Duke of Edinburgh Award recipient, Malay has been recognized as a Top Voice in Marketing Operations and Thought Leadership and featured among the Most Influential Business Leaders to Watch by CEO Time Magazine and the Top 10 Pioneering Business Leaders by Mirror Review.

He has served as an advisor to organizations including Completing LLC and the University of Richmond's Customer Experience Program, contributed to the launch of the AI Directory, and participated in the European AI Alliance, supporting discussions that informed early European AI policy initiatives.

Malay has led AI and business transformation initiatives across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, serving industries including healthcare, telecommunications, logistics, manufacturing, hospitality, energy, technology, and consumer services. His work spans AI-powered customer retention, revenue optimization, sales transformation, marketing operations, process modernization, and enterprise automation.

As the author of the AI Management book series, Malay continues to shape how executives adopt and operationalize AI responsibly. He is also the creator of the AI Job Calculator (aijobcalculator.com), an initiative designed to help professionals understand the impact of AI and automation on future careers. Through his advisory work, publications, and executive education, Malay continues to help organizations and leaders harness AI to drive innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable business growth.

Presenter: Ajit K. Jha

Ajit K. Jha is an AI governance strategist, author, entrepreneur, and technology executive with more than 26 years of experience helping organizations harness Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Digital Innovation to accelerate business transformation, strengthen governance, and create sustainable enterprise value. As President & CEO of EdTechDigit Innovations Inc. and Chief Product Partner of the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®), he works with enterprises, universities, and government organizations to advance AI adoption, workforce transformation, and responsible AI governance.

Ajit is the author of Own the Intelligence Layer: How Leaders Turn AI into Competitive Advantage, along with several best-selling books on Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and enterprise transformation. His forthcoming book, AI Governance for the Boardroom, reflects his commitment to helping directors and executives govern AI responsibly while creating long-term enterprise value.

An internationally invited keynote speaker, Ajit regularly addresses executive audiences, industry conferences, and leadership forums on AI governance, responsible AI, enterprise AI strategy, cybersecurity, quantum computing, digital transformation, and the future of work. His work bridges technology innovation with boardroom leadership, enabling organizations to compete confidently in the Intelligence Era.

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CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations must be received by Friday, October 9 by emailing info@atdatlanta.org. Each cancellation/refund will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.