From founders and powerhouse CEOs, to government and industry practitioners, eMerge Americas houses bold ideas across tech, business, and culture. Bringing together more than 20,000 attendees to Miami on April 22-24, the event celebrates innovators and industry experts shaping the future of technology on a global scale.
In its 12th year, eMerge Americas focuses on four dynamic themes reshaping the future of tech and our everyday lives: AI, Health, National Security, and Finance. We sat down with Maria Dominguez, Strategic Advisor of Programming & Content at eMerge Americas, to discuss industry trends to expect across the agenda, what it takes to speak on stage, and exciting updates to anticipate at their 2026 event.
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In 2026, eMerge is tackling a deeper focus on AI, Health, National Security, and Finance. What are some industry trends you’re starting to see and want to feature more?
Maria: I could talk about this for hours, but the pace alone says it all. By the time you finish one conversation, there’s a new AI breakthrough reshaping the landscape. AI is no longer a standalone vertical; it’s a horizontal. It’s embedded everywhere, from health diagnostics and national security to financial compliance and capital markets.
What we’re most focused on now is convergence: where these sectors intersect and unlock outsized impact. Health and security, finance and quantum, AI underpinning all of it. In a region like ours, where these industries are rapidly growing and deeply connected, eMerge aims to help accelerate those intersections and bring the right players together at the right moment.
Who would benefit the most from attending eMerge?
Maria: This is one of my favorite things about eMerge! Because of how it was built, and because of the leaders behind it, it creates a truly unique space for deep, useful connection. The spectrum is truly vast! Hyper-focused specialty programming like our Health Tech or National Security tracks give some of the most influential players dedicated time to connect in small-group, curated settings. At the same time, they still get to dive into the energy of the expo floor, explore vertical stage sessions, and engage in high-level VIP networking. Our team works incredibly hard to bring together the entire spectrum of players that make an ecosystem thrive and to create the conditions for genuine connection. The deal-making that happens at and because of eMerge is incalculable (though we try!).
The level of access that opens up at eMerge is both deeply impactful and profoundly transformative for everyone attending, and for the region! I’ve seen the effort, conviction, and energy that goes into making this kind of magic real for people.
I’ve been part of this since the very first eMerge and I can say with absolute conviction: this is real, and it’s special.
What are the top speaker qualities you look for when curating the eMerge program?
Maria: Momentum-shifting, forward-thinking, and unique! We look for speakers who bring big ideas and bigger energy. Ideally, we're connecting with leaders who aren’t just talking about the future but actually building it, influencing it, disrupting it. Whether it’s a founder scaling, a leader shaping the conversation around an emerging technology, or a clinician turning AI into a care companion, we want voices that challenge, inspire, and spark collisions across industries. Bonus points for those who can hold a room, throw out the script, and make thousands of people lean in!
Most common submission/speaker proposals mistakes you see?
Maria: This is a fun one. A few common (and very fixable) hiccups we see:
One is the speaker photo. Even incredibly accomplished leaders sometimes submit images that don’t quite do them justice. Your photo is often the first impression, so a clean, professional headshot really matters.
Another is using a resume in place of a speaker bio. A great bio tells a story and sets the tone for the audience.
And finally, while AI can be a helpful starting point, the strongest submissions always feel human. Authenticity shines through, and we love when speakers bring their real voice and personality. This is Miami, after all, flavor welcome 😊
What is something you wish more attendees knew about when attending eMerge? Any hidden gems or can't-miss sessions you want to highlight?
Maria: I mean, there's SO MUCH to grab onto this year! In 2026 we've expanded the experience in so many directions to magnify the impact for builders, buyers, founders, policymakers, investors, and ecosystem partners alike. Beyond the phenomenal speaker you can find across six dynamic stages, here are a few things people should absolutely know:
We’ve introduced a brand-new series of hands-on AI and quantum workshops designed to bring technical exploration into the eMerge experience. These sessions go beyond surface-level panels and dive deep into applicable tools and frameworks, ideal for practitioners and operators ready to sharpen their skills and accelerate their ideas.
A couple of days before the Expo, on Tuesday at PortMiami, we’re bringing some of the most cutting-edge national security and defense technologies to life: unmanned underwater drones, advanced sensing systems, and some truly jaw-dropping devices you rarely get to see outside of military test environments.
And of course, we can’t forget Founder’s Day, which kicks off our Global Startup Showcase. It’s pure electricity. This is where the ecosystem really comes alive with live pitches, investor matchmaking, and where start of deal flow begins!
Honestly, if you only come for the keynotes, you’ll undoubtedly walk away inspired. But if you lean into the workshops, demos, networking, and curated experiences, you’ll walk away connected, and possibly transformed.
Any big lessons learned over the past few years that you hope to bring to 2026?
Maria: Without a doubt one of the comments we get year after year is how different eMerge FEELS when compared to other major conferences. Specifically, how palpable the energy is, how much more willing people are to connect, how the programming actually lends itself to true connection building and deal making. So, as the tech world gets noisier, our role as conveners has never been more important.
We’ve learned that audiences crave honest conversations, diversity of thought, and speakers who are unafraid to tackle complexity with clarity, and hopefully a little humor. We've learned how transformational it is to listen to our communities and provide them with access to this kind of environment within the context of a conference that truly cares about what each person, org or team gets out of being there! In 2026, we’re doubling down on cross-sector collisions and intentional bridge building at scale, because that’s how and where the magic happens.
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