It’s moving so quickly.
It’s moving too quickly.
Hang out around even the most tech-forward people in your network and you will no doubt hear some version of those phrases when the conversation naturally (inevitably) moves to the pace of AI innovation.
In just a few years, we went from being mesmerized by a simple ChatGPT response to watching non-technical people “vibe code” full apps while the word “agentic” gets attached to just about everything.
I just can’t keep up.
That’s another phrase that gets thrown around a lot as well. But over the last few months, there has been a proliferation in the sheer number of AI-related meetups that have popped up around Atlanta with the specific purpose to help more people keep up with and ultimately build with AI.
But over the past few months, Atlanta has seen a surge in AI-focused meetups with a clear shared purpose: Helping more people not just follow what’s happening, but actually build with it.
Here are a few worth adding to your calendar:
Every Monday morning in Atlanta, builders, founders, researchers, and curious minds gather at ATDC to share what they’re working on, swap ideas, and figure out what AI can actually do in the real world — not just in theory.There’s no agenda, no keynotes, and no vendor pitches.
The Atlanta chapter of the global organization The AI Collective has grown exponentially since launching its first event last summer. Now, the organization hosts conversations, hands-on learning events, and networking mixers all across the Metro Atlanta area.
This one is for the creatives. Altera’s monthly meetups offer a mix of networking and hands-on learning for those looking to build with AI. Last session included a chat with AI researcher and writer Andy Masley as well as a hands-on project to build a 4-scene movie….all using widely available AI tools.
Also for the creatives, Film Bar AI is a weekly Tuesday meetup group for filmmakers and creatives interested in learning more about leveraging AI in their workflows. This is a natural extension of Film Bar, a Monday meetup group for local filmmakers.
One of the “OG” AI events in town, this is the Atlanta chapter of a global organization that brings curated meetups, hackathons, dinners, and demos for people shipping with foundation models.
A casual networking series with lighting talks for those looking to exchange ideas about building software with AI.
Workflow automation tool n8n hosts a variety of hands-on workshops around the globe. Be on the lookout for upcoming interactive workshops in Atlanta, including upcoming ones at ATDC.
Know of other AI-related workshops and meetups that people should know about? Send them our way.