What a fantastic evening! First and foremost, a big thank you to Mary Sturm and the entire Americans for Prosperity (AFP) team for inviting me back to speak. It’s always a pleasure to connect with such an engaged and forward-thinking crowd—your energy and curiosity make these events truly special. And let’s not forget the unsung heroes of the evening: the coffee and pizza. Seriously, you know exactly how to keep a tech nerd like me fueled and ready to dive headfirst into the deep end of AI!
A Quick Recap of the Evening
At the heart of our discussion was the idea that AI isn’t just the future—it’s already here, evolving at breakneck speed. We kicked things off by revisiting the early days of the internet, showing how it transformed the world—and drawing clear parallels to where AI is taking us now.
I shared how tools like ARIA (my Advanced Recursive Intelligence Assistant) are not just cool tech but actual game-changers. By removing barriers to data access and simplifying workflows, AI is becoming a powerful force for productivity, innovation, and accessibility.
We talked about the seismic shifts AI is driving—from revolutionizing industries to empowering everyday individuals—and emphasized that, just like the internet, those who embrace it will thrive. As for the skeptics? Well, the AI train is already leaving the station, and you don’t want to miss it.
A Series?
Now here’s where things get exciting. Mary and the AFP team proposed turning this into an ongoing series of sessions—and I’m all in! Imagine going beyond the big-picture concepts to dig into the real hands-on stuff. (Yes, that’s another technical term.) Workshops, anyone? These could be fantastic opportunities for attendees to roll up their sleeves, get hands-on with AI tools, and explore practical applications tailored to their own challenges and goals.
From setting up AI-powered systems to automating workflows, these workshops would help you not only understand what’s possible but actually start doing it. If the first session was about opening the door to what’s possible, a series with workshops is about walking through it together—and maybe building a rocket ship along the way.
Final Thanks and an Invitation
To everyone who attended, asked questions, and shared ideas—thank you for your energy and curiosity. You turned a presentation into a dynamic, collaborative conversation, and that’s where the magic happens.
And once again, a massive thank-you to Mary Sturm and the AFP team for creating such a welcoming and inspiring space to explore the cutting edge of technology. Your commitment to empowering people with knowledge and tools is what makes all of this possible.
If you couldn’t make it this time, don’t worry. With this series and the possibility of workshops, there’s going to be plenty of opportunity to join the conversation, ask questions, and get your hands on some of this amazing technology. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible—one session, one workshop, one pizza at a time.
Here’s to Mary, AFP, coffee, and the potential of AI. See you next time!
Warm regards,
Rich Washburn Technologist | AI Evangelist | Coffee Enthusiast
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