Wake Up to AI: a call to arms for Nelson

AI has moved from novelty to everywhere in about three years, and it is changing how work gets done faster than most of us have kept up with. This free evening talk is a straight look at what that means for Nelson, and why now is the time to start paying attention.

Serge van Dam has spent three years working with AI from almost every angle: investing in AI companies, helping organisations adopt it, training complete beginners, and advising government. He has seen what works, what gets oversold, and where the real opportunities are for ordinary people and small businesses.

He will cover where AI is useful right now, the risks worth paying attention to, and how to get started without being technical. Expect plain talk, not hype. At one point he will build a working website live on stage in about two minutes, and everyone in the room gets the link afterwards, so you can see for yourself how far the tools have come.

The evening finishes with a few challenges for the room and plenty of time for questions. Serge wants the hard ones, so bring yours.

You do not need any experience with AI to come along. If you already use it every day, there will be plenty here for you too. You will leave with a clearer view of what is real and a sensible place to start.

Free to attend and everyone is welcome. A cash bar is available at the venue.

About Serge

Serge van Dam started out as an organisational psychologist, so he came to AI through people rather than code. He is now an investor in several New Zealand AI companies, an Operating Partner at the venture capital firm Movac, and co-founder of the AI training company AI Supercharge. He also advises government agencies including MBIE and NZTE.

Workshop the next morning

Serge is also running a workshop the next morning, Friday 30 October, for business owners who want to design an AI agent for one of their own tasks. You’ll map the task with Serge, then watch agents built live. 9am to 12:15pm, $195 incl. GST.

Book here: https://events.humanitix.com/designing-your-first-ai-powered-service/tickets

Date and time: Thursday 29 October 2026,
7:00pm to 9:00pm (about 90 minutes, including time for questions)
Venue: Nelson Function Centre at Nelson Golf Club, 38 Bolt Road, Tāhunanui, Nelson

About Nelson AI Sandbox

Nelson AI Sandbox is a not-for-profit community initiative helping people in our region get hands-on with AI, through drop-in sessions, workshops and one-to-one support. We’re based at Halifax Café in Nelson. Find out more at aisandbox.org.nz.