Business Networking: The why, what, where of AI
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10 Nov. 2026 |
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Show Me the WAI
The why, what, where and who of AI in an era of exponential change
A primer for business owners
AI is expanding what small and medium-sized businesses can accomplish, while raising important questions about trust, responsibility and value. Show Me the WAI gives business owners a clear foundation for making informed choices: why AI matters, what large language models and agents can do, where they fit into everyday work, and who remains accountable for their actions and results.
The keynote encourages an abundance mindset: exploring how AI can help businesses serve more customers, support employees, test new ideas and recover time for work and relationships that matter. It also challenges assumptions about effortless automation, reliable answers and guaranteed returns. Through accessible explanations and practical business examples, participants learn how to assess opportunities, question ambitious claims and establish sensible guardrails.
Participants leave with reusable prompts, checklists for responsible adoption, and a 30-day pilot plan. The goal is to build the confidence and judgment to choose a useful application, test it thoughtfully and measure whether it improves the business.
Gayemarie Brown is a futurist and Managing Partner of Wintam Place Consulting, with more than 20 years of experience in strategy, innovation and business transformation. She consults extensively in AI-enabled growth, venture building and commercialization.
There will also be the opportunity for each person to do their “escalator pitch” to the other attendees, and mingling time before and after the event.
BREAKFAST AND COFFEE
BYOB (Bring Your Own Breakfast) and BYOC (Bring Your Own Coffee)
The café at 117 Kendrick opens at 7:30am and serves a wide range of excellent, reasonably-priced breakfast specialties
AGENDA
7:45am to 8:00am: Greetings and social networking
8:00am to 8:20am: Introduction to the Rotary Business Networking Group, and the opportunity for each attendee to give their “escalator pitch” to the entire group
8:20am to 8:50am: Presentation and Q&A
8:50am to 9:00am: Wrap up
9:00am and beyond: Attendees are welcome to linger and continue their networking
There's a ton of business experience around the table, so the gathered group can be your "Business Advisory Board."
In recent months, the group has taken on these questions:
• How do I optimize my collaborations with neurodivergent professionals?
• What is the role of holiday gift giving in business?
• What do we actually "do" to "build business relationships"?
• What have you learned from a memorable business "failure?"
• How do I get started in my brand new business? What should I do first, and second?
• How do I correct a prospect's misconception about what I do?
• How do I make networking and referral partnerships more productive?
• What's the right balance of talking and listening in business development and sales conversations?
Your assignment: Come with one question for the group!
NOTE: If you are on Alignable, you can RSVP for this event there, too, and earn connection credits to others. Here's the link to the Alignable version of this event. Feel free to register here, there, or both.