Plan Your Visit

Merrill Hall 

AI Forward will be held in Merrill Hall on the campus of Jacksonville State University. 

Jacksonville State University
975 Merrill Hall
Jacksonville, Alabama 36265 

Jacksonville is located in northeast Alabama in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and is easily accessible by car from communities throughout Alabama and the Southeast. 

View Campus Map

Arriving at AI Forward 

Conference parking and arrival information will be provided to registered attendees before the summit. 

Summit Check-In: Merrill Hall North Lobby

Additional information about accessible parking, entrances, and other arrival details will be added as summit plans are finalized. 

Hampton Inn Jacksonville 

AI Forward attendees can take advantage of a special conference rate at the Hampton Inn Jacksonville, located just minutes from Jacksonville State University. 

Your stay includes complimentary hot breakfast, high-speed internet, parking, and access to the hotel's fitness and business centers.

Book by January 9, 2027 

The discounted rate is available through January 9, 2027, or until the room block is filled. To receive the conference rate, reserve your room by calling the hotel and identifying yourself as part of the “JSU Summit – AI Forward” group, or book online using the link below.  

Explore Local Favorites 

Make time to enjoy Jacksonville while you're here. From local cafés and longtime favorites to barbecue, Southern-inspired dishes, and casual dining, you'll find plenty of options close to campus and throughout the community.  

Featured Local Dining 

       Effina's Tuscan Grill 
       Italian and Italian-American favorites in downtown Jacksonville. 

       Cooter Brown's Rib Shack 
       A longtime Jacksonville favorite for barbecue and casual dining. 

       The Rocket 
       A Jacksonville tradition serving burgers, barbecue, and classic favorites. 

       Jefferson's 
       Wings, burgers, oysters, and casual dining in the original Jefferson's location. 

       Baja California Grill 
       Mexican and Southwestern-inspired favorites. 

       KT Pho 
       Pho and Asian dishes located near Jacksonville's downtown square. 

Dining at Jax State 

Jax State also offers several on-campus dining options for visitors, including convenient locations in and around the heart of campus. 

Explore Campus Dining

We Want Everyone to Be Able to Participate 

Jacksonville State University is committed to providing an accessible and welcoming experience for AI Forward attendees. 

If you need an accommodation to participate in the summit, please indicate your needs during registration or contact us before the event. 

Additional information about accessible parking and entrances will be provided as conference logistics are finalized. 

Make the Most of Your Time on Campus 

AI Forward is an opportunity to experience more than summit programming. Take some time to explore the Jax State campus, connect with fellow attendees, and experience the energy and hospitality of the Gamecock community. 

Explore Jacksonville

Thursday Evening at Jax State 

Following Thursday's summit programming, attendees will have an opportunity to continue the conversation while experiencing Jax State. 

Plans include a Jax State campus and basketball experience, with additional details to be announced as the game schedule and summit activities are finalized.

Make It a Weekend 

There is more to experience while you're here. Consider extending your stay to explore Jacksonville and the natural beauty, outdoor recreation, history, and communities of northeast Alabama. 

From Jacksonville's historic downtown square to miles of trails and scenic landscapes, the area offers plenty of opportunities to slow down, explore, and enjoy your time in northeast Alabama.

Explore Jacksonville