Educators and business people plan a gathering to discuss Stem — that’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics — with a helping of the arts.

The arts make Stem into Steam. That concept is central to a region’s economic well-being and innovation, organizers say.

A San Diego organization called SteamConnect will present its inaugural conference on March 28 at the Irwin M. Jacobs Qualcomm Hall at Qualcomm Inc.’s headquarters.

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Organizers hope to attract 300 people, including students, administrators and political leaders. Dignitaries such as Chris Roe of the California Stem Learning Network and Craig Watson of the California Arts Council as well as elected officials are expected to speak.

Students can attend free.

The Qualcomm headquarters building is at 5775 Morehouse Drive.

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