About us
# About AI & Society
AI is transforming society — but the conversation must include everyone.
AI & Society started in Brisbane in January 2025 as a small gathering of 20 people. It has since grown into a national community exploring how artificial intelligence is shaping our lives, work, cities and institutions — bringing together people from technology and non-technology backgrounds to learn together, share perspectives, and understand how AI is changing society.
AI will influence the decisions we make in our careers, businesses and communities — and increasingly, the policies that shape our future. We believe people should be informed, curious and engaged citizens in the age of AI.
AI is global and increasingly centralised — but its impacts are experienced locally. Every community has its own industries, cultures, priorities and histories. The conversations about AI in Brisbane are different to those in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth — and those differences matter. AI & Society exists to make sure every community has a voice in shaping the AI future.
## Our Mission
To help people understand and shape the role of AI in society through inclusive civic dialogue, interdisciplinary learning, and community-led exploration. We aim to ensure that the future of AI is shaped not only by technologists, but by the communities it affects.
## Our Beliefs
1. AI literacy is a civic skill Understanding AI is becoming essential for making informed decisions — as workers, leaders and citizens. AI literacy helps people navigate career change, make better decisions, understand policy debates, and participate in democracy.
2. The AI conversation must be inclusive AI affects everyone — not just technologists. We bring together engineers, business leaders, students, policymakers, creatives, educators and community members. Better decisions happen when multiple disciplines and perspectives come together.
3. Civic debate matters AI inspires optimism, concern and uncertainty. We believe healthy societies need space for optimism, scepticism, critical thinking and pragmatism. Our events encourage open and respectful discussion across viewpoints.
4. Every place has a voice AI is built globally but experienced locally. Different communities have different industries, demographics, cultures, economic challenges and opportunities. After hosting events across Australia, we've seen how each region brings a unique perspective on AI — and these local perspectives are essential for shaping good policy and responsible innovation.
## One National Community
AI & Society is now one national group, with local events hosted across:
- Brisbane — our home base, with the deepest event cadence
- Sydney (including Parramatta)
- Melbourne
- Adelaide
- Perth
Look for the city tag at the start of each event (e.g. "SYDNEY — AI & Society Lab") to find what's happening near you. We're also launching online events so members anywhere — including internationally — can join the conversation.
We're continuing to expand. If you'd like AI & Society to visit your city or region, get in touch.
## What We Do
AI & Society hosts community events including talks and presentations, interactive workshops, civic discussions, design sprints, and networking events. Our sessions combine learning, discussion and practical exploration.
## Who We're For
Anyone who wants to understand the future shaped by AI — professionals and leaders, students and researchers, technologists, entrepreneurs, community members, curious learners. No technical background required.
## Why AI & Society Exists
Artificial intelligence is becoming one of the most transformative forces of our time. Yet most people are not part of the conversation. AI & Society exists to change that — we believe the future of AI should be shaped by informed communities, not just institutions.
## Join the Conversation
Join the community here on Meetup, and follow us on LinkedIn for updates: linkedin.com/company/ai-and-society
The best way to stay across everything — events, essays, and the bigger conversation — is our newsletter:
📩 Subscribe: sophiaarkinstall.substack.com
Upcoming events
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AI & Society | Hype, Winters & What's Next.
The Precinct, The Precinct Level 3 Building Beirne Building, 315 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, AU# A Very Brief History of AI | AI & Society Brisbane
AI has moved quickly. What once felt experimental is now changing how we work, build businesses, make decisions and solve problems.
But how did we get here? What has genuinely changed beyond the hype? And where might AI be heading next?
Join AI & Society Brisbane for an evening exploring the evolution of AI, the breakthroughs that have shaped the field, and what comes next.## What we'll explore
Joining us is John Crook, CEO of Rule 30, who will share practical insights from the intersection of AI, technology and business.
Together, we'll explore:- The major developments that have shaped AI
- What's genuinely changed in recent years
- How organisations are using AI in practice
- The gap between AI hype and real-world value
- Where AI may be heading next — and what it means for society
- What humans need to get better at as AI gets better
This isn't a technical deep dive or an exercise in predicting the distant future. It's an opportunity to step back, challenge assumptions and connect the bigger picture with what's happening today.
## The evening
5:30 pm — Arrival and networking
6:00 pm — Opening perspective from Sophia Arkinstall, followed by John Crook's presentation
Conversation & Q&A — Interactive discussion with the room
8:30 pm — Close## Who should attend?
Anyone curious about AI — whether you're already using it, exploring its potential for your organisation, or simply trying to make sense of the pace of change. No technical background required.
## Event details
Date: Wednesday, 28 October 2026
Time: 5:30 pm arrival · 6:00–8:30 pm
Location: The Precinct, BrisbaneIf you'd like to support the community, you can make an optional contribution to help cover event costs and support future gatherings.
Make an optional contribution here via Stripe: https://donate.stripe.com/4gMdR9fIR0SN0ECdrLebu03
Every contribution is appreciated, but there's absolutely no obligation.## Photography
Photos and video may be captured for AI & Society's LinkedIn and community communications. Please let us know on arrival if you'd prefer not to be included.
AI & Society is a community connecting people across disciplines to explore AI's impact on people, places and society through events, workshops and shared learning. Founded by Sophia Arkinstall in December 2026 the community has grown across Australia and now internationally.
AI & Society isn't about hype. It's about discernment.
Because the defining question is no longer just what AI can do — but what society should trust.48 attendees
AI & Society | Run Walk Coffee Club 🏃♀️☕🥐 (BNE)
Felons Brewing Co, 5 Boundry Street, Fortitude Valley, AUAI & Society | Run Walk Coffee Club ☕🏃♀️🥐
7 am Start
📅 Every Second Weekend | 🕖
📍 Felons Café, Howard Smith Wharves (under the Story Bridge, opposite Crystalbrook Vincent Hotel)
Run. Walk. Chat. Coffee.
Whether you’re lacing up for a 5/6km jog, strolling the riverwalk, or just here for the ☕ + 💬 — you’re welcome.
***### 🗓️ MEETUP FLOW
6:55 Welcome & arrival. Outside Felons Café under the bridge.
7:00 Warm-up & check in. Under the bridge + Quick check-in.
7:05 Run, jog or walk. 5–6km return along the Riverwalk to New Farm Park. No pressure, go your own pace. Sophia will film a short "jog-and-talk" along the way: What did you learn in AI this week?
7:50 Coffee, Croissants & Convos. Regroup at Felons Café. Water, coffee, croissants and conversations with legends.
9:00 Group photo & wrap-up. Snap a group photo, then head off with a smile. Stay as long as you like.
***### 🏃♀️ The Plan
We’ll do a relaxed 5-6km return run (or walk!) along Brisbane’s scenic Riverwalk to New Farm Park and back.
✨ No pressure. Go at your own pace.
🎯 Finish point is at Howard Smith Wharves so we can all cool down and walk to Felons Café.
📍 Route map: onthegomap.com/s/edlhcbvm
***### ☕ Why We Do It
We might geek out on AI — but we’re also here for real-world connection.
One step, one conversation, one coffee at a time.
Bring your curiosity, comfy shoes, and good energy.
***### 🎤 Bonus: Jog-and-Talk Video
I’ll be filming a short “jog-and-talk” asking:
“What did you learn this week in AI?”
Join in, listen in, or just enjoy the vibes.
***### 🧭 Getting There
- Train: Fortitude Valley Train Station or Brisbane City Train Station (Short walk to HSW)
- Bus: Brisbane CBD (Multiple) or Arrive in the Valley (Brunswick St) (Short walk to HSW)
- Parking Options
- Street Parking: There's usually some parks available along Bowen Terrace, near the Bowen Terrace Lookout (take the lift down to HSW)
- HSW Carpark: howardsmithwharves.com/car-park
***
### 🌦️ Weather
We’ll go ahead in light rain. If weather turns bad, I’ll update you 48 hours before.
Pro tip: Bring a towel, spare socks or a rain jacket – just in case.
***### 💼 Bag Drop
If you have a small bag or jumper (no valuables) you can kindly ask the staff at Felons Café to store this away for you during the run and collect it afterwards when we return for a coffee & croissant.
***### 📲 Quick Tips
- Text me (Sophia) if you need anything.
- Download the Meetup app for updates and direct messaging (You can also message me on here)
- Track your run on Strava – it’s free and fun!
1 attendee
Past events
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