AI Summit for Rural Communities

Join local leaders, entrepreneurs, marketers, and community members for a two-day summit designed to demystify artificial intelligence and highlight its practical applications for rural communities. Through one public talk and two focused workshops, participants will gain hands-on skills, strategic insights, and a clear understanding of how AI can support economic development, creative industries, and smarter decision-making across the region. All events are free and open to the public with RSVP required. RSVP info will be provided in early December.

Thursday, January 15,| 6:00–7:30 PM
The View from Here: Grounding AI Potential in Local Practice
 Public Presentation

Explore the current AI landscape from a distinctly local vantage point. This session moves from big-picture trends to on-the-ground strategy, focusing on what AI can actually do today and how rural communities can access, adapt, and shape these tools. Learn where meaningful opportunities exist and how to turn AI’s potential into action at the community level. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how AI can support local priorities, strengthen resilience, and unlock new possibilities close to home.

Friday, January 16| 10:00–11:30 AM
AI for Marketing
 Workshop

Discover how AI can elevate your marketing workflow, from content creation to audience engagement. Through real-world examples and practical prompts, we’ll use the latest AI tools to create diverse assets—compelling copy, social posts, graphics, and even short videos. Learn how AI can spark creativity, enhance strategy, and streamline production while helping you build more authentic connections with your audience. Walk away with new skills you can apply immediately, plus a clearer sense of the evolving role of marketers in an AI-driven landscape.

Friday, January 16| 1:00–2:30 PM
AI for Business Decision Making
Workshop

Learn how AI can strengthen every stage of the decision-making process. In this session, we’ll explore how tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity can function as research partners, scenario planners, and strategic advisors. Through concrete use cases and guided exercises, you’ll practice using AI to clarify problems, analyze trade-offs, stress-test ideas, and support more evidence-based decisions. Participants will leave with a practical framework for integrating AI into organizational workflows—and a deeper understanding of how human judgment and AI complement one another.