EVENTS
Thought Serie
s
Weds, Sept 16 – Thursday, Sept 17, 2026
The Confluence Thought Series gathers hundreds of innovators from across the region for two days of inspired conversation, networking and meaningful takeaways. This year’s theme, Born From Innovation,will showcase dozens of the region’s most influential leaders at the intersection of technology and creativity.
Friday@
Friday, Sept 18, 2026
Friday@, presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, kicks off this year’s festival with a happy hour tour of art and tech. The free all-ages party is 5pm–7pm on Friday, Sept 18.
Esports Expo
Saturday, Sept 19, 2026
The Esports Expo spotlights to the work of companies and organizations bringing the latest tech innovation to gaming and esports. Follow the Smash Bros. tournament on a giant outdoor LED wall and battle with your friends in free-play areas located across the expo.
Robotics Expo
Saturday, Sept 19, 2026
The Robotics Expo & Parade features top middle and high school teams from across the region who show off their creations and demonstrate their work across the fields of engineering, coding and computer science. Between FTC and FRC exhibitions, teams participate in a robot street parade that circulates throughout the festival.
Future Innovators Zone
Saturday, Sept 19, 2026
Confluence is for everyone. The Future Innovators Zone (FIZ) is an amazing, thought bending area designed for kids of all ages. Budding young innovators can explore hands-on exhibits and activities focused on science, technology and art. As with the rest of the festival, FIZ delivers meaningful learning experiences for the next generation of curious thinkers.
Innovation Showcase
Saturday, Sept 19, 2026
The Innovation Showcase is a diverse showcase of artists, engineers and tech enthusiasts who create amazing things in celebration of the DIY (Do Innovation Yourself). Equal parts science fair and tech meet-up, these program partners come together to share their work and experimentation across the spectrum of science, engineering and art.