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Published May 28, 2019

How to get plugged into the AI community

Chris Benson and Daniel Whitenack delve into strategies for AI practitioners to effectively engage with the community, offering insights on mastering presentation skills, navigating various AI conferences, and leveraging networking opportunities at events to build valuable professional relationships.
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Episode Highlights

  • Local Meetups

    Starting your journey in the AI community can be as simple as attending local meetups. suggests that newcomers should first engage with local events, offering to give talks or volunteer, which helps in identifying areas of interest and expertise 1. shares his experience of starting a deep learning meetup in Atlanta, emphasizing the casual and varied nature of these gatherings 2.

    Even if you know nothing today, it puts the pressure on you to go learn it in that time and then show up and casually give a few minutes talk on that topic.

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    This approach not only builds knowledge but also connects you with like-minded individuals, laying the foundation for future opportunities.

       

    Networking

    Networking at AI events is crucial for both professional and personal growth. highlights the importance of engaging with open-source communities and meeting contributors face-to-face at conferences 3. notes that building relationships often becomes more valuable than the expertise gained at these events 4.

    Over time, in a lot of ways that becomes even more dominant than access to the expertise itself is having those relationships.

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    These connections enrich your professional life and can lead to long-lasting friendships and collaborations.

       

    Event Selection

    Choosing the right AI events to attend can significantly enhance your career. and discuss the variety of AI events, from meetups to large conferences, and how to decide which ones to participate in 5. shares his journey from giving talks at meetups to delivering keynotes, emphasizing the importance of preparation and experience 6.

    After you get a little bit of experience, even if you're starting from nothing, you quickly kind of learn how to do it.

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    Understanding the landscape of AI events helps in making informed decisions about where to invest your time and energy.

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