Partners from across the Great Lakes will convene for a two-day workshop in Detroit, Michigan, from October 14 - 15, 2026, to shape the next phase of the Smart Great Lakes Initiative (SGLi 2.0). The meeting will establish a shared purpose for SGLi 2.0 and examine the major forces reshaping Great Lakes observing and information systems. Sessions will feature emerging applications of AI and machine learning, novel technologies for data collection and management to inform decision making, and the growing emphasis on “responsible AI” across federal and provincial agencies. Participants will also explore how the landscape of data providers and users is evolving—and what new gaps, needs, and opportunities this creates for future Great Lakes information services.