Open Research in the Age of AI (In-person)

⌖ Bristol · Origin Workspace

Hosted by Mindstone

Mindstone’s Bristol AI Meetup brings practical LLM demos, real-world building lessons and discussion about AI’s wider impact to Origin Workspace on 28 October. Taking place from 6pm to 9pm on Wednesday 28 October 2026, this monthly, in-person meetup offers a grounded look at how artificial intelligence is being built with and applied today. It is an opportunity to see working ideas up close, learn from practical experience and meet others exploring the fast-changing AI landscape in Bristol. Three perspectives on AI The evening features three talks spanning technical development, everyday application and big-picture thinking: - What I Learned Building With LLMs, a technical demonstration that breaks down the process of building an AI-powered product, including real-life lessons and insights gathered along the way. - Beating the Lotto, with AI by Jason Holloway, a practical demo and step-by-step guide showing how AI can be used to speed up and improve tasks. - What Does the Future Look Like With AI?, a theoretical exploration of how AI may affect work, everyday life and society. Together, the sessions move from hands-on product building to practical workflows and the broader consequences of adoption. That mix makes the meetup relevant to people already experimenting with LLMs and AI products, as well as curious attendees who want concrete examples rather than abstract hype. Technical builders can expect implementation-focused learning, while founders, professionals and AI enthusiasts can gain ideas about useful applications and future implications. Talks, demos and community This is a three-hour, in-person event organised by Mindstone. The structured talks are followed by pizza, drinks and networking, giving attendees time to compare projects, discuss the presentations and build connections with fellow AI practitioners and enthusiasts. The meetup takes place at Origin Workspace, 40 Berkeley Square, Bristol BS8 1HP. Its combination of a technical product breakdown, a step-by-step practical demonstration and a discussion about AI’s societal impact provides a broad snapshot of the field in one evening. Get tickets for the Mindstone Bristol October AI Meetup

⌖ Bristol · Torchbox

Hosted by Bristol AI Ethics

Explore the ethics of artificial intelligence through expert-led discussion, an AI news roundup and networking in Bristol on 29 October 2026. This monthly, in-person meetup from Bristol AI Ethics creates space for a candid look at the ethical,and sometimes distinctly unethical,use of AI. Taking place at Torchbox in Bristol, the evening combines a topical talk with group discussion, practical reflection and opportunities to meet others interested in responsible technology. What to expect The two-hour programme moves from informal networking into a structured exploration of current AI ethics issues: - 6:00pm , Arrival and networking: meet fellow attendees before the formal programme begins. - 6:30pm , Monthly News Roundup: review recent developments and stories shaping conversations about AI and its impact. - 6:50pm , Main Talk: the October speaker and subject are still to be confirmed. - 7:20pm , Q&A and discussion: question the ideas raised and contribute your own perspective. - 7:35pm , Grab a drink: take a short break and continue conversations informally. - 7:50pm , Positive Actions: finish by considering constructive responses to the issues discussed. The scheduled programme wraps up at 8:00pm. Attendees can remain for further discussion and networking until the group needs to vacate the building at 8:30pm. Who it’s for This meetup is relevant to anyone who wants to think more critically about how artificial intelligence is designed, deployed and discussed. It offers an accessible forum for technologists, researchers, product builders and other interested participants to exchange views on responsible AI. No specific experience level or technical prerequisite is listed; the emphasis is on talks, questions and open conversation rather than a hands-on technical workshop. Venue details The event runs from 6:00pm to 8:00pm GMT on Thursday 29 October 2026 at Torchbox, 3rd Floor, 15 Colston Street, Bristol. The venue entrance has a short ramp leading to the front door. Press the Torchbox buzzer for access, then use either the lift or stairs to reach the third floor. Attendees can also use the venue’s what3words location for directions.… Register for this event

⌖ Bristol · The Beehive Centre

Build confidence with everyday digital tools at this beginner-friendly AI and online skills course in Bristol on Wednesday 4 November 2026. Digital Skills Bristol is a two-hour session for beginners through to improvers who want to feel more capable and informed when using the internet and common digital services. Taking place from 10:45am to 12:45pm GMT at The Beehive Centre in Bristol, it forms part of an eight-week course covering practical digital topics relevant to everyday life. What the course covers The programme introduces five core areas of digital literacy: - Getting online and building broader confidence with digital technology - AI, with content suitable for people who are new to the subject - Emailing and the digital skills associated with online communication - Social media - Online safety, helping participants approach the internet with greater awareness The course explicitly welcomes both complete beginners and people who already have some experience but want to improve. It is therefore better suited to foundational learning than advanced technical training. You do not need to be an AI specialist, programmer or experienced digital creator to fit the intended audience. Format and schedule This is a weekly, in-person digital skills course rather than a one-off talk. The full programme runs for eight weeks, with a break for half term. This listed session takes place on Wednesday 4 November 2026, and the Meetup schedule shows weekly Wednesday meetings continuing until 11 November 2026. The two-hour format gives participants a dedicated setting in which to explore a range of essential topics over the wider course. As individual lesson content is not specified on the event page, attendees should consult the organiser if they need to confirm which of the advertised subjects will be addressed during this particular date. Venue and organiser The session will be held at The Beehive Centre, 19A Stretford Road, Whitehall, Bristol BS5 7AW. It is hosted by Matt F. and organised through the MTrain Computers & Digital Skills Meetup group. View the event and registration details

⌖ Bristol · Natwest Accelerator Hub

Hosted by Bristol NatWest Accelerator

Learn how to choose and use digital technology to grow your business at this one-hour, in-person workshop in Bristol. Hosted by Bristol NatWest Accelerator with Business West, the session takes place on Thursday 5 November 2026, from 10:00am to 11:00am, at NatWest Accelerator Hub, 2 Avon Street, Bristol BS2 0PT. Tech adoption specialists will help attendees understand how the right digital tools can support creation, collaboration, promotion, sales and innovation, while controlling costs and maximising practical benefits. You can expect to: - Explore why choosing the right technology matters to business success - Discuss your own digital challenges - Learn how to avoid common adoption pitfalls - Discover further Tech Adoption for Growth support funded by the UK Government The workshop is designed for businesses in every sector, from recent startups to well-established companies. It is informational rather than a sales presentation: the organisers state that they will not promote specific technology solutions. No individual speakers or detailed tool demonstrations have been announced. Cameras will be present, and photographs may be used on social media. Notify the organisers if you do not want to appear in them. Get tickets

⌖ New York

Hosted by Crescendo

Crescendo Live San Francisco 2026 brings together customer experience leaders for a full-day exploration of AI's real-world impact on CX operations. Taking place on May 21, 2026 (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM PST) in the heart of San Francisco's tech ecosystem, this operator-focused conference cuts through AI hype to showcase what's actually working in customer support, automation, and team design. What You'll Gain This isn't another vendor-heavy conference. Crescendo Live delivers practical insights from experienced CX operators who are successfully deploying AI in production environments. You'll get clear on the new CX standard — understanding how speed, consistency, and trust have fundamentally reset customer expectations and where many organizations quietly fall short. The event tackles critical questions facing CX leaders today: how to move AI from experimentation to execution without breaking customer trust, how to pair automation with human expertise for faster decisions, and how to build smarter teams that leverage AI while maintaining the judgment and empathy that define exceptional service. Speaker Lineup Hear from leaders at the forefront of AI-powered customer experience, including James Green (Chief Customer Officer, Squire), Hemant Taneja (CEO, General Catalyst), Morgan Donaldson (Chief Commercial Officer, CNTRL+), Jaqueline Andre (Sr. Director CS Production & Support, BentoBox), Chris Jocson (Chief Operating Officer, Good Eggs), and executives from TaskRabbit, POLYWOOD, and Crescendo itself. These practitioners share real stories, honest challenges, and proven strategies from teams facing the same operational pressures you navigate daily. Event Format The day blends main stage content with interactive breakout sessions and workshops. Morning sessions (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) dive into foundational shifts in CX, followed by lunch and networking. Afternoon breakouts (1:30 – 2:30 PM) offer hands-on exploration of specific topics, with additional main stage content (2:30 – 4:30 PM) before an awards ceremony and cocktail reception that extends networking into the evening. Who Should Attend This conference is designed for CX leaders, customer support directors, automation strategists, and anyone responsible for delivering scalable, high-quality customer experiences. Whether you're evaluating AI tools, refining automation strategies, or redesigning team structures around AI capabilities, you'

⌖ São Paulo · Distrito Anhembi

AI Brasil Experience 2026 brings two days of practical artificial intelligence, immersive experiences and business networking to São Paulo on 28–29 October. Held at Distrito Anhembi in São Paulo, the conference is designed for people who want to move beyond AI hype and understand how the technology can create real value in business, careers and everyday life. It brings together leaders, companies, specialists, creators, startups and professionals who are actively navigating AI-driven change. What to expect The 2026 programme will combine main-stage content with demonstrations, practical learning and opportunities to meet others working across technology and business. Topics will explore the application of AI in: - Business strategy, leadership and innovation - Marketing, sales and productivity - Education and the future of work - Organisational transformation and competitiveness - Real-world markets and industries across Brazil Alongside talks and case studies, attendees can expect immersive environments created to help them test, experience and understand AI in practice. The event places particular emphasis on applicable knowledge, informed decisions and genuine use cases rather than abstract theory or whichever tool happens to be trending. Who should attend? AI Brasil Experience is aimed at entrepreneurs, executives, technology professionals, marketers, educators, innovation teams, creators and anyone seeking a clearer view of AI’s practical impact. It should also appeal to companies looking to build internal understanding and prepare teams for adoption. Networking is a central part of the format, connecting attendees with business owners, corporate leaders, specialists, startups and professionals undergoing their own AI transformation. The event describes itself not as a generic technology fair or a sequence of disconnected talks, but as a meeting point for content, community, business and transformation. The scale of the previous edition offers a sense of the wider experience: in 2025, the event reported more than 17,000 participants, 300 speakers, 180 talks, 100 exhibition stands and 60 startups. Previous stages have hosted figures from business, technology, education and public life, although those names do not represent confirmed speakers for 2026.… Register for this event