Charleston, South Carolina Feb 15, 2026  – On March 2, 2026, the South Carolina Emerging Tech Association (SCETA) will convene the South Carolina Digital Economic Freedom Forum at Stone River in West Columbia. The event will gather state officials, technology professionals, and sector specialists to examine the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital assets, and economic liberty.

The Forum is occurring at a critical juncture. Artificial intelligence is evolving into vital infrastructure, digital assets are reshaping finance, and regulators must make crucial choices concerning oversight, competitiveness, and public confidence. Accordingly, the Forum will concentrate on the convergence of AI, finance, and freedom—and on the concrete choices being made now that will define future economic prospects and personal liberties.

“This Forum poses a fundamental question,” stated Dennis Fassuliotis, President of SCETA. “As AI and digital finance expand, how can we leverage them to safeguard freedom, foster trust, and promote sustainable economic prosperity for all?”

“We are uniting leaders to ensure these technologies expand liberty, secure privacy, and generate tangible economic prospects—not uncertainty or domination.”

Dr. Scott Stornetta, a co-inventor of blockchain timestamping technology, will present the keynote speech. His talk, titled “Trust, Time, and Truth in the Age of AI,” will delve into why provable time, unchangeable records, and verifiability are growing increasingly crucial as AI systems become more independent and economically impactful.

Stornetta remarked, “I appreciate SCETA for assembling people from across South Carolina for substantive, practical discussions on AI and digital assets. These tools unlock vast economic potential, and such forums are vital for determining a prudent path forward—optimizing benefits while acknowledging the accompanying disruptions.”

He stressed, “Fundamentally, this is about trust—how we construct dependable systems as AI assumes greater responsibilities and digital assets integrate into daily commerce. I look forward to engaging with leaders who are thoughtfully considering how to deploy these technologies in transparent, reliable ways that address genuine human requirements.”

Discussion panels will address innovation in digital assets, AI oversight, preparing the workforce, necessary infrastructure, and state-level digital asset regulation. South Carolina State Treasurer Curtis M. Loftis will participate in the Forum’s opening segment.

Frank Speiser, CEO of Metafide and a Forum speaker, noted, “South Carolina has a significant chance to bolster and diversify the industries historically underpinning its economy. While manufacturing has been a growth engine for years, the future favors states that adopt advanced technology, elite talent, and investment. Reinforcing and expanding our core sectors is key to drawing the innovators and founders who are building tomorrow’s financial and digital foundations.”

Speiser added, “I am dedicated to backing South Carolina efforts that capitalize on our advantages while encouraging openness, trust, and economic freedom. The South Carolina Digital Economic Freedom Forum perfectly captures what this era demands—courageous thinking and guidance at the crossroads of AI, finance, and decentralized security.”

A special public hearing and Legislative Education Session at the South Carolina State House will follow the Forum on March 3, 2026. This session will offer an instructional summary of AI governance, blockchain infrastructure, and their relevance to state policy. The time and venue will be posted on the South Carolina House of Representatives official meeting calendar and the sceta.io website.