Welcome to the AI meetup in Melbourne. Join us for deep dive tech talks on AI, GenAI, LLMs and Agent, hands-on experiences on code labs, workshops, and networking with speakers and fellow developers.

Agenda:
* 5:30pm~6:20pm: Checkin and networking
* 6:30pm~8:00pm: Tech talks and Q&A
* 8:00pm: Open discussion & Mixer

Tech Talk: Building an AI-ready workforce
Speaker: Lisa Ippolito (Whitehorse City Council )
Abstract: Whether you’re building applications, exploring new tools, or developing technical solutions that support government services, this session offers practical insights into what it takes to move from interest to meaningful adoption in the public sector. We will cover:
• The first steps we took to begin building an AI ready workforce
• How Whitehorse City Council is measuring AI adoption, including capability, risk and productivity insights
• A practical activity we use to support staff who are just beginning their AI journey
• A look at our organisation-wide AI capability uplift program

Tech Talk: The Crucial Role of Governance in Accelerating AI Adoption
Speaker: Kieran Hagan (IBM)
Abstract: As businesses increasingly adopt GenAI to drive innovation and efficiency, robust governance becomes critical to accelerate time to production and ensure successful scaling of AI project across the enterprise . Join IBM and explore the importance of governance in managing the ethical, operational, and strategic challenges of GenAI. Learn how to establish clear guidelines, maintain data integrity, and foster a culture of accountability, ensuring your GenAI initiatives are both scalable, responsible and accelerated.

Topics/Speakers:
Stay tuned as we are updating speakers and schedules. If you have a keen interest in speaking to our community, we invite you to submit topics for consideration: Submit Topics

Venue:
Natural Velocity AI Learning Centre, Docklands Dr, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
How to find us: Natural Velocity's AI Learning Centre is located on Level 1, 9 Star Cres Docklands (inside The District Docklands) next to Melbourne College of Hair and Beauty.
- By tram: We're at the last stop on tram routes 70 & 86 (free tram zone). Exit the FRONT of the tram, cross the road and enter the left-hand side District Docklands entrance, up the escalator near Penny Specialty Coffee, take a left over the bridge and we're next to Melbourne College of Hair & Beauty

- By Rideshare: Enter ‘Natural Velocity’ into your App and a driver will drop you off outside The District Docklands entrance. enter the left-hand side District Docklands entrance, up the escalator near Penny Specialty Coffee, take a left over the bridge and we're next to Melbourne College of Hair & Beauty

- By Car: Park in “the District Docklands East Carpark” above Woolies. From your car exit level one, walk past H&M towards Star Cres, turn left take a right over the bridge and we're next to Melbourne College of Hair & Beauty. NV can discount parking down to $7.

Sponsors:
We are actively seeking sponsors to support our community. Whether it is by offering venue spaces, providing food/drink, or cash sponsorship. Sponsors will not only speak at the meetups, receive prominent recognition, but also gain exposure to our extensive membership base of 3,000+ AI developers in Melbourne and 500K+ worldwide.

Local and Global AI Community on Discord
Join us on discord for local and global AI tech community:
- Events chat: chat and connect with speakers and global and local attendees;
- Learning AI: events, learning materials, study groups;
- Startups: innovation, projects collaborations, founders/co-founders;
- Jobs and Careers: job openings, post resumes, hiring managers