Join local businesses for an honest conversation about AI, what’s actually useful, what isn’t, and where it could make a real difference.

Everyone's talking about AI. Fewer people are being honest about it.

We speak with 30+ businesses across the region every month, and the same story comes up again and again: not knowing where to start, AI creeping in through personal accounts rather than proper adoption, one person who's "good at it" with no way to pass it on, no clear lead from the top. If any of that sounds familiar, you're exactly who this session is for.

Session 1 of the AI Collective is an open, no-pressure, in-person conversation for employers across the North East and the wider North East. No sales pitch, no jargon – just a room of local business comparing notes on what's really happening on the ground. Please note that a maximum of two representatives per company may attend.

What you'll get from the morning

An open forum, not a lecture – introduce yourself, hear how other local businesses are approaching AI, and get real answers to the questions you've been sitting on

Honest insight, not hype – what platforms people are actually using, what's worked, what's flopped, and the mistakes worth avoiding

A live demonstration of AI doing a real job in front of you – a quote drafted, a rota built, a week of admin cleared

Straight talk on governance and data – what happens to what you type into these tools, and how to put simple guardrails in place before scaling

A tangible takeaway to leave with – a clear, practical next step for your business, not just notes

A look at how to build AI skills in-house, including the Level 3 and Level 4 AI Apprenticeship route

Who it's for

Business owners, managers, decision-makers, team leaders, employees, and organisations looking to nominate or develop AI Champions from businesses of any size across the North East. Whether you're already using AI, curious about its potential, or a little wary of it, all experience levels are welcome. No technical or IT background is needed, just an interest in exploring how AI can support your role, team, or business.

Join the Collective

This session is the start, not a one-off. Attend Session 1 and you're welcome to join the AI Collective – an ongoing, free network of North East businesses meeting regularly to keep the conversation going and keep building AI capability together. No membership fee, no obligation.

Event details

📍 Location: Sunderland City Hall, Plater Way, Sunderland (SR1 3AA) — this is an in-person event 🗓 Date: 14th October 2026 🕐 Time: 13:00 – 15:00 💷 Price: Free 📧 Questions: steven@we-are-zenith.com | 07867 452 845 🔒 Exclusive employer-only event. Attendance is limited to a maximum of two delegates per organisation to encourage meaningful discussion, networking, and peer learning.

Spaces are limited — reserve your place now!

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