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 Talk—the 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