Thinking with AI

Description

Thinking with AI is a free, hands-on workplace AI meetup in [Manchester](https://www.createwith.com/cities/manchester) on 27 August 2026, built around solving a real problem together. Rather than spending the evening listening to abstract predictions or product pitches, you will work with people from different professional backgrounds to explore how AI can address a practical challenge. The focus is as much on the thinking behind each approach as it is on the eventual answer: what would you do, why would you do it, and where could AI genuinely help? ## What to expect The event combines a short opening talk, collaborative problem-solving, group presentations and informal networking. Food and drinks are included in the evening’s format, creating space to compare ideas and have honest conversations about using AI at work. The schedule is: - **18:00** , Food, drinks and networking - **18:30** , A short opening talk introducing the challenge - **18:45** , Small groups begin working on the problem - **19:05** , Groups present what they would do and explain why - **19:25** , Drinks and further conversation The organisers also promise “a surprise or two” along the way. With the challenge solved live in the room, the session offers an opportunity to see how people from different disciplines frame the same problem, assess possible uses of AI and make decisions together. ## Who should attend? Thinking with AI is designed for anyone who has been expected to “figure out AI” in the workplace. It is **open to every discipline and experience level**, so you do not need a technical role, previous AI knowledge or coding skills. Your own professional perspective is the useful part: the event is deliberately structured to bring together people with different backgrounds and ways of thinking. That makes it relevant to professionals who are beginning to explore AI, as well as those already experimenting with it who want to test their assumptions through discussion and collaborative work. It should particularly suit attendees looking for a practical alternative to a conventional talk-led meetup. ## Venue and details The meetup takes place on **Thursday 27 August 2026, from 18:00 to 20:00**, at **No.2 Circle Square – Bruntwood SciTech**, 1 Symphony Park, Manchester, M1 7FS. Attendance is listed as free.… [Register for this event](https://eventslist.co.uk/manchester/events/thinking-with-ai-2026-08-27)