AI Tricks, Treats, and Horror Stories

Join us for an interactive panel discussion regarding AI implementation, governance, legal considerations, and academic research. Artificial Intelligence is generating tremendous excitement across the business community, with organizations exploring new ways to improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and gain competitive advantages. Yet as AI adoption accelerates, many businesses are still navigating how to implement these technologies securely, responsibly, and in a way that delivers meaningful results. Join us for AI Tricks, Treats & Horror Stories, an engaging panel discussion featuring technology, business, and risk management professionals who will share practical insights on the rapidly evolving AI landscape. During this conversation, we'll explore: 🎃 The Treats: Real-world examples of AI creating value, driving productivity, and supporting business growth. 🧙 The Tricks: Common misconceptions, unrealistic expectations, and lessons learned from organizations implementing AI initiatives. 👻 The Horror Stories: Security vulnerabilities, governance gaps, and costly mistakes that can occur when businesses move too quickly without the right safeguards in place. Designed for banking professionals, accounting leaders, and local business executives, this discussion will provide practical takeaways to help organizations evaluate AI opportunities, manage risk, and develop strategies for responsible adoption. Whether your organization is just beginning its AI journey or actively deploying AI solutions, you'll leave with insights to help separate the hype from reality and better understand what it takes to harness AI successfully. Join us for a timely conversation on how businesses can unlock the promise of AI while avoiding the pitfalls that can turn opportunity into a horror story. A light afternoon snack will be provided. Costumes welcome! Panelists: Mark Williamson, Business Development Manager - Wavemark Consulting & IT Services Mark Williamson is a technology and business development leader with more than 20 years of experience in IT, cybersecurity, cloud services, automation, and business strategy. As Business Development Manager at Wavemark Consulting & IT Services, he helps organizations use technology to improve security, efficiency, and operations. Mark has a strong focus on practical AI—using it to automate workflows, analyze data, accelerate development, and turn ideas into working solutions. His approach focuses on moving beyond the hype and finding practical ways AI can make people and organizations more effective. Justin Coats - LearnAIR Chief Visionary Officer and Co-Founder Justin brings experience in technology, education, entrepreneurship, and service in the U.S. Marine Corps to his work at LearnAIR™. He makes complex AI concepts approachable, practical, and useful. Justin helps the work human understand how AI can support their work, strengthen their capabilities, and create new possibilities without losing the judgment, creativity, and connection only humans can provide. Other Panelists TBD Thank you to our sponsors: Jones & Roth (Title Sponsor), Saalfeld Griggs (Gold), Evergreen Business Capital, Farleigh Wada Witt, Columbia Bank, Rocklyn Capital and WaFd Bank (Silver Sponors).