In a world increasingly captivated by the potential of artificial intelligence, the Vancouver AI Meetup stands as a testament to the vibrant community at the intersection of technology, creativity, and community.
With over 135 attendees, this gathering was a microcosm of the broader dialogue shaping the future of AI. I couldn’t be prouder of the buzzing atmosphere we created together on May 30th.
At the heart of this meetup was a palpable sense of community. It’s easy to imagine technology events as gatherings of individuals glued to their devices, but here, the reality was strikingly different.
Conversations flowed freely, ideas were exchanged with enthusiasm, and a shared passion for AI’s potential united everyone in the room.
Our meetups aren’t just a meeting of minds; they are a celebration of what those minds can achieve together.
The diversity of speakers underscored the multifaceted nature of AI. From academia to industry, the range of perspectives offered a holistic view of AI’s place in our world.
Dennis Chenard from Northeastern University bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, while Bill McGraw highlighted AI’s transformative role in Impact and CSR.
Yet, it was perhaps the inclusion of indigenous perspectives by Michael and Caroline Running Wolf that most vividly illustrated the depth and breadth of the discussions taking place.
Their insights into AI ethics and sovereignty challenged attendees to think beyond code and algorithms, to consider the societal implications of the technology we create.
Art and technology often seem like disparate realms, yet at this meetup, they converged in spectacular fashion.
The performance by Ove Holmqvest of Holonic and Marina, the Holy Mother of the Void, merging generative music with interpretive dance, was a powerful demonstration of emerging tech’s potential to transcend traditional boundaries and redefine creativity.
Similarly, Arshia Sobhan and Philippe Pasquier’s AutoLoom project from Metacreation Lab for Creative AI at SFU showcased how AI can be harnessed for artistic expression, further blurring the lines between creator and creation.
Dr. Pennefather’s improvisation with AI at UBC’s Emerging Media Lab challenged the linear relationship between human and machine.
Donald Jukes introduced us to a cool new event I’m stoked about, “Minimal Viable Demos,” being organized by friends in the Novus and Atelier communities.
Sian Flanagan’s poetic voice empowered the multi-passionate, while Gabriela Arno facilitated entrepreneurial connections at The Cofounder’s Hub and Meet Your Cofounder event series.
But what truly set this event apart was its emphasis on inclusivity and community engagement.
Roman the Intern shared with us his AI-generated videos and All You Need to Know YouTube Channel…
he’s building a robot army and media empire with generative tools and popped the trunk and showed us his approach and process.
Sam Huo invited everybody to the Google Developer Groups Build with AI event. I went to the last one and am volunteering at the upcoming one and think it’s a great technical event with low barriers and a sweet community.
Ed Kennedy from Run Diffusion talked about the cool creative opportunities they support: RunDiffusion provides AI workflows with private GPU hosting.
The Circles of AI project, spearheaded by James Rowe and Rochelle Grayson, aims to create a space where everyone could contribute to and benefit from AI’s advancements.
These initiatives, along with the active participation of volunteers and the support from diverse sponsors, highlighted a crucial truth: advancing AI is not just about technological breakthroughs; it’s about building a community that reflects the diversity and complexity of the world it seeks to serve.
As attendees mingled, shared insights, and discussed future projects, one thing became clear: these meetups are just the beginning. The call to action for continued sharing and collaboration was not just about maintaining momentum; it was about recognizing that the journey of AI is one we undertake together.
By fostering a culture of openness, curiosity, and mutual respect, events like this lay the groundwork for a future where AI can truly be a force for good. In reflecting on the Vancouver AI Meetup, it’s evident that the power of such gatherings lies not just in the knowledge shared but in the connections formed.
Bridging academia and industry, integrating art with technology, and embracing diverse perspectives are not just strategies for innovation; they are pillars for building an AI future that is inclusive, ethical, and profoundly human.
As we look forward to more meetups and more opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, let us remember that at the core of every technological advancement is a community of people committed to making a difference.
The Vancouver AI Meetup is an awesome example of what happens when that community comes together: a confluence of minds and machines that promises to shape our world in ways we are only beginning to imagine.
Highlighting Key Demos
The demos were the heart of the event, showcasing the cutting-edge applications of AI:
Lionel Ringenbach’s CompoVision AI Demo
Lionel used three computer vision cameras, ComfyUI, Llama3 and TouchDesigner to create real-time visuals.
The demo involved placing objects in front of the cameras, which were then meshed into prompts to generate stunning visuals on the wall.
Attendees got to tinker and prompt AIs with a variety of props.
Prajwal’s Jarvis Demo
Prajwal’s Vision Apple Pro cap, equipped with a speaker, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Raspberry Pi, and a vision sensor, demonstrated the innovative potential of wearable AI.
Despite initial technical hiccups, the audience’s supportive cheers helped him showcase its capabilities, including poetry generation and real-time interactions.
Stigmergic Action for Global Empowerment – Jerrica Clelland
The SAGE project leverages video games for mental health support, highlighting the collaboration between technology and well-being.
At the heart of SAGE is an unwavering belief in the transformative power of storytelling, world-building, and gameplay as conduits for positive change.
Acknowledgments
A huge thank you to Kemp Edmonds for coordinating the team of volunteers and organizing partners and sponsors.
Special thanks to Jeff Clark, Alexandra the Bartender, Roz McNulty, Roman the Intern, James McKenzie, and Brittney Smaila for their invaluable contributions. Valerie and Daria, your logistical support was crucial to the event’s success.
Visual Recap
Relive the event through a selection of the best photos and videos:
• Peter Holst Photo Album
• Michelle Diamond Photo Album
• YouTube Highlights
Thank You Note
A heartfelt thank you to all the speakers, demo presenters, volunteers, and attendees who made this event a resounding success. Special gratitude to our sponsors and partners:
• AugXLabs
• AI Futures for Art + Design
• Metacreation Lab at SFU
• Vancouver Biennale
• Sons of Vancouver
• Creative Mornings Vancouver
• Holistic Hybrid
• CMPFYR
• Internet Masterminds
• The FATALE Festival
• VLACC (Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre)
• Taylight Brewing
Looking Ahead
Stay tuned for more innovative sessions at our future meetups. Don’t miss the next event and grab your Earlyworm Tickets now:
• June Vancouver AI Community Meetup at Future Proof Creatives Studio
Call to Action
We invite attendees and readers to share their experiences and photos from the event. Your suggestions and ideas are crucial for shaping future meetups, fostering a collaborative and innovative AI community.
In the ever-evolving world of AI, community engagement and innovation are our guiding stars. Let’s continue to explore, create, and inspire together.
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Holy smokes, you know I love a good round-up – complete with links, photos, captions etc. – and a great community vibe, and this comes through in highest marks on both. Remarkable to see all the big smiles and bright eyes.
PS great blog theme too