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bhamai 1 Learn from AI pros + more at this Birmingham tech event — Heat up your weekend with this exciting event. (BirminghamAI)

If talking tech over food and drinks sounds like your kind of night, mark your calendar: BirminghamAI is kicking off 2026 with a can’t-miss event with AI pros.

The local nonprofit is hosting its 2026 Kickoff Event on Wednesday, January 14, at Red Mountain Theatre, bringing together Birmingham’s tech-curious community for an evening of panels, interactive experiences and big-picture conversations about the future of work.

Why this event is a big deal

bhamai 2 Learn from AI pros + more at this Birmingham tech event — Lean into AI innovation while creating opportunity for local talent. (BirminghamAI)

BirminghamAI is welcoming AI leaders like Leah Graham from Anthropic’s Federal Public Policy team, who will participate in a fireside chat and panel discussion sponsored by KEYSYS. The conversation will focus on the role of AI in Birmingham’s workforce and beyond.

Graham will discuss AI policy, governance and how communities can navigate the AI transition thoughtfully and strategically. Anthropic is the company behind Claude, one of the leading AI assistants.

The evening will also feature a keynote exploring how Birmingham can lean into AI innovation while creating new opportunities for local talent. It marks a major moment for the year-old nonprofit, which connected with more than 2,000 attendees through workshops and programs in 2025.

“We’re bringing together Birmingham’s builders, leaders and curious minds to have an honest conversation about AI. Whether you’re already using these tools or just getting started, this event is designed to meet you where you are.”
Austin Senseman, co-founder of BirminghamAI.

What to expect at Birmingham AI 2026 Kickoff event

Whether you’re:

Curious about AI but not sure where to start
A professional looking to future-proof your career
A business owner, student or creative interested in innovation

This event is for anyone who’s curious about the potential function of AI in everyday life and work. Whether you’re a business owner, student, creative, marketer or someone just beginning to explore AI tools, BirminghamAI’s kickoff is designed to meet you where you are.

BirminghamAI’s mission centers on practical, accessible education that empowers individuals and organizations to engage proactively with new technology.

Birmingham AI 2026 Kickoff—event details

bhamai 3 Learn from AI pros + more at this Birmingham tech event — A forward-looking talk on AI’s role in Birmingham’s future with BirminghamAI. (BirminghamAI)

Where: Red Mountain Theatre Arts Campus | 1600 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233
When: Wednesday, January 14 | 4:30-8PM
Agenda:
- Hands On AI Experiences, Food, & Drinks | 4:30-5:30PM
  - AI experiences, food, drink + networking
- OpenAI Fireside | 5:45-6PM
  - Featuring AI pros, discussing real-world AI applications and workforce impact
- Birmingham AI Vision for the City | 6-6:20PM
  - A forward-looking talk on AI’s role in Birmingham’s future
- Keynote on AI + Curiosity | 6:20-7PM
  - Action you can take to use AI in a meaningful way the next day
- Closing and Drinks | 7-7:45PM
  - Networking with fellow attendees, speakers and local innovators
Cost: $30
Tickets