A friendly, free community in St Albans for anyone curious about how AI and automation are changing the world around us. Whether you work in tech, you are just starting to explore, or you are simply a human trying to keep up, there is a place for you here.
With Ghaffar Hussain, an expert on radicalisation, online extremism and digital persuasion.
Why do people form emotional bonds with AI? A look at the Eliza Effect, AI attachment and the surprising psychology behind our conversations with machines.
A relaxed crowd, a good speaker, a drink in hand and plenty of chat. Here is what a typical evening actually looks like.
Missed it, or want to revisit? Every talk gets written up here with the video, the slides and our takeaways.
Producer, director and musician Rob Finlay on what really matters when AI can generate almost anything.
Read the recap and watch the talkBack at the end of 2024, a handful of us started meeting to talk about AI over a drink. It has grown into a community of more than 350 local people who gather every month to make sense of one of the biggest shifts of our lifetime.
Jamie set the group up out of a simple concern. AI is changing how we work, learn and live faster than most of us can take in. He wanted somewhere local where ordinary people could understand it, ask honest questions, and talk about what it really means, without the hype and without anyone trying to sell them anything.
It is run by Jamie Claret and Jez Dutton, supported by Mix92.6 and Autonomate, and it is open to absolutely everyone.
No jargon, no pressure. Just great conversations, real demos and a friendly crowd. And maybe a few beers.
Four hundred years ago, St Albans was home to Sir Francis Bacon, the philosopher and statesman who gave the world the scientific method. Observe, question, test, learn, repeat. That simple idea built modern science, which led to computing, which led to AI, which led, eventually, to a roomful of curious people meeting in a pub just down the road. Bacon even took his title from this town. We rather like imagining what he would make of it all.
A friendly, inclusive space for anyone curious about how AI and automation are changing the world around us.
You are welcome whether you live and breathe technology, you are just beginning to explore, or you are simply a human finding your way in this strange new world.
We meet regularly to share demos, spark conversations and talk honestly about the real-world impact of AI.
Relaxed, welcoming and over in good time for last orders. Here is roughly how an evening goes.
A quick round so everyone shares their name, what they do, and one hope and one fear about AI. It sets the tone.
A short, practical demo of how AI or automation is being used in real life. At work, at home, or just for fun.
An open, thoughtful conversation around a theme for the night, hearing different views from around the room.
Relaxed conversation over a drink. A chance to connect, swap ideas and keep it going.
We bring in a guest speaker each month, then open it up to the room. A taste of what we have explored lately.
AI is no longer science fiction. An award winning space technologist with 25 years designing AI for satellites and spacecraft showed us how in-orbit AI keeps the systems we rely on running.
What it really takes to roll out AI at scale inside a large public organisation, from the challenges of governance to data security.
A behind-the-scenes look at how robotics and AI are reshaping one of the world's largest food environments. Robot cows included.
Why AI in healthcare is not hype but a practical force driving real outcomes, from smarter diagnostics to faster drug development and more accessible services.
If AI can generate text, images, music and video in seconds, what stays uniquely human, and which skills and ideas become more valuable, not less?
Before I found this group I was exploring AI on my own. Being part of a local community of like-minded learners has made all the difference.
It is a great bunch of people, and an honest, balanced place to make sense of AI without the hype.
You walk in nervous about AI and walk out curious and confident.
Whatever level you are at, beginner or advanced, there is something here for you.
Two curious locals who wanted somewhere to make sense of all this. They line up the speakers, keep the conversations flowing and make sure everyone feels welcome.
Jamie founded the forum and is CEO of Autonomate. He helps organisations make sense of AI, automation and the future of work, drawing on more than 30 years across technology, leadership and human behaviour, including training as a psychotherapist. He is a global keynote speaker at corporate and industry events, and facilitates workshops and leadership sessions, helping audiences understand not just what AI can do, but how organisations can successfully adopt it. He is known for making complex topics simple and engaging.
Jez has spent 25 years working across brand strategy, technology and innovation in the marcomms space, with brands ranging from McLaren F1 to Fairy Liquid. For the past three years, he has been client-side in a family office venture, helping build a fintech platform focused on unlocking RWA liquidity, alongside a platform to support grassroots football player development. He is particularly interested in how GenAI can help bring ideas to life faster, accelerate research, and open up new creative possibilities.
The easiest way in is our very active WhatsApp group. That is where we share dates, speakers and the odd bit of banter. We are on LinkedIn and Facebook too. Scan the code, or tap a button below, and say hello.
Prefer to message first? Drop us a line through the Facebook group and we will get back to you. A contact form is on the way.
Third Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm to 10:00pm. Dates occasionally move, for example around the World Cup, so check the WhatsApp group for the next one.
Mad Squirrel Tap, Heritage Close, 17 High Street, St Albans, AL3 4EB. Right opposite the Cathedral.
Free. Just turn up, grab a drink and join in. No booking needed.
Everyone. Bring your curiosity, your questions, and your own hopes and fears about where this is all heading.
A free monthly community group in St Albans for anyone curious about AI and automation. No jargon, no sales pitches, just good conversation, real demos and a friendly crowd.
The third Wednesday of every month, from 7:30pm, at the Mad Squirrel Tap on Heritage Close, 17 High Street, St Albans, AL3 4EB.
Nothing. It is free to attend and always has been. Just turn up.
Everyone. Whether you work in tech, run a business, or are simply curious about how AI is changing things, you are welcome.
Not at all. People come from every background and level, and the whole point is to make sense of it together.