With artificial intelligence becoming a large part of small business day-to-day operations, the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce has designed an event to help small owners navigate the ever-changing landscape.
Edge Summit: AI for Small Business – Set on October 6th at Mohegan Pennsylvania on Plains Twp. – Provide participants with basic tools and strategies for safely and successfully implementing artificial intelligence in their business.
As the organization considered ideas for new events for the fall season, authorities agreed that the AI program would help many people, said Mari Potis, director of membership and events at the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.
“We retired from the Scranton Award for Growth and Exceptional for our annual dinner in March, realizing it was time to leave the fall open for The Signature Event and something the business really needs,” she said. “We talk to big companies and small businesses every day and AI is coming up very quickly. A lot of people are so confused and we don't know how it works.
“We had to do something to deal with AI in all businesses, especially small businesses, because if they don't use AI, they'll be left behind. They'll be left behind. Whether it helps to support simple marketing like social media posts or create a restaurant menu, you're already behind.
The program, which costs $125 per person, starts with a 45-minute lunch presentation from fractional growth coach Liam Neville. Participants can register until October 3rd, Potis said.
From there, the itinerary moves to breakout sessions covering a range of topics, including basic views of AI, better outcomes of artificial intelligence, marketing strategies using AI, accurate solutions using artificial intelligence, streamlining operations to simplify specific tasks, and staying safe from cyber threats.
“We're really going to take this down to the starter, primary school level,” Potis said. “When you have these components that can help their business, we have to start from the start.”
Potis also emphasized that the breakout session will feature interactive labs and workshops.
“We've instructed presenters to interact with the audience, so we encourage people to bring their devices (laptops, iPads, or phones) with us,” she said. “My last question when talking to small businesses is what else can you do to help you. And “I need some information about AI.” They know they need it.
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17-year-old Bruce Perry will demonstrate Character AI, an artificial intelligence chatbot software that allows you to chat with popular characters such as Eve from the 2008 animated film Wall-e on July 15th in Russellville, Ark (AP Communication File)
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17-year-old Bruce Perry will demonstrate Character AI, an artificial intelligence chatbot software that allows you to chat with popular characters such as Eve from the 2008 animated film Wall-e on July 15th in Russellville, Ark (AP Communication File)
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Potis adds quarterly deep dives to AI after meetings.
“We need to continue this conversation for our members and make sure we bring educational tools to them,” she said.
Lindsay Griffin Boylan, president and CEO of the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, believes events like the Edge Summit are “important” to shape local businesses.
“As a business and economic development organization, it is our responsibility to ensure that small and medium-sized businesses have access to the tools and training they need to stay competitive in a rapidly changing economy for strong growth and success in the region,” she said. “Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept. It shapes how businesses operate every day. By bringing together experts, resources and practical applications, you will learn that local businesses not only understand this technology, but also how to use it to promote growth and innovation.
“We are proud to partner with the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce on this important initiative.
Joey Zarcone, vice president of Posure Interactive, a Scranton-based digital marketing agency, aims to instruct business owners on how to use AI to complement their employees.
“I'm marketing all day long and people don't go anywhere,” he said. “I would like to show where there are still places for humans and there are places for agents, but AI is a tool like spell checking. It can be used to save time, create accuracy, digital interesting things and inform decisions.
“I want to show people how to make those tools more efficient. I think they're really valuable to businesses of all sizes by helping them focus on what they're doing their best.”
Zarcone praised Chamber of Commerce officials for recognizing the importance of educating local business owners about artificial intelligence in a convenient and affordable way.
“I think they're doing a really good job of what's going on, what's coming, what's coming, to help our members keep speeding up informed,” he said. “Making access for small and medium-sized businesses is incredibly valuable because many small and medium-sized businesses don't have access to large meetings and cost-effective professional development. I think it's a great opportunity to bring those resources to those who need them in a cost-effective way.”
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