April 20-22, 2026
The Louisiana Optical Network Infrastructure (LONI) has made an exciting announcement to energize the region’s research and education realm. Southeastern Louisiana University has been selected as the host site for the upcoming LONI Summit on April 20-22, 2026. This selection was a collaboration between LONI and Southeastern Louisiana University, solidifying their commitment to advancing research, collaboration, and innovation.
Unveiling the Host: Southeastern Louisiana University
Southeastern Louisiana University is a public university and Louisiana’s third largest public university, molding 15,500 students with more than 150 programs. The university’s main campus is in Hammond, LA, in a community focused on supporting students’ growth and preserving history. Located in the heart of the city known for its historic charm, railroads, Strawberry Stadium, downtown shopping, and unique feel where the city claims they’re ‘Doing it our way in Hammond, LA’, Southeastern Louisiana University is prepared to host the 2026 LONI Summit.
A Platform for Progress: The LONI Summit
The LONI Summit is an annual convergence of researchers and IT professionals from across Louisiana and beyond. It serves as a vital platform for discussing the latest advancements in optical networking, high-performance computing, and distributed storage. The summit is an opportunity to showcase cutting-edge research and foster collaboration and encourage the exchange of ideas that can reshape the future of various fields. With LONI’s legacy of connecting Louisiana’s universities and Southeastern Louisiana University’s commitment to educational excellence, the collaboration is poised to spark new insights, drive innovation, and accelerate progress.
Anticipated Highlights
The 2026 LONI Summit event plans to provide an array of highlights that attendees can look forward to:
- Expert Panels: Engaging panel discussions featuring experts from various disciplines will shed light on the transformative potential of cyberinfrastructure.
- Member Showcases: Attendees will have the chance to explore groundbreaking projects and technological advancements, inspiring them to think creatively and push the boundaries of their respective fields.
- Networking Opportunities: The summit will provide a conducive environment for attendees to connect, collaborate, and form valuable professional relationships that can drive future endeavors.
- Working Group Governance: Attendees will engage their peers by reviewing the activities of the past year and setting up the leadership direction for the upcoming year.
- LONI Portfolio: The LONI staff will provide the attendees with important updates on its strategic plan and supporting service portfolio.
Embracing the Future
As the countdown begins, anticipation for the exchange of ideas grows, forging new partnerships, and unveiling technological marvels that will shape the landscape of Louisiana’s research and academic community.
Stay tuned for updates, insights, and a whirlwind of knowledge at the 2026 LONI Summit. Together, LONI and Southeastern Louisiana University are poised to create a transformative experience that propels us into a new era of discovery and collaboration.