QLD AI Hub Toowoomba: AI Unleashed ABCD - Accelerate, Boost, Connect, and Debate

**AI Unleashed ABCD: Accelerate, Boost, Connect, and Debate:  Toowoomba AI Hub Event**

Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Join us on Friday July 26th  for an electrifying event that promises to enlighten, inspire, and challenge your perspective on this game-changing technology.

Part 1: Accelerate and Boost your knowledge at our AI Knowledge Extravaganza (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

Immerse yourself in a series of educational sessions led by esteemed experts from the AI Hub community. Explore the following captivating topics:

1. AI Ethics and IP Protection: Navigating the ethical and legal landscape of AI.
2. Training in Generative AI Applications: Hands-on experience with cutting-edge generative models.
3. Building AI Technology: Insights into the development and deployment of AI solutions.
4. Local Business Case Studies in AI Solutions: Real-world success stories and practical applications.
   

Part 2: Connect with people interested in AI at our AI Community Networking dinner (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

A light dinner will be served during our community networking event. Please register and advise of any dietary requirements.

Part 3: The Great AI Debate (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

This debate seeks to unravel the ethical complexities surrounding AI. We consider the algorithms that shape our digital landscape, exploring their impact on privacy, bias, mis-information and decision-making. But beyond code, we emphasise accountability—how do we ensure that AI serves humanity ethically? How do we ensure that both humans and AI are accountable in the use and application of the algorithms? Join us as we navigate this critical intersection of technology, responsibility, and the future.

**Don't Miss Out!**

- Date: Friday, July 26th, 2024

- Venue: TAFE Queensland, Toowoomba campus, 100 Bridge street. 

- Knowledge sessions located at Block A, LG Floor, Rooms 26 and 27

- The Great AI debate located at Black A Auditorium

Join your local AI community, expand your knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about AI's transformative potential.

Register now to secure your spot and unlock the future of AI!

Embrace the AI revolution and be part of this extraordinary event!

SPEAKERS

Session: Using AI in Social Media Management for Small Businesses
In this practical session, Kim will outline the impact of AI on social media marketing. Kim will cover use of AI in Social Media Management including AI benefits, efficiency, engagement, and analytics; with practical applications of AI for content creation, scheduling, customer interactions, and brand implementation tips. A practical demonstration will be provided with tips on how to explore AI tools for social media management in small business.

Kim Cahill 
Kim is a local social media manager and passionate advocate for our region and helping support local business. With a commitment to celebrating and connecting the people, places, events, food, and businesses of Toowoomba and Darling Downs, Kim brings wide work experience from government departments, small family businesses, telecommunications, and education sectors. Known for her genuine and authentic approach with versatile skills in sales, marketing, events, administration, projects, and hospitality. Kim is a driving force behind fostering community growth and success. An early embracer of AI, Kim uses it daily to support small businesses. Actively involved in in the community, Kim believes in the power of "we" over "me" and embodies a "do it now" attitude.

Session: Revolutionising Business with AI: Unlocking New Possibilities
Are you ready to unlock the mind-blowing potential of Generative AI and propel your business into the future? Join us on an exhilarating journey where we'll explore how cutting-edge technologies like ChatGPT and Stable Diffusion can revolutionise your operations, captivate your customers, and skyrocket your success. There are 15000+ AI applications available right now! But hold on tight, because with great power comes great responsibility! We'll guide you through the thrilling world of GenAI while ensuring you navigate the risks with confidence and emerge as a trailblazer in responsible innovation. Buckle up and get ready to experience the ultimate fusion of creativity, efficiency, and security – all wrapped in a package that will leave your competitors green with envy. Don't miss out on this game-changing opportunity to future-proof your business and soar to new heights!


Chris Mills
Chris Mills is the visionary CEO of Strategenics, an award-winning company at the forefront of digital strategy, transformation, and product development. Leveraging the power of data science, software, and artificial intelligence, Chris leads his team in driving tangible business success for clients.

A true innovator, Chris combines cutting-edge technological expertise with a deep commitment to regional development. Based in Queensland, he brings a unique perspective to the tech landscape, focusing on how advanced technologies can create new industries and job opportunities in regional and rural areas.

Chris's approach to digital transformation is holistic and forward-thinking. He excels at guiding organisations through the complexities of adopting new technologies, always with an eye on enhancing customer success, increasing agility, improving team wellbeing, driving sustainable growth, and boosting productivity.

With a strong academic background, including a Bachelor of Business in Human Resources and a Master's in IT focusing on AI, Chris is currently pursuing a Master's in Quantum Technology at the University of Queensland. This blend of business acumen and technical knowledge allows him to bridge the gap between theoretical possibilities and practical applications.

Chris is also a key player in shaping Queensland's tech future. As a founding Board Member of Hydrogen Queensland and a volunteer Chapter Director for the Queensland AI Hub, he actively contributes to the broader AI and emerging technology communities.

Known for his infectious enthusiasm and compelling vision, Chris paints a picture of a future where technology not only drives business success but also uplifts and sustains local communities. His leadership at Strategenics embodies the belief that responsible innovation can be a powerful force for good, creating thriving businesses and vibrant communities in tandem.

Michele Berkhout
Michele Berkhout is a dynamic business leader with a knack for driving growth and innovation. She's all about using data and tech to make businesses better, while keeping things ethical and customer-focused. Michele's got a ton of experience in everything from leadership and mentoring to data analytics and process improvement. She's passionate about helping companies embrace AI and new tech in ways that are both smart and responsible. With her strategic mindset and focus on sustainable growth, Michele's insights on ethical AI in business are game-changing.

Session: Practical Demonstration on how to build GPT Bots
Steve will delve into the transformative power of GPT bots in driving business success. Highlighting a couple of advanced GPT bots he has developed and automated with Make (formerly Integromat), Steve will demonstrate how these AI-driven tools have revolutionised business operations for his clients. Attendees will gain insights into how automation and intelligent analysis can streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and improve client satisfaction. This session will provide valuable knowledge on leveraging AI for tangible business outcomes, helping businesses stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

Steve Jaenke
For over two decades, Steve Jaenke has been a distinguished figure in the SEO landscape, demonstrating exceptional proficiency and foresight in digital marketing. His ability to harness the potential of Google and digital strategies for SMEs has placed him at the forefront of the field, elevating the online presence and success of numerous businesses. Renowned for his strategic acumen, Steve's expertise has earned him prestigious recognitions, including the International Award in Web Excellence and a national award in Marketing Excellence. As a recurrent judge for the Australian Web Awards, he shares his rich insights, fostering growth and excellence in the industry. With Digimark Australia, Steve channels his expertise into a tone that's authoritative, engaging, and educational, and now utilises AI and automation to improve client outcomes, making him an invaluable asset to those seeking to enhance their online presence.

Session: Do we welcome AI with open arms? 
AI is an exciting development and is a fascinating range of technologies, but how much caution should we have when introducing AI into our workplaces?  What guidelines can organisations draw upon when introducing AI and what are the organisational expectations and risks of AI?
This talk will introduce the concept of automation bias and will discuss the risks that AI may present in organisational practices.  We will link these potential risks to the current guidelines and will discuss the need to possibly limit user expectations when using AI in a secured and safe setting.

Graham Green
Instructor, trainer, consultant, Ph.D. candidate and writer – all focusing on the technical aspects of the UAV and aviation sectors and exploring how these aspects may impact the training and safety requirements of those sectors.

Graham is currently working, and researching, towards his Ph.D. at Griffith University (Queensland) and is focussing on the Human Factors aspects of A.I. based drones in the Australian military and security contexts.  He also holds a Masters Degree in Aviation Management from the University of New South Wales and is an active financial member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators and a member of the Australian Society of Air Safety Investigators.   Graham has a strong background in the education, management and aviation sectors and is well qualified and experienced in using technologies to enhance the development, management and presentation of aviation related training programs. This includes programs related to Crew Resource Management, Safety Management Systems and Accident Investigation techniques. 

His broad technical experience and extensive knowledge of the aviation, UAV and educational sectors combine to provide a valuable resource for organisations that are contemplating introducing new technologies into their workflows or training programs.

Scott Sorley
Scott Sorely is the CIO for UniSQ and responsible for enterprise wide planning, coordination and delivery of USQ information and communications systems. Scott has lead major system and change projects to deliver benefits that transform and maximise business value. He has a particular interest in enabling Higher Education and its mission to improve people's lives and create value for society.

Scott Sorley is the Chief Information Officer at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), where he leads the charge in harnessing the power of technology to revolutionise higher education. With a proven track record in enterprise-wide planning, coordination, and delivery of cutting-edge information and communications systems, Scott is at the forefront of digital transformation in the academic sector.

Known for his strategic vision and ability to execute large-scale change projects, Scott has consistently delivered solutions that not only transform operations but also maximise business value. His expertise lies in identifying and implementing technologies that enhance the educational experience, streamline administrative processes, and foster innovation across the university landscape.

Scott's passion for technology is matched only by his commitment to higher education's core mission: improving people's lives and creating value for society. He sees AI and other emerging technologies as powerful tools to make education more accessible, personalised, and effective.

With his unique blend of technical expertise and educational sector knowledge, Scott Sorley offers a compelling perspective on how AI can be leveraged to create more impactful, efficient, and inclusive learning environments.

Ben Gouldson
Ben Gouldson is a top-notch lawyer and business advisor with over 25 years of experience. He's the go-to guy for companies dealing with tricky legal stuff, especially when it comes to tech and innovation. Ben's got a unique mix of legal and business smarts, with degrees in both law and commerce. He's all about finding simple solutions to complex problems.

Recently, Ben's been diving deep into AI ethics in business. He's passionate about helping companies use AI in ways that are both smart and ethical. With his experience in intellectual property and tech-related legal issues, Ben's got some seriously valuable insights on how businesses can navigate the AI landscape responsibly.

When he's not lawyering, Ben's big on giving back to the community. He volunteers on various boards and mentors future leaders. He's basically a local legend in Toowoomba.

Session: Health in an AI World
"Health in an AI World" explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on healthcare, highlighting its potential to revolutionise patient care, disease prevention, and treatment. This speech will delve into the myriad benefits of AI in healthcare, including improved diagnostics, personalised treatment plans, and enhanced accessibility of medical information. We'll also address potential risks such as misinformation and data privacy concerns, and discuss the limitations of AI, emphasising that it's designed to augment rather than replace healthcare professionals.

The presentation will showcase practical applications of AI in healthcare, from early disease detection and drug discovery to AI-driven preventative care strategies. We'll examine how AI is making research more accessible, improving diagnostic accuracy, and offering personalised nutrition and lifestyle recommendations. The time- and cost-saving aspects of AI implementation will also be highlighted. In conclusion, we'll recap the main points and encourage the responsible adoption of AI in healthcare, emphasising the need for ongoing evaluation and ethical considerations to maximise its benefits while mitigating potential risks.

Linda Back
Linda Back is a qualified nutritionist, naturopath and accredited health coach, with over 12 years of experience in private practice, working with clients in both 1:1 and group  settings. Her clients are located in a variety of urban, regional and rural areas.

Her areas of expertise include women’s health and ‘lifestyle disease’ care and prevention.

She holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Complementary Medicine from Charles Sturt University, with a keen interest in evidence-based nutrition and natural health.

Session: AI Debate

Bronwyn Evans
Bronwyn is the driving force behind Investor Support Services at McAdam & Turnbull, providing expert guidance to property investors in Toowoomba. With a deep understanding of government legislation related to tenants, agents, and owners, she's an active member of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) Property Management Chapter and a recently awarded REIQ Fellow.

What sets Bronwyn apart is her commitment to personal connection. She takes the time to address investors' questions personally, ensuring they feel heard and valued in the dynamic Toowoomba property market.

Business is in Bronwyn's DNA, having grown up in a family-owned small business in Far North Queensland. She co-owned Darling Downs Realty with her husband Lachlan in 2006, later merging it with McAdam & Turnbull in 2012. Bronwyn actively recruits, trains, and mentors a team of highly motivated Property Management and Administration Support professionals.

Her leadership ensures the smooth operation of the rental service, focusing on efficient and service-oriented administration processes. This allows the Sales and Rental team to serve clients without distraction, embodying McAdam & Turnbull's reputation for excellence.

Beyond real estate, Bronwyn is an active Toastmaster, winning competitions regularly. She volunteers as a compere at the Toowoomba Eisteddfod and presents at various community organizations. She's also involved in local business networking groups and the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce.