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Ales & AI: Embedding Ourselves in the AI Conversation

Our first Meetup on Ales and AI Meetup on March 11 at Atlas Local in Greenville South Carolina

Some of the greatest ideas in history weren’t born in boardrooms. They weren’t meticulously planned in corporate innovation labs. Instead, they emerged from conversations, from the act of showing up, listening, engaging, and becoming part of a community. That’s the philosophy I shared in my TED Talkthe idea that real impact comes not from standing on the outside looking in, but by embedding yourself within the spaces where people are already thinking, working, and growing.

That’s exactly why Ales & AI was created.

Why Ales & AI?

When we first conceived of this gathering, the easy route would have been to call it AI & Ales—placing the technology first, making it the star of the show. But that wouldn’t have reflected our mission. Technology without humanity is nothing.

By putting “Ales” first, we’re signaling that this isn’t just another AI event. It’s not a seminar or a panel. It’s a gathering of minds. A place where people—whether they are seasoned AI developers, business leaders curious about integrating AI, or complete beginners wondering, “What does this mean for me?”—can sit down together and talk. The human element comes first, because AI should be built, discussed, and integrated in ways that serve people, not the other way around.

What Happens at Ales & AI?

Our first gathering at Atlas Local was proof of concept. It wasn’t just an event; it was the start of a movement. We saw a range of perspectives come together, from AI coders and data scientists to entrepreneurs and creatives, all bringing their own questions, insights, and challenges to the table.

Some key themes that emerged included:

  • AI’s Rapid Evolution – How tools like GROK AI and LLMs are changing industries at breakneck speed.
  • The Shift in Digital Marketing – Why traditional SEO is fading, and AI-driven browsing and video content are becoming dominant.
  • Collaboration & Learning – The need for a common space to share AI insights, resources, and challenges beyond our in-person meetups.

That’s why we launched the Ales & AI Slack Channel, a hub where this learning can continue beyond the pint glass and into everyday application. If you haven’t joined yet, you can find it here Beer and Napkins Slack Group

The Bigger Picture

The true value of Ales & AI isn’t just about learning AI—it’s about embedding AI into our lives and work in ways that are meaningful, responsible, and innovative. It’s about creating a space where AI isn’t intimidating, but accessible—where conversations spark ideas, where curiosity is welcomed, and where knowledge is freely shared.

This is just the beginning. Ales & AI is about community first, technology second. And by embedding ourselves in this evolving landscape together, we’ll create something that is not only useful but transformative.

Our next session is coming up on April 22 at 6:30 PM at Atlas Local—if you’re interested in being part of this conversation, we invite you to join us. Bring your questions, your ideas, and your curiosity. And if you know someone who should be in the room, invite them too.

Because the best ideas start when people come together. And in Ales & AI, that’s exactly what we’re here to do.

See you there.

— Phil
Founder, Beer and Napkins | Communities of Design

Celebrating Culinary Creativity and Sobriety with Chad Gangwer

Chad sharing insights with our Meetup

We were so fortunate to kick off our 2025 Beer and Napkins Creator Sessions with a truly inspiring evening featuring Chad Gangwer, the creative force behind Greenville’s Southern Culture Kitchen & Bar and Grazeland Deli and Charcuterie Emporium!

Chad shared his journey in the restaurant business, honestly discussing both his failures and successes. His innovative approach to food and his commitment to crafting unforgettable experiences truly resonated with our community. But what made the evening even more powerful was Chad’s openness about his personal journey of sobriety and self-discovery.

In his recent blog post, “Trail Markers”, Chad reflects on the pivotal moments in life that guide us—those trail markers that point us toward growth, reinvention, and purpose. He shared how these markers have shaped his path, from building successful culinary ventures to embracing sobriety and reconnecting with the outdoors.Chad’s reflections remind us that trail markers often appear when we step out of our comfort zones. As he shared during our session:

“I went out of my comfort zone last night and spoke to a small gathering of folks I had just met 10 minutes before. We talked a little about sobriety and philosophy, and I shared some of my newfound love for life. This was good for my soul.”

Through his blog, Bearded Gang, Chad offers deeper insights into his journey—his thoughts on consistent food quality, his love for camping, and how he uses life’s trail markers to navigate challenges and opportunities. We encourage you to read his full post here for inspiration.

Thank you, Chad, for sharing your story and reminding us that creativity thrives when we embrace life’s signs and step boldly into new territory. Here’s to following your own trail markers—and finding inspiration along the way!

Brewing Ideas for the Future

Experiencing collective in-person events has always been the catalyst of the Beer and Napkins Community. One of our last live events was in January 2020, presciently titled The VUCA Sessions: Navigating and Embracing Chaos; little did we know of the things we were to experience in the last few years. Of course, we pivoted and adapted to technology like many other communities. Our intimate VUCA group discussions help us thrive amidst such an isolating dynamic. This adaption and evolution of the use of emerging approaches to enhance our experiences will be ongoing. However, the spirit of camaraderie, the clinking of mugs, the tactile exercise of scribbling on a napkin will not be forgotten and permeates everything we do. AI is an exciting metaphor for using technology to support the creative spirit. Artificial Intelligence will continue to infuse in all we do. For example, a friend of mine, Dave Gray, introduced me to MidJourney AI, where AI-generated art is produced with descriptive words and phrases. As an artist, we can either adopt or reject creatively. I have adopted and used this to support my artistic endeavors (See AI art produced with sketching in pubs as some keywords). The same thought can be applied to Beer and Napkins, using technology to enhance the community experience. We are excited about the possibilities.

As we move onward, the Beer and Napkins community will continue to brew ideas for the Future, virtually or in person. We will leverage our third places, technology, and talent network to support idea development within our community and beyond.

Phil McCreight, Founder

Beer and Napkins Supports Furman University’s Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Scholarships available for their new GVL Starts Entrepreneurship Program

Beer and Napkins is excited to be supporting Furman University’s Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship GVL Starts. For a program overview, please visit  https://www.furman.edu/innovation-entrepreneurship/programs/gvl-starts/  or for more information, contact [email protected]

The Institute will give a 50% scholarship to the first 5 who apply (so it would only be $149). Just enter “50% Beer and Napkins Scholarship” in question 18/last question of the application. For application, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GVLSTARTS