Intelligent Conversation

There is a rich philosophical literature on skills (e.g., chess, ballet, cricket) which focuses both on the mental states of performers (e.g., what is the phenomenology of doing something well?) and on the evaluative dimension of skill and talent (e.g., what makes skilled achievements valuable?). Within this literature, there is a glaring omission of any discussion of skills acquired and expressed in standard workplace contexts, from cafés to warehouses. This talk considers the significance of that omission, both for our philosophical conception of skill and our understanding of action in the workplace. I argue that the phenomenology of workplace skill (which should account for feelings like boredom and fear) complicates our evaluative notions about skill and talent, mainly because it elucidates and reveals as untenable certain assumptions within the philosophy of skill about the evaluative implications of phenomenological states. Zara Anwarzai https://www.sfu.ca/philosophy/people/profiles/zanwarza/ Assistant Professor Department of Philosophy Simon Fraser University **About the Speaker:** I received my PhD from Indiana University in Philosophy and in Cognitive Science in 2024. My current work focuses on the social dimension of skill and expertise. Specifically, I'm interested in how to apply traditional inquiry into the cognitive and epistemological mechanisms involved in skill (which mainly focuses on individual skilled performers) to skills acquired and expressed by pairs or groups, like team sports or ensemble performances. I have done empirical work on the evolution of human tool use and manufacture. I also have broad interests in social ontology (e.g., the nature of collectives, shared agency, and group dynamics) and the philosophy of work (e.g., the phenomenology of automaticity in the workplace, the structure of skilled action at work, the relationship between standards of expertise and capital). I am co-organizing the upcoming workshop, ["Can Social Ontology Change the World?"](https://sites.google.com/view/social-ontology-and-the-world/home) in October 2026. **\* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \*** This is a talk with audience Q&A presented by the University of Toronto's Centre for Ethics that is free to attend and open to the public. The talk will also be streamed online with live chat [here](https://youtube.com/live/nc-C7DB-e4U?feature=share). About the Centre for Ethics (http://ethics.utoronto.ca): The Centre for Ethics is an interdisciplinary centre aimed at advancing research and teaching in the field of ethics, broadly defined. The Centre seeks to bring together the theoretical and practical knowledge of diverse scholars, students, public servants and social leaders in order to increase understanding of the ethical dimensions of individual, social, and political life. In pursuit of its interdisciplinary mission, the Centre fosters lines of inquiry such as (1) foundations of ethics, which encompasses the history of ethics and core concepts in the philosophical study of ethics; (2) ethics in action, which relates theory to practice in key domains of social life, including bioethics, business ethics, and ethics in the public sphere; and (3) ethics in translation, which draws upon the rich multiculturalism of the City of Toronto and addresses the ethics of multicultural societies, ethical discourse across religious and cultural boundaries, and the ethics of international society. The Ethics of A.I. Lab at the Centre For Ethics recently appeared on a list of 10 organizations leading the way in ethical A.I.: https://ocean.sagepub.com/blog/10-organizations-leading-the-way-in-ethical-ai

# 🎾 Pickleball + Contrast Therapy Afternoon (Markham) **📅 Date & Time:** **Friday, September 19th, 2:00–5:00 PM** **📍 Location:** Athlete Hub – Ronin/MyAthlete.io, **217 Idema Rd., Markham (Steeles & Woodbine)** **💲 Cost:** $25 per player (save $5 with promo code below) *** ### 👋 About the Event Join us for a unique **3-hour sports & recovery experience** at our Markham gym. * **2 hours of Pickleball** (rotating doubles on 2 courts, max 16 players) * **1 hour of Contrast Therapy** (cold plunge + heat cycle, guided recovery) * **Recovery tools throughout the session** — compression boots, red light therapy, and massage guns available during off-court breaks * Don’t want to get paired randomly? No problem — bring a friend and you can play together! This is not just a drop-in — it’s a chance to **play, recover, and connect** with other athletes in the community. *** ### 🏓 Format * 16 players max → 8 per court * Rotating doubles every \~15 minutes * Everyone gets 6–8 matches across 2 hours * While off court → access recovery stations (compression boots, red light, massage gun) * 1-hour contrast therapy block: * Wave 1 (8 players) → Cold plunge → Heat station → Lounge (\~25 min) * Wave 2 (8 players) → Same cycle (\~25 min) * Social hangout in lounge to finish *** ### ✅ What’s Included * Guaranteed pickleball play (2 hours, rotating format) * Pro-style contrast therapy session (cold + heat cycle) * On-court recovery tools during breaks (compression boots, red light, massage guns) * **Towels provided** * Light refreshments *** ### 📌 What to Bring * Paddle (if you have one — extras available) * Court shoes + comfortable clothes * **Bathing suit + toiletries** (for contrast therapy) * Water bottle * **Bring a friend!** If you’d like, you can register with a partner to guarantee you play together during the pickleball rotations. *** ### 💲 How to Register This event is limited to **16 players only**. To confirm your spot: 1. RSVP here on Meetup 2. **Register & pay** on **[MyAthlete.io](https://myathlete.io/org_profile/1757696830905x685739735532699600)** 3. Buy a **Trial** and use promo code **MEETUP20** at checkout to save $5 for your first time. ⚠️ Meetup RSVP alone does *not* guarantee your spot — registration must be completed on MyAthlete.io.

🎟️ **\*\*\*Please get your tickets here\*\*\*** 🎟️ [https://register.evolvedigital.com/events/evolvedigitalsummits/2032056](https://register.evolvedigital.com/events/evolvedigitalsummits/2032056) **Join us for the eleventh EvolveDigital (formerly EvolveDrupal) summit – returning to Toronto at the MaRS Centre on March 6!** **Immerse yourself in dozens of sessions covering diverse topics from web development and site-building to AI, digital and content strategy, UX design, and more.** 🧐 Our summit features +30 talks over a range of **distinct** **themes that shape open source and the digital space:** 1. Marketing & Comms Strategy 2. Digital Craftsmanship 3. Tech & AI 4. Higher Ed 5. Drupal 6. WordPress 7. Design & Creative 🔹 See more at [evolvedigital.com](http://evolvedigital.com/) 🔹 **✅ Why attend?** EvolveDigital (formerly EvolveDrupal) summits attract 150-200 participants from diverse professional backgrounds, offering robust networking opportunities with peers and experts, including our distinguished speakers. **Even more on what to expect:** 🎯**Marketing & Comms Strategy** Learn how to enhance your online presence and effectively connect with your audience. Explore unique challenges and opportunities in higher education and research institutions. **🤖Tech & AI** Stay ahead of the curve by exploring how emerging technologies, automation, and ethical AI are driving real-world innovation. 🎨**Design & Creative** A curated selection of sessions for designers, product owners, and other creatives. **🛠️ Digital Craftsmanship** Bridge the gap between strategy and execution with proven best practices in SEO, AEO, accessibility and technical excellence for building smarter, more resilient digital experiences. **🌐 Drupal, WordPress and Open Source** Champion the open web by leveraging the community-driven power and flexibility of open source platforms like Drupal and WordPress to build scalable digital experiences. **👩‍🎓 Higher Ed** See how top institutions are navigating digital transformation to create scalable solutions and inclusive student experiences. **🤝Even More Networking Opportunities** Beyond the summit’s networking reception, join us for an afterparty in Toronto, maximizing your chances to build and strengthen business relationships. 🎤 **Interested in speaking?** We’re currently accepting proposals for 20-minute sessions on a variety of topics. Whether you're a seasoned presenter or a first-time speaker, we’d love to hear from you! 👉 Submit your session here: [evolvedigital.com/apply-to-speak](https://www.evolvedigital.com/apply-to-speak) 📣 **Become a sponsor** Want to showcase your brand to a vibrant tech community? We're currently welcoming sponsors for the summit. 📧 Reach out to us at info@evolvedigital.com to explore sponsorship opportunities. Learn more at[ ](https://www.evolvedrupal.com/)[evolvedigital.com](http://www.evolvedigital.com/)[,](https://www.evolvedrupal.com/boston) email info@evolvedigital.com with any questions, or[ sign up for our newsletter](https://share.hsforms.com/1I1SBadMPSa2-YDdPoan1mQ1qwun?__hstc=131413968.236cffcfa389e8f6bf02ff323070c948.1740157384451.1740595281730.1742237990042.5&__hssc=131413968.1.1742237990042&__hsfp=2850574025) to stay updated on this and future events 💙💚 **The EvolveDigital story so far** EvolveDigital (formerly EvolveDrupal) is in its fourth year and has welcomed 1500+ professionals over its past summits in Atlanta, Boston, Toronto, and Ottawa. Participants come from a range of backgrounds: digital strategy, web development, UX/UI design, marketing, and project management. EvolveDigital has hosted high-profile speakers from various sectors including government, higher education, healthcare, not-for-profit, and technology. Explore some of our past summits to see what to expect: [evolvedigital.com/past-events](https://www.evolvedigital.com/past-events) **Sponsors** [Evolving Web](https://evolvingweb.com/) [Pantheon](https://pantheon.io/)

Join Deborah for Beginner Bellydance — a new term starts Friday, March 6th at D2R Studio, Mississauga! No experience needed — just bring your hips, your energy, and let’s move. Train with a professional, experienced instructor in a spacious and welcoming studio. 💜 For details on our other classes, please visit our website and view the full schedule at www.dancetotherhythm.ca. Spots are limited — reserve yours today! (647) 202-6236 #BellydanceMississauga

Welcome ! OM Chanting is a group practice that uses the transformational power of OM to activate the self-healing potential of participants, promote inner peace and purify the environment. OM Chanting is a free practice, however, donations are welcome to help cover the rent of the studio. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- EVENT DETAILS: address: 283 Spadina Avenue; 3rd floor. ( SE corner of Spadina and Dundas). We will start at 6:30 pm. Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes earlier. We will be sitting on chairs; you can also sit on the floor if you prefer. You are encouraged to bring a bottle of water. Looking forward to seeing you ! For more information about Om Chanting, please visit: [https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/](https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/) Much Love, Veda Cell: 416-845-9375

send your 6$ to academynewstar@gmail.com we have always 12 permanent players from WhatsApp Make your payment byv24 hrs after you added ur nameand comment paid .Pls dont send payment after you have been removed https://chat.whatsapp.com/DhgItxlDNLg6gGjEzLpHAq?mode=ems_copy_t

Come join us for dinner, drinks and fun! From the restaurant: Housed within a reimagined historic landmark, this 23,000 square foot destination blends bold Mediterranean and Asian influences with immersive design, dynamic energy, and a distinct point of view — all built around the art of social dining. Led by seasoned local restaurateurs, Queens Harbour is inspired by the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality—where meals are about connection, not just cuisine. Bringing you a Chef-driven “MediterrAsian” culinary journey —a flavourful fusion where the boldness of Asia meets the soul of the Mediterranean. With Canada’s largest retractable rooftop patio and three uniquely designed dining spaces—including the private and semi-private Donika, Janine, and Rowa named after the Founders mothers —every seat reveals a new perspective. Please note there is a $3 charge for this meetup. Payment Options:
E-transfers should be sent to [torontofriendsmeetup@gmail.com](mailto:torontofriendsmeetup@gmail.com)
Or
PayPal Link:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/torontofriendsmeetup 
Or you can pay cash in person.

 Please note: refunds will only be issued in the case where the organizer has to cancel or reschedule the event.
 Hope to see you there! Jess

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $18 and $36 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These French, English (For Spanish and French speakers only), and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other language classes are as conversational as these ones. We guarantee it! Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

Non-hosted event. If anyone is interested in hosting the group, send me a message. **\*\*If you can no longer come to the meetup, please un-RSVP as soon as possible (i.e. not the day of) so someone else from the waiting list can attend\*\*** This is an informal conversation group for anyone wanting to practice / use their French and meet some new people. All levels are welcome, but having a conversational level is strongly recommended (and of course native French speakers are very welcome too!). / Il s'agit d'un groupe de conversation informel pour toute personne souhaitant pratiquer / utiliser son français et rencontrer de nouvelles personnes. Tous les niveaux sont les bienvenus, mais il est recommandé d'avoir un niveau de conversation approximatif (et bien sûr, les locuteurs natifs du français sont également les bienvenus !) Nous nous rencontrerons dimanche, de 14h00 à 16h00, au foodcourt de Brookfield Place, qui heureusement a beaucoup de tables et garde la musique basse! **+ Juste un rappel que ce groupe est un lieu d'échange détendu avec les autres dans un esprit de respect, de tolérance et de réceptivité à la multiplicité des cultures et des niveaux de français représentés. Merci de respecter ces principes en participant aux meetups.**

Hello everyone, I'd like to invite you out to our **Dinner with Friends Gratitude Party!** -Reserved seating, friendly people, good conversation and great food awaits! So please plan to join us if you can :) \*Joined by my other groups too; so we can anticipate a fantastic evening **Time: 6:30 p.m. -9:30 p.m.** **Location:** La Carnita - Good Fortune Bar (Main Floor) **Address:** 130 Eglinton Ave. Toronto, ON M4P 2X9 Event Details Bellow: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) Event Details: **Dinner with Friends Gratitude Party! (Dinner, Cocktails and Conversations) (March 8th)** -The great thing about this dinner party is you're free to move around to different tables and meet the other members too throughout the evening **Dinner Party Topics** may include but not limited too: Travel, Culture, Spirituality, Relationships, Modern Dating, Work/Life balance, Art, Technology, Economy, Music, Movies, Sports, Fashion, Hobbies, Books, Psychology, Philosophy, the Future, History, Pop Culture, Theatre, etc.) **Arrival Time:** \*Join us any time between 6:30 pm and 7:15 pm (if you can) for a fun and highly interactive evening as we get to know the members over dinner and great conversations (of your choice) Event goes until roughly 9:30 pm **Event Fee:** 5 dollars (cash only please) (HST included) or in advance by e transfer to **[steveflemming11@gmail.com](http://steveflemming11@gmail.com/)** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Friendly Reminder:** \*One beverage or appetizer minimum to support the venue- this is greatly appreciated :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Parking Available:** \*Plenty of free street parking on Eglinton and (Residential area south/east of venue for free) **Close to Subway Station:** \*Also right beside the Yonge/Eglinton subway station :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

Come to our church on Sunday! We’re a welcoming bunch. Our website is nlife.ca

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $18 and $36 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These French, English (For Spanish and French speakers only), and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other language classes are as conversational as these ones. We guarantee it! Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

Bring any piece of music in any form. We'll deconstruct it's musical elements and share with each other what the music evokes and what insights arise. Then, consider how this musical work fits into the broader world of music and sound. After a break well do a musical exercise together and end with a short slent meditation. Advance registration with pay pal $20. Please call Gary to confirm your registration. 647 292 5415 Generosity policy: limited spots available for no or low charge fir those who need it.

As adults, meeting new people isn’t as easy as it used to be. Between busy schedules and shrinking social circles, it can feel hard to form fresh connections—and while we’re constantly interacting online, it rarely matches the warmth and depth of a real, face-to-face conversation. That’s where our Fast Friending Evening comes in. It’s all about genuine, in-person connections with like-minded ladies and gents. Just show up, be yourself, and enjoy an evening of effortless conversations and meaningful new connections. **Book tickets now & save money -** [https://toro7thmarch.eventbrite.co.uk](https://toro7thmarch.eventbrite.co.uk) \*You can use any debit or credit card to purchase your ticket at PayPal checkout. It will ask you for your email address but that is only to send you a receipt. You do not need a PayPal account. EVENT COST: Early Bird - CAD$ 10 per person Regular Ticket - CAD$ 15 per person Cash at meetup - If you have not purchased your ticket in advance then you can pay CAD$ 20 cash when you meet Faye at the venue. **Our venue for the evening** \- High Park Brewery is spacious\, has comfortable seating and not very noisy\. We have a reserved area where our members can meet each other in a supportive environment\. **Here’s how your evening will flow:** **7:00 PM – Welcome** Arrive at 7:00 PM and be welcomed by your host, Faye, who will guide the evening and help with introductions. Feeling shy? Come a little early and she’ll ease you into small-group conversations. You’re also welcome to bring a lady friend along for free. **7:30 – 8:30 PM \| Fast Friending** Chat with a new attendee every 3 minutes, ensuring you meet a variety of like-minded ladies and gentlemen. **After 8:30 PM \| Open Mingling** Reconnect with those you enjoyed speaking to and continue meaningful conversations at your own pace \- We are not a close knit tight group\. Our evenings are warm and comfortable for members attending for the first time and those coming alone\. You will not feel alone\! \- We have many groups in this city\. Members of our other groups who RSVP are included as guests of the organisers in order to give you an indication of expected people\. \- This evening is for ladies and gents in the 25 to 45 age group\. While some will be at the younger end of this range there will also be others at the other end of the range and lots in\-between\! You will naturally gel with others of your own age range and so you will always find many attendees who fit your range\. \- We are not a 'dating' group\. We are focused on helping ladies and gents meet other like minded ladies and gents\. You will generally find a good gender balance \(maybe not perfect\) at all our events\. **Why do we have tickets?** 1. Cover our costs - Our host is compensated for their time and work. We also pay meetup and have dedicated staff to manage our events, hosts, venues and communication. 2. Group Safety - By securing your ticket we have a record and you contribute to a well organized evening where everyone is more committed and better behaved. 3. Management - Tickets help us better manage attendee group size, book suitable space and activity. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ABOUT [fastfriends.co.uk ](https://fastfriends.co.uk/)- We have connected members successfully for the past 10 years in over 30 cities (operating as Expatsclub, MeetConnectDevelop and fastfriends.co.uk). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- You can contact our founder Dan on +447715705005 with any questions or ideas. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Here are some videos which will give you some guidance and comfort to make your attendance more productive.** Secrets for socialising at our meetups - [https://bit.ly/44ZdVwx](https://bit.ly/44ZdVwx) Making new friends -[ https://bit.ly/455TsWY](https://bit.ly/455TsWY) How to make people like you instantly - [https://bit.ly/3Vj5PeT](https://bit.ly/3Vj5PeT) Members review - [https://bit.ly/3yHfu6d](https://bit.ly/3yHfu6d)

**The Listening Room — First Gathering** So much of life happens in loud spaces and quick conversations that never quite go beneath the surface. The Listening Room is meant to be the opposite of that — a quieter space where people can slow down, talk honestly, and actually listen to one another. For this first gathering, we’ll meet in a small group and explore a simple conversation prompt together. The goal isn’t debate or performance — just thoughtful conversation and the chance to connect with others in a genuine way. Our prompt for this gathering will be: **When have you felt truly seen or understood by another person?** Everyone will have the opportunity to share if they’d like, but there’s absolutely no pressure — listening is just as valuable as speaking here. We’re keeping the group intentionally small so the conversation can feel relaxed and natural. Looking forward to meeting you. — Benny

This event is 2:30 - 4 pm Sunday. Conversation tends toward intermediate/advanced, but everybody is welcome. If you come and don't see us right away, keep looking. We could be anywhere in the restaurant.

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Hey Everyone! Let's meet at Belle's Bread Bakery and Cafe. There is lots of free parking and easy access to the cafe and many shops and restaurants as well. This is a great way to meet new and old friends while chatting about life and practicing English language speaking skills. All are welcome and encouraged to join us anytime between 11am and 1pm. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

This is not an event, but an announcement that we are accepting new members. If you'd like to pursue joining our group, please write us at columbusmensgroup@gmail.com with a few paragraphs about yourself, what you'd like to experience in the group, and the contribution that you'd like to make. Thank you!

**Hello Columbus!** **The community is buzzing and growing well.** **We are thrilled to bring our third BrowserStack QA Meetup on March 12th!** We are creating a space for deeper insights, meaningful connections, and a vibe you won't want to miss. **What to expect:** * **Connect:** Network with Columbus' top engineering and QA minds. * **Learn:** Real-world tactics and trends you can use immediately. * **Enjoy:** Food, drinks, and great community spirit. **Agenda** * **[Sam Gomez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/samueljgomez/)** is presenting "AI is more than LLMs: Choosing the right AI for your needs." **RSVP Essential:** Space is limited, and we want to ensure a great experience for everyone. **RSVP now to secure your spot!** 📍 **Venue:** Leading EDJE, 6515 Longshore Loop, Suite 300, Dublin, OH 43017 📍 **Free Parking:** 6725 Longshore Street, Dublin, OH 43017 📅 **Date & Time:** March 12, 6:00 PM **Stay Connected!** Want to continue the conversation beyond the meetup? Join our **BrowserStack Discord Server** to get updates, connect with fellow QA professionals, and be part of an ongoing discussion. **Don’t miss out—click below to join!** 🔗 [\[](https://discord.gg/6SdCyWTNyW)**[Join the BrowserStack Discord Server](https://discord.gg/6SdCyWTNyW)**[\]](https://discord.gg/6SdCyWTNyW) **A Few Notes:** ✅ This is an **in-person event** ✅ **RSVP does not guarantee a seat** – A confirmation email will be sent one day before the event. **TALK ABSTRACT:** AI is all the hype these days; however, despite (or maybe because of) the excitement around it, a high percentage of AI projects fail. Projects that are over budget, delayed, or that fail to scale past the POC phase are very common. In many of these scenarios, choosing the right approach can be as critical as the solution itself. Should you build a tailored machine learning model, leverage the power of large language models (LLMs), or integrate with AI copilots? Each option has unique strengths, trade-offs, and resource requirements, and the key to success lies in aligning your choice with your business goals and technical constraints. In this talk, we will go beyond the basic concepts and definitions to provide a practical guide that allows attendees to navigate these decisions through real-world case studies. We will examine scenarios in which different AI paradigms were chosen, discuss the factors that influenced those decisions, and outline the process for evaluating needs, constraints, and outcomes. From assessing data availability and team expertise to balancing cost and scalability, you'll gain insights into the critical considerations that guide the selection process. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear process for determining whether machine learning, LLMs, or copilots are best suited to your AI challenges and understand the resources and strategies needed to bring your chosen solution to life. This talk is ideal for decision-makers, technical leads, and innovators seeking to demystify AI implementation and maximize the impact of their investments.