Entrepreneur Forum: AI Update How to Leverage AI Tools to Accelerate Growth

Are You Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?
Get Connected and Grow at the 2026 Entrepreneurs Forum: AI Update!

NEA will host the annual Entrepreneurs Forum in partnership with Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan on Friday May 15th. This event brings together entrepreneurs and professionals to connect, collaborate, and explore cutting-edge strategies for business growth.

This year’s theme is AI Update and explores how artificial intelligence is helping every day entrepreneurs save time, become more competitive, and significantly reduce costs. Our closing inspirational keynote speaker will be Emmy Award Winning News Anchor and Entrepreneur Glenda Lewis.

This is your opportunity to learn how AI is transforming the way businesses operate and grow. This dynamic event will bring together leading AI experts, tech professionals, and successful entrepreneurs to share the newest tools and strategies shaping the future of business.

Connect with other forward-thinking business owners, learn how to leverage AI for growth, and leave with actionable insights to help you stay competitive in a rapidly evolving AI era.

2026 Entrepreneurs Forum Event Highlights

• Dynamic Keynote Speakers
• Power Packed AI Panel Discussion
• AI Training Sessions
• Numerous Business Resources
• Exhibitors/Vendors
• Continental Breakfast
• Power Networking Lunch
• Give-aways and more

Register at https://www.nationalentrepreneurs.org/2026-entrepreneurs-forum

AI Training Session Descriptions
Session One
Never Lose a Lead Again: Capture, Connect, and Convert Automatically
Instructor: Shaun Zhang | Chief AI Officer at Think Technologies
At an event, you may encounter a valuable contact, capture their business card, and then neglect to follow up. Life’s demands often lead to missed opportunities. In this hands-on workshop, you will develop an easy automation that captures a business card’s image, extracts contact information using artificial intelligence, saves it to your Google Sheet (or your preferred CRM), and drafts a personalized follow-up email within seconds. You will emerge with a functional system that transforms every handshake into a meaningful connection. Please bring your laptop, your phone and business card(s).
​Key Takeaways:

• Capture and organize business contacts instantly using AI
• Eliminate missed opportunities with automated follow-up
• Generate personalized emails in seconds
• Build a ready-to-use system to streamline your networking process

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Session Two
AI for Entrepreneurs: Smart Marketing Without a Bigger Team
Instructor: Heather McGlone | Founder of Ace Strategies
AI is the great equalizer for entrepreneurs, giving small businesses access to tools and capabilities that were once reserved for larger teams. In this practical session, you’ll learn how to use AI strategically to clarify your messaging, create content efficiently, and build consistent marketing systems — all while maintaining your authentic voice and without adding headcount.
​Key Takeaways:

• How to use AI to improve messaging clarity and strengthen positioning
• A simple system for turning one idea into multiple marketing assets
• The right balance between AI efficiency and human strategy
• A practical workflow you can implement immediately to save time and increase consistency

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Session Three
AI Systems to Create Seven Figure Service Businesses
Instructor: Gabe Wilson|Microsoft Certified AI Engineer|Founder of Edgy Design Group
In this powerful session, you’ll discover how to leverage AI systems to build and scale a seven-figure business with greater speed and efficiency. Learn how entrepreneurs are using automation, data, and smart workflows to reduce costs, increase productivity, and maximize profits. This workshop will break down practical AI tools and strategies that can streamline operations, enhance marketing, and improve decision-making. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale, you’ll gain actionable insights to implement AI systems that drive real business growth.
​Key Takeaways:

• Identify AI systems that can accelerate business growth and scalability
• Automate key operations to save time and reduce overhead
• Leverage AI for smarter marketing and customer acquisition
• Build efficient workflows that support consistent revenue growth

Panel Discussion
The Truth About AI - Myths, Misconceptions and Growth Strategies for Entrepreneurs

This interactive discussion will tackle common fears and misconceptions about AI, separating hype from reality so you can make informed decisions. Panelists will share real-world examples of how entrepreneurs and small businesses are using AI to save time, reduce costs, and accelerate growth. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already using AI in your business, you’ll gain practical insights and strategies you can apply right away. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and walk away with a new level of understanding to move your business forward.
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Key Takeaways:​

• Separating AI myths from real-world business opportunities
• Practical ways to use AI to save time and reduce costs
• Strategies to leverage AI for faster, smarter business growth
• Building confidence to adopt and integrate AI into your business

Fireside Chat with Rosh Sillars and Van Allen
How AI Powers Podcasts & YouTube for Business Growth
Innovations in AI Video Productions
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This session brings together longtime podcaster and marketer Rosh Sellars and AV professional Van Allen, for an engaging fireside chat. Drawing on Ross’s real-world podcasting experience and Van’s deep background in video production, this conversation will break down how entrepreneurs can create compelling content without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re already producing podcasts or YouTube videos or have been holding back because it seems like too much work, you’ll discover how AI tools can simplify planning, production, and promotion.
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Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to simplify content creation with AI
• Discover how to scale your podcast & YouTube channel
• Learn how to turn content into clients and revenue
• Build confidence and consistency with AI support

If you have questions or need additional information about this event call 248-416-7278 or visit https://www.nationalentrepreneurs.org/2026-entrepreneurs-forum

If you have questions or need additional information about this event call 248-416-7278 or visit www.nationalentrepreneurs.org.