Event Schedule

Workshop Sessions

AI for Small Business

The Pamlico Small Business Center and Pamlico Community College are pleased to introduce Dr. Justin Rose, an AI Innovator and AI Workflow Black Belt. Our local small business owners say, "I KNOW there is an easier, more cost-effective and efficient way to run my business with AI, but I don't know where to start." If you are trying to make sense of all of the "chatter" about AI, what it means, what it is (and isn't), then this session is for you. You can watch real-time, real-world examples of how these tools are used - and then decide if/how you wish to implement AI in your business.

Some workshops will require registration to guarantee your spot.

AI for Small Business/Nonprofit Marketing

The Pamlico Small Business Center and Pamlico Community College are pleased to introduce Brian Kurian, who will teach small business owners how to leverage AI to strengthen their marketing efforts, save time, and communicate more effectively with their audience. He will cover practical ways AI can help with content ideas, drafting marketing materials, repurposing content, and improving consistency, and will also show attendees how to avoid common pitfalls such as generic messaging and loss of brand voice. Attendees can expect actionable strategies, real-world examples, and a clear framework for using AI to support authentic connections and business growth. Brian Kurian partners with entrepreneurs and small business owners to sharpen their messaging, strengthen their marketing, and create strategies that help generate more leads, more trust, and more revenue

AI for Grant Writing

Dr. Rose has also written a customized GPT specifically for grant writing. From research to data collection to measuring impact to writing content, Dr. Rose will demonstrate how AI can significantly optimize the grant preparation process and reduce the time spent during the grant writing process.

Building Your AI Profile

Most people use AI like a search engine. This session shows you how to go deeper. Join PCC President Zac Schnell for a practical walkthrough of the personalization features that transform AI from a generic tool into your own intelligent assistant. You'll explore memory settings, custom instructions, deep research tools, specialized AI models (GPTs), and interface tips that most users never discover — all designed to help AI learn your preferences, your goals, and your style. Walk in using AI. Walk out owning it.

Intentional by Design: Using AI to Sharpen Learning Objectives and Outcomes

AI as a Colleague: Practical Applications for Faculty and Staff

Track 1: Small Business Owners

Track 2: Administrators/Educators

Track 3: General Community Interests

AI & Your Home Garden

AI Roulette

AI Tools for Everyday Life: Getting Started Without the Overwhelm

This session is designed for educators interested in using AI as a practical tool to support instructional decision-making. Participants will explore how AI can assist in evaluating and refining learning objectives, strengthening measurable outcomes, and quickly checking how well activities and assessments support course objectives. The focus is not on generating content, but on using AI to think more clearly and make more intentional design choices. This is a hands-on session with immediate application. Participants are encouraged to bring a sample lesson, unit, or set of learning objectives to work with.

This session will focus on practical, real-world ways AI tools such as ChatGPT can help faculty and staff with everyday tasks. We will look at examples such as drafting and refining emails, developing lesson ideas, simplifying complex concepts for students, and organizing information more efficiently. The session will also cover what AI can and cannot do, including important considerations related to student privacy, academic integrity, and academic freedom. The goal of this session is to help participants better understand how AI can be used as a tool to save time, improve workflow, and support—not replace—the work we do as educators and staff.

Feeling curious about AI but not sure where to begin? This session is designed for everyday community members who want to explore how AI tools can simplify daily tasks, spark creativity, and open new doors — no tech background required. From writing assistance to planning, organizing, and problem-solving, you'll walk away with practical examples you can use right away. Whether you're a retiree, a small business owner, a parent, or simply someone who wants to stay connected to a fast-changing world, this session meets you exactly where you are. Come ready to ask questions, try things out, and leave with confidence that AI is a tool for everyone.

Ever wondered if AI could help with your real-world challenges? AI Roulette is an interactive, live demonstration where you bring the problems and our facilitator uses AI to tackle them in real time — no scripts, no rehearsed answers, just honest problem-solving in front of the crowd. Whether you're a small business owner, educator, farmer, parent, or just curious — if you've got a challenge, we've got a tool. Come ready to participate, ask questions, and see what's possible when AI meets everyday life. No experience required. Just bring a problem.

Did you know AI can help you grow a healthier garden? In this hands-on session, a licensed Horticulturist will show you how to use AI tools to identify plants and pests, troubleshoot common garden problems, plan your landscape layout, and get personalized growing advice — all from your phone or computer. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, you'll leave with practical tips you can use in your own backyard the very next day. Green thumb not required — just curiosity.

Preregister for the Event

Planning on attending? Pre-register for the event here.