AI Fundamentals for Canadian Theatre Organizations

Between the AI hype, the fear-mongering, and the endless stream of new tools, it’s easy to feel completely lost. In this engaging session, tech and AI educator Avery Swartz will cut through the noise and give you the real story about AI. We’ll explore what generative AI actually is, how the tools work, and where AI is likely already present in your daily workflow.

We’ll look at practical examples and also discuss how to protect your data, navigate copyright, and avoid AI’s embarrassing pitfalls.

Whether you’re AI-curious, AI-skeptical, or already experimenting, you’ll leave with the confidence to make smart choices about when to embrace AI and when to trust your beautifully human instincts.

What's included:

• Opening Chat: We'll start with a quick conversation about your current relationship with AI—what you've tried, what confuses you, and what you're curious about.
• AI Explained: We'll break down what generative AI actually is (and isn't) using real examples you can relate to, plus show you how these tools are already embedded in apps you probably use daily.
• Live Demos: We'll explore popular AI tools together. You'll see demos of prompting techniques that show you the difference between what gets "meh" results and genuinely useful ones.
• Real Talk About the Risks: We'll discuss data privacy, copyright concerns, and how to spot AI's notorious hallucinations and biases before they bite you.
• Q&A Deep Dive: Bring your burning questions! This is where we'll tackle your specific situations and concerns about AI in your work and life.
• All you need: Just curiosity and an open mind. No prior AI experience required.

ABOUT THE SESSION LEADER:

Avery Swartz is a tech and AI educator. She is the founder and CEO of Camp Tech, co-lead of AI Skills Lab Canada, and is the author of See You on the Internet: Building Your Small Business with Digital Marketing. Avery is also a tech contributor for the media: you may have seen her on CTV's Your Morning, heard her voice on CBC Radio, or read her articles in The Globe and Mail.