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Brought to you by: Small Business of the Year Award-Winning GCM

Three professionals, two men and one woman, looking up with expressions of curiosity and interest, representing the diverse attendees of the AI for SMBs conference, dressed in colorful attire.

AI for
SMBs

Conference

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Sept 17, 2024

Summerville, SC

The Conference

AI bootcamp-style conference for small and medium-sized businesses

Sept. 17, 2024

09:00 am

Join us for GCM's AI for SMBs Conference, a unique and practical event designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This AI bootcamp-style conference is the only one of its kind in the country, offering hands-on training and expert guidance to help you learn how to harness the power of AI to save time, boost efficiency, and grow revenue.

About

What to Expect

Interactive Sessions: Engage in hands-on training and workshops led by industry experts

Actionable Insights: Learn practical strategies and solutions to implement AI in your business

Real-world Case Studies: See how other SMBs have successfully leveraged AI for growth and efficiency

Industry Expertise: Engage with experienced professionals who have and are learning to successfully integrated AI in their own businesses

Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow SMBs, industry experts, and potential partners

FUN: This is not your regular business conference. We have a dynamic program planned, including exciting activities, surprises, and entertainment.

What to Expect
Conference Highlights
Highlights

01

One day of intensive, hands-on training and workshops

02

Expert-led sessions and panels covering AI applications for SMBs

03

Networking opportunities with industry peers and experts

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Access to cutting-edge AI solutions and tools

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A supportive community to help you navigate the AI landscape

Zach Giglio conducting an AI training for small and medium businesses, smiling and engaged.

Conference Highlights

Two professionals, a woman and a man, looking up in awe at a display of hanging light bulbs, symbolizing innovation and creativity at the AI for SMBs conference

About GCM

GCM helps organizations leverage cutting-edge off-the-shelf AI technology to become more efficient and profitable. We conduct intensive AI training and implementations to help organizations leverage AI in their existing workflows to enhance their marketing, sales, administration, and operational capabilities to grow their revenue.

About
Speakers

Meet our Speakers

Expert-led sessions covering AI applications for small and medium businesses

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Zach Giglio

U.S. Chamber Faculty, Wharton-Certified, TedX Speaker

GCM

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Dr. Iris Junglas

Noah T. Leask Distinguished Professor of Information Management and Innovation

College of Charleston

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Melissa Hortman, Ed.D.

Higher Education Account Executive

Microsoft

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Brad Weber

Former Partner IBM, Wharton-Certified

GCM

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Chris Blevins

Generative AI Global Blackbelt

Google

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Dr. Navid Hashemi

Assistant Professor, Graduate Program Director MS in Data Science and Analytics, College of Charleston

College of Charleston

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Emma Giglio

Co-Owner of GCM, AI Expert

GCM

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Mike Compton

President and Co-Founder of rūmbo Advertising, Marketing Chair for the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, President of the Charleston American Marketing Association

rūmbo Advertising

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Zac Streelman

Chief Technology Officer

REV Federal Credit Union

01

Morning Keynote Presenter

Headshot of Zach Giglio, co-founder of GCM, AI strategist, and keynote speaker, smiling in a navy blue shirt

Zach Giglio

U.S. Chamber Faculty, Wharton-Certified, TedX Speaker

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Zach is the CEO of GCM. Certified in AI strategy by Wharton School of Business and a faculty member on AI at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management, he's a sought-after speaker and TEDx presenter. 

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With expertise spanning Fortune 500 companies to startups, Zach conducts AI workshops and implementations, driving revenue growth. Active in his community, he serves on a nonprofit board and enjoys travel, wine, and storytelling.

Melissa Hortman, Ed.D.

Higher Education Account Executive, Microsoft

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Melissa, EdD is a higher education leader in the areas of academic innovation and digital transformation. She is currently an Account Executive serving higher education institutions and technical schools in the southeast. She joined Microsoft in January of 2022 and has been a part of various national initiatives in accelerating research in higher education, transforming the faculty experience in the era of AI, and breaking down barriers to ensure accessibility as a fundamental right in higher education.

 

Previous to Microsoft, she spent over 12 years in higher education and was most recently an Associate Professor and Director of Instructional Technology at the Medical University of South Carolina. Melissa is passionate about empowering faculty innovation and student resiliency to make higher education more agile and stronger during disruptions now and in the future.

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Responsible AI Workshop Trainer

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Prompt Engineering Workshop Trainer

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Chris Blevins

Generative AI Global Blackbelt, Google

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Chris Blevins is a 28 year veteran in technology starting his career in High Tech in 1995 while serving in the United States Air Force maintaining Unix and Intelligence Processing Systems. Chris has a passion for Data Engineering and Generative Artificial Intelligence. He first got the data bug when he started working for Wells Fargo as a Crystal Reports Analyst in 2004. Today he is a Generative AI Blackbelt for Google assisting the largest and most strategic google customers with their AI journey with a focus on Retail and Logistics customers. Chris recently joined Google from Microsoft where he was a Data AI Cloud Solutions Architect focusing on Space and digital native customers.

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Chris believes that technology can and should be used to create a better world and has invested enormous amounts of time analyzing and creating solutions to promote the betterment of all people through the use of transformative technologies. He has held software manager and individual contributor positions at Startups, Brick and Mortar and Fortune 500 companies. He currently lives in Columbia, SC with his wife Michelle and 22 year old son who is pursuing a Masters in computer science from the University of South Carolina. In his spare time he likes to play Golf, Read, play video games, and studies Mixed Martial Arts.

Zac Streelman

Chief Technology Officer

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Zac, REV's Chief Technology Officer, brings over 25 years of diverse technical experience across multiple industries. Specializing in information security and digital transformation, he ensures REV members' financial data is handled safely and securely while driving technological advancement. Zac is dedicated to helping others leverage information technology to connect with what matters most, achieve their goals, and enjoy life to the fullest.
 

With a talent for making meaningful connections and a passion for maximizing others' potential, Zac excels at engaging audiences and providing effective training. His industry contributions have led to landmark case studies in information security, speaking engagements at events like VMWorld, and guest lectures at George Fox University's College of Business. Zac holds a master's in information systems and several internationally recognized security certifications.

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04

Afternoon Keynote Presenter

05

AI in Social Media Workshop Trainer

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Emma Giglio

Co-Owner of GCM, AI Expert

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Emma is a communications professional turned AI advocate, driven by the transformative power of the technology. Having seen firsthand how AI can propel growth and efficiency, she's on a mission to empower other small to medium-sized businesses achieve similar success. With a passion for engaging with AI models and mastering effective prompting, Emma co-founded GCM to to democratize access to cutting-edge AI solutions. Her journey from social media to AI is rooted in a deep belief in the potential for technology to drive business growth and community impact.

 

Based in Charleston, she also dedicates time to motherhood and community involvement.

Dr. Iris Junglas

Noah T. Leask Distinguished Professor of Information Management and Innovation, College of Charleston

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Dr. Iris Junglas is the Noah T. Leask Distinguished Professor of Information Management and Innovation at the College of Charleston.

 

Over her 25-year career, she has worked for both academia and a variety of consulting firms, inside and outside the US.

 

Iris’ research sits at the intersection of technology innovation and business analytics. She is a Fulbright Scholar and the current Editor-in-Chief of MIS Quarterly Executive, AIS’ only practitioner-oriented journal.

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AI in the Lowcountry Workshop Trainer

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AI in Automation Workshop Trainer

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Brad Weber

Former Partner IBM, Wharton-Certified

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Brad is a senior sales leader at the intersection of AI and business strategy.

With an impressive resume and a deep understanding of businesses, Brad specializes in strategizing how AI technology can play a pivotal role in helping companies reach their near and long-term goals. Certified by the Wharton School of Business in AI Strategy for Business, Brad has strategically implemented technology for some of the largest, most successful companies on the planet. His expertise includes managing complex technology implementations and driving solutions sales and business development among enterprise clients. His track record showcases proven success in consistently securing projects in competitive markets. Brad leverages his extensive experience to assist businesses in integrating cutting-edge AI technologies into their processes and operations, ultimately boosting sales and revenue.

Dr. Navid Hashemi

Assistant Professor, Graduate Program Director MS in Data Science and Analytics, College of Charleston

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Dr. Navid Hashemi, PhD in Computer Science (Data Science), is an Assistant Professor and Graduate Program Director for MS in Data Science and Analytics at the College of Charleston.

 

He directs the Data Mining & Connectivity Lab, focusing on AI, Spatiotemporal Data Mining, IoT, and Health Informatics. Dr. Hashemi teaches advanced courses in Data Science and Programming, and has published in prestigious conferences like HICSS (Best Paper nominee) and IEEE ICMLA.

 

His expertise earned him the Richard Crosby Distinguished Teaching Chair (2022-2024), recognizing his impact in both academia and practical data science applications.

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AI in the Lowcountry Workshop Trainer

Zach Giglio
Melissa Hortman
Emma Giglio
Brad Weber
Dr. Iris Junglas
Zac Streelman
Chris Blevins
Dr. Navid Hashemi
Sponsors

Our Sponsors

PLATINUM SPONSOR

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SILVER SPONSORS

Interested in Sponsoring?

 

Reach out to learn about sponsorship opportunities.

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Community Partners

Our Community Partners

American Marketing Association Charleston's Logo

The American Marketing Association (AMA Charleston) connects marketing professionals in the Lowcountry, providing resources, networking opportunities, and annual awards to recognize outstanding local marketing talent.

Google sees generative AI as a transformative technology, focusing on tools like Bard and Gemini to enhance creativity and productivity while emphasizing responsible development and integration into various applications.

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AI for SMBs Conference Community Partner/Charleston Digital Corridor (CDC) Logo

Charleston Digital Corridor is focused on fostering a vibrant tech community in Charleston by providing resources, training, and support for local businesses and entrepreneurs in the digital space.

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The Charleston Home Builders Association (HBA) advocates for professionals in the home building industry, working to support pro-housing initiatives and keeping members informed about industry regulations in the Charleston area.

The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting economic growth and supporting local businesses in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton areas of South Carolina

The CRDA focuses on economic development in the Charleston region, specifically encompassing Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties.

AI for SMBs Conference Community Partner, Greater Dorchester/Summerville Chamber of Commerce's logo

The Greater Summerville/Dorchester Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses and promotes economic development in the Summerville and Dorchester County areas of South Carolina.

AI for SMBs Conference Community Partner, Lowcountry Local First's logo

Lowcountry Local First is a nonprofit organization that advocates for local businesses and promotes a thriving local economy in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina.

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SC Society of Association Executives is a professional network that supports association executives and staff by offering resources for education, networking, and relationship-building.

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DCED promotes economic development and enhancing the quality of life in Dorchester County, South Carolina, by highlighting its attractive business environment and community amenities.

Agenda
Two professionals, a woman and a man, with surprised expressions in a futuristic setting, symbolizing innovation and discovery at the AI for SMBs conference

Explore the Agenda

Whether you're a small business owner, AI enthusiast, or AI intriguist, we've got you covered! Dive into a day of intensive training, workshops, expert-led sessions, and networking opportunities. Connect with industry peers, learn from AI thought leaders, and discover cutting-edge solutions to transform your business. â€‹â€‹

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Coffee and Registration

9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Welcome and Introduction to AI for SMBs

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.

From Hype to Reality: Making AI Work for Your Business

Speaker: Zach Giglio, GCM

Break

10:50 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.

Practical AI Workshops

Workshop #1

Workshop #2

Social Media Made Easy: AI Strategies for Time-Strapped Businesses

Trainer: Emma Giglio, GCM

Workshop #3

Prompt Engineering: Crafting Effective Instructions for AI

Trainer: Chris Blevins, Google

12:20 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.

Lunch Break

1:20 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.

2:20 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.

Break

3:10 p.m. - 4:40 p.m.

Practical AI Workshops

AI in the Lowcountry: Local Success Stories

Trainers: Dr. Iris Junglas and Dr. Navid Hashemi, College of Charleston

Supercharging SMBs: Practical AI and Automation for Everyday Business

Trainer: Brad Weber, GCM

4:40 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Closing Remarks

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Network with an AI-driven DJ

Workshop #2

Workshop #1

Topics

Core Topics

Prompt Engineering

Prompt Engineering

AI in Social Media

AI in Social Media

Guidelines & Best Practices for Responsible AI Use

Guidelines & Best Practices for Responsible AI Use

AI in Automation

AI in Automation

Practical AI Applications

Practical AI Applications

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