AI Portland
Looking back, our goals were both ambitious and simple. We wanted to create genuine connections and conversations around AI — not just the technical aspects, but all the fascinating ways it touches our lives. We saw too many people sitting on the AI sidelines, overwhelmed by the pace of change, intimidated by the complexity, or just flat out scared. We wanted to change that.
Portland needed a space where everyone felt welcome in the AI conversation, regardless of their technical background. A product designer could sit next to a start up founder, next to an engineer, next to someone just wanting to understand what ChatGPT was all about. No gatekeeping, no prerequisites — just curiosity and openness to learn together. And perhaps most importantly, we wanted to bring people together in person. In a post-pandemic world where Portland's vibrancy had dimmed a bit, we believed that face-to-face connections could help reignite the city's spark, one meetup at a time.
From "What If" to "What's Next"
Each event taught us something new, each connection opened unexpected doors. Before we knew it, we had organized over 20 events in 2024 alone. From workshop sessions to packed venues with standing room only, each gathering added another thread to the fabric of our community. The real magic, though? It wasn't in the numbers (though 1,500+ members still feels surreal to type). It was in watching people light up when they understood an AI concept, or a shared idea that led to something interesting. It was in seeing collaborations spark between attendees who might never have met otherwise. It was in learning alongside everyone else.
Best Friends... and Co-Founders
Building something meaningful with a friend is a special kind of adventure. Megan Notarte and I have had countless weekend planning sessions, shared victories, and "OMG, I can't believe that just happened" moments under our belts now. We've learned more about AI than we ever imagined, but we've learned even more about community building, about Portland's incredible tech scene, and about ourselves.
The Power of Not Throwing Away the "Bad" Ideas
Sometimes I think back to that evening with the wine and baby carrots, and I'm grateful we didn't let that idea slip away into the realm of "wouldn't it be cool if..." There's something powerful about taking those seemingly too-big ideas and giving them room to grow. The best ideas often start small and simple, but with the right people and a bit of courage, they can grow into something far beyond what you could have ever imagined. AI Portland is proof of that. It's taught me that sometimes the most meaningful ventures don't start with a perfect plan or a clear roadmap — they start with a conversation, a "what if," and the courage to see where it leads.
(Super)charged by AI the Podcast
Taking the Conversation Further
The energy and connections from our meetups were too good to limit to just Portland. So we did what any reasonable people would do - we started a podcast. (Super)charged by AI extends these conversations beyond our city, bringing the same spirit of curiosity and openness to listeners everywhere.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we step into 2025, that initial spark of curiosity that started AI Portland continues to grow brighter. We're dreaming up new ways to bring people together, exploring different formats for learning and connection, and staying nimble as AI technology evolves at breakneck speed. But our core mission remains unchanged: creating a welcoming space where Portlanders can come together to learn, share, and shape the future of AI in our community. Whether you're a seasoned AI practitioner or just AI-curious, there's a place for you here. After all, the best conversations about the future happen when everyone has a seat at the table (and maybe some baby carrots too).
