Most people have tried ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini — asking questions, drafting emails, summarizing documents. But AI is moving beyond simple chat. In this beginner-friendly, action-oriented workshop, SOFTEC board member Albert Qian will guide you through what AI agents actually are, how they work, and how to put them to use in real business, nonprofit, and professional workflows. No coding required — just a laptop and a willingness to try something new.
The cornerstone of our time together will be a dedicated hands-on hour where every attendee sets up their first working agent — guided, supported, and paced for beginners. Because a YouTube video can explain agents but it can't set one up with you. You'll apply what you learn to real scenarios — competitive research, grant prospecting, content scripting, market intelligence — and leave with something that can handle tasks currently eating hours of your week. With seats limited to 10, you'll get the kind of individual attention a larger event simply can't offer.
You'll walk away with:
- A mental model that sticks — a clear, jargon-free understanding of what AI agents are and how they differ from the chatbot tools you already use.
- A working agent you built yourself — not a template someone handed you, but something you set up, tested, and can adapt starting this week.
- Realistic expectations — an honest picture of what these tools cost, where they shine, and where human judgment still matters most.
50% of the proceeds will support SOFTEC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the regional technology community.