Build Your AI Assistant: ChatGPT, Claude & Beyond [Workshop]

From AI Curious to AI Confident: What Went Down at Our Hands-On AI Workshop

Remember that spark of curiosity you felt when you first encountered AI tools like ChatGPT? That feeling of "there must be more to this"? Well, that's exactly what brought a fantastic group of people together on Wednesday, December 4th, at GridAKL in the heart of Auckland CBD.

Our "From AI Curious to AI Confident" workshop wasn't about abstract theories or endless slides. It was about rolling up our sleeves, opening our laptops, and diving headfirst into the exciting world of practical AI applications.

The Evening's Adventure Unfolded

The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from AITHENTIC, setting the stage by inspiring us with the vast possibilities of AI. We gained valuable insights into the principles of effective AI implementation and even got a glimpse into the future of AI automation through European expertise. It was all about understanding the "why" behind the "how."

Then came the moment we'd all been waiting for: AI in Action with the brilliant team from Harnex AI. This wasn't your typical tech talk. Their experts spoke our language, guiding us step-by-step as we built our very first AI solutions using the power of ChatGPT and Claude.

The focus? Transforming how we approach customer insights – and the best part? These were practical solutions we could actually use, no complex theory required! The energy in the room was palpable as everyone experienced the "magic" of AI firsthand.

Finally, Make Simple took the reins to guide us through Making It Real. We learned how to transform those tedious, repetitive tasks into smart, automated workflows. Gustavo broke down practical automation principles, showing us how to start small and scale up to achieve real business value. It was all about seeing tangible results, quickly.

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." – Peter Drucker

Why Was This Evening So Special?

Beyond the incredible learning, the evening was buzzing with connection and discovery. Here's what made it so memorable:

Real, Actionable Skills: Everyone walked away with skills they could immediately apply – no abstract concepts here!

No Death by PowerPoint (Promise Kept!): It was all hands-on, all the time.

A Toolkit to Take Home: The learning didn't stop when the event ended. Attendees gained practical knowledge and resources to continue their AI journey.

Expert Guides Who Get It: The facilitators were fantastic – knowledgeable, approachable, and they truly understood what it's like to be new to AI.

A Supportive Community: We connected with a fantastic group of fellow AI explorers, all eager to learn and grow together.

Fuel for Thought (and Action!): And yes, the rumors are true – great minds definitely think better with the delicious drinks and kai provided!

The most important takeaway? Everyone remembered their laptop – their essential tool for unlocking the power of hands-on learning!