What we’re about
We differ from other local AI/ML meetups in the following ways:
- Local & social - We aim for local community building and idea sharing in the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti area; most of our meetups are in-person.
- Generalist - We focus on the general topics of AI/ML, not on any specialized fields such as NLP or CV.
- Low barrier - Our participants are very diverse, including self-learners, business people, entrepreneurs, students, and those who just started their journey in AI/ML; no PhD degree is needed to participate.
We regularly meet the first Thursday of each month.
Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/jc66nmmMGS
Github Repository: Ann-Arbor-AI-ML-Group
Previous Discord Channel: Great Lakes Tech Leaders: http://gltl.rbn.ai and find #machine-learning-discussions. (Note: Old online chat: https://join.slack.com/t/a2mads/shared_invite/zt-e0sg7hgz-XfWMGP9llYgRd6m7cPLQJw).
Upcoming events (1)
See all- AI Through the C-Suite Lens: A DialogueAnn Arbor SPARK Headquarters, Ann Arbor, MI
The CEO Perspective: Framed by Three Priorities
- Drive revenue
- Reduce costs
- Ensure compliance and mitigate risk
This two-way dialogue will explore how C-Suite leaders view AI's impact on their strategic agenda, focusing on:
- Enhancing or protecting revenue through AI-driven product innovation
- Realizing cost savings and operational efficiencies
- Managing risks related to security, market disruption, bias, and unforeseen expense
Winston Benedict was most recently the Chief Information Officer at ACV Auctions, bringing CIO and CTO experience across industries including advertising, automotive, pharmaceuticals, utilities, aerospace, professional services, and transportation. A lifelong cyclist and alpine skier, he graduated from the University of California, Davis, and grew up in the Lake Tahoe–Reno–Carson City area. He now lives in Ann Arbor with his wife and two children.
Matters for Dialogue
AI for the C-Suite: Focus on Value
- Prioritize business problems and ROI over tech details. AI vs Automation.
- Start small—lower cost, easier wins.
- Highlight impact on customer/employee experience and cost reduction.
- Execs expect real savings—often via headcount reduction.
- Address social impacts proactively.
CIO Watch outs:
- AI needs strong data foundations—past tech failed without it.
- Public model risks: IP, data privacy, legal rights.
- Model transparency—AI risks mirror human ones.
Evaluation & Cost:
- Traditional: requirements → specs → review.
- AI: tasks → roles → model fit.
- Costs: compute, tokens, usage-based pricing.
Deploying AI:
- Don’t just replicate human workflows—reimagine them without human limits.
Pizzas and sodas will be provided by Ann Arbor SPARK to keep the energy up!
Whether you’re a student, researcher, entrepreneur, or hobbyist, everyone interested in AI/ML is welcome.
P.S. Stay connected between meetups on our Discord: https://discord.gg/jc66nmmMGS
