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.
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.
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One day of intensive, hands-on training and workshops
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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
Conference Highlights
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.
Meet our Speakers
Expert-led sessions covering AI applications for small and medium businesses
01
Morning Keynote Presenter
Zach Giglio
U.S. Chamber Faculty, Wharton-Certified, TedX Speaker
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
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.
02
Responsible AI Workshop Trainer
03
Prompt Engineering Workshop Trainer
Chris Blevins
Generative AI Global Blackbelt, Google
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
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.
04
Afternoon Keynote Presenter
05
AI in Social Media Workshop Trainer
Emma Giglio
Co-Owner of GCM, AI Expert
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
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
07
AI in Automation Workshop Trainer
Brad Weber
Former Partner IBM, Wharton-Certified
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
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.
08
AI in the Lowcountry Workshop Trainer
Our Community Partners
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.
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.
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.
The Greater Summerville/Dorchester Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses and promotes economic development in the Summerville and Dorchester County areas of South Carolina.
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.
DCED promotes economic development and enhancing the quality of life in Dorchester County, South Carolina, by highlighting its attractive business environment and community amenities.
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. ​​
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
Crafting Your Responsible AI Policy: A Hands-On Workshop
Trainer: Melissa Hortman, Ed.D., Microsoft
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.
It's Not Artificial Intelligence, It’s Augmented Intelligence
Speaker: Zac Streelman, REV Federal Credit Union
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
Core Topics
 Prompt Engineering |  AI in Social Media |  Guidelines & Best Practices for Responsible AI Use |
|---|---|---|
 AI in Automation |  Practical AI Applications |