Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) is set to host its largest and most anticipated AI event of the year, GTC 2026, from Monday, March 16, to Thursday, March 19, at the San Jose Convention Center in California. The event, known as the world’s leading AI conference, will feature nearly 400 exhibitors, over 700 workshops, and more than 70 hands-on training labs. With an expected attendance of 39,000 people from 190 countries, the conference is a cornerstone for the global AI community and a focal point for investors tracking the performance of the world’s largest AI chipmaker.

Keynote Promises Full AI Stack Insights

CEO Jensen Huang will deliver the opening keynote on Monday at 11 a.m. PT, and the address is expected to last two hours. The event will be livestreamed on Nvidia’s investor relations website, with a recording available afterward. Huang is anticipated to cover the full AI stack — from chips and software to models and applications — highlighting Nvidia’s growing role as an AI infrastructure provider, not just a chipmaker.

According to insiders, this year’s event will offer unique insights into Nvidia’s roadmap for AI, including advancements in agentic AI, physical AI applications such as autonomous vehicles and robotics, and AI factories. Investors are closely watching the event, hoping for announcements that could drive the company’s stock higher, particularly in light of recent market volatility caused by the Iran war and rising oil prices.

Open-Source vs. Closed-Source AI Debate

On Wednesday, March 18, Huang will moderate a panel on the ongoing debate between open-source and closed-source AI models. The discussion will feature leaders from Cursor, a closed-source AI model developer, and Thinking Machines Lab, which is developing open-source, customizable models. Nvidia has invested in both companies, with a $2.3 billion Series D funding round for Cursor in November and a recent strategic partnership with Thinking Machines Lab.

Mira Murati, former CTO of OpenAI, leads Thinking Machines Lab, a move that signals Nvidia’s growing interest in open-source AI models. Analysts note that this dual approach allows Nvidia to maintain a competitive edge in the evolving AI landscape, where both open and closed models are gaining traction.

The panel is expected to provide investors with a clearer understanding of Nvidia’s strategy in AI development and how it aligns with broader industry trends. The discussion may also highlight the company’s growing influence in the AI ecosystem, as it partners with both startups and established developers.

Historical Stock Performance During GTC Events

Historically, Nvidia’s stock has seen significant gains following its GTC events, though this year’s performance may be more challenging due to broader market conditions. In 2024, Nvidia stock rose 7.4% during the week of GTC 2024, outperforming the S&P 500, which gained 2.4%. In 2023, the company’s stock surged 5.7% during the GTC 2023 period, while the S&P 500 fell 0.8%.

In 2022, Nvidia’s stock increased 6.4% during GTC 2022, compared to a 1.3% rise in the S&P 500. However, the 2025 GTC event did not provide a boost, largely due to a weak overall market influenced by former President Trump’s announcement of global tariffs.

Despite the challenges, investors remain optimistic that this year’s event could offer a similar tailwind. Analysts suggest that any major announcements — such as new AI software, hardware, or strategic partnerships — could drive the stock higher, especially if they align with the growing demand for AI infrastructure.

However, the broader market’s struggles, including rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions, may temper the impact of any positive news from the event. Investors are advised to monitor both the conference outcomes and macroeconomic factors that could influence Nvidia’s stock performance.

The event also provides an opportunity for Nvidia to showcase its latest innovations and reaffirm its position as a leader in the AI space. With the global AI market projected to grow at a compound annual rate of over 35% through 2030, Nvidia’s ability to secure its share of this expanding sector will be critical to its long-term success.

As the week begins, the focus will be on Huang’s keynote and the company’s roadmap for the year. Investors, analysts, and industry leaders will be watching closely, hoping for insights that could shape the trajectory of AI development and Nvidia’s role in it.