From AI Curious to AI Engaged:  Building a Community That Wants to Experiment - Webinar

Where: Webinar/Virtual

When: Thursday, September 24, 2026
11:00 a.m. -1 2:00 p.m. ET

Note: Login instructions will be sent directly from Zoom prior to the event. If you have not received login instructions by 4:00 p.m. the day before the webinar, please check your spam folder. If you still have not received the login details, please email nercomp@nercomp.org.

Workshop Organizers: Annie Harrison, Laurence Tardiani, and Ryan Conwell of Harvard University

Registration Fee:
NERCOMP Member: Free
Non-Member: $45.00

Event Overview
How do you get people excited about AI without making it feel like another mandated technology initiative? Harvard Business School IT took a grassroots approach—using community-building, events, and hands-on experimentation to encourage staff to explore AI at their own pace.
In this session, presenters will share lessons from building and sustaining an AI Alliance, including what worked, what didn’t, and how they engaged both technical and non-technical colleagues. Participants will leave with practical, low-lift ideas for creating an environment where people feel comfortable experimenting with AI, learning from one another, and having thoughtful conversations about its use.
 

Session Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain the value of grassroots AI engagement and how informal communities can complement formal training and institutional AI initiatives.
- Identify practical, low-barrier strategies for generating interest, experimentation, and participation among both technical and non-technical staff.
- Apply lessons learned from real-world AI community-building to avoid common pitfalls, reduce change fatigue, and develop an approach that can be adapted for their own institution.

Registration Cancellation Policy:
By clicking the 'Register Now button, you are indicating a commitment to attend and will be held responsible for the registration fee. Your fee can be refunded if you notify us of a cancellation at least 2 days prior to the event via email to nercomp@nercomp.org

Accessibility
NERCOMP strives to make its online offerings and in-person workshops accessible to all registrants.  Please contact us should you have an accessibility need. We've worked to provide resources that are accessible to as many people as possible, and if you encounter any issues while attending our events, please contact us at accessibility@nercomp.org or at 860-345-2081 to request assistance.