Designing an event where people could interact with AI-built projects
A gallery-walk format for Seattle AI on Tap that gave nine presenters space to demo working projects while attendees explored and talked directly with them.
Designing the event format
Seattle AI on Tap is a biweekly happy hour I run with Shreyans Khunteta. For the August 27 event, I wanted people to be able to do more than listen to someone describe what they had built.
The format became a gallery walk. Up to ten presenters could set up a laptop or tablet around the room, give a short introduction, and then let attendees move freely among the projects. Everyone reconvened afterward for questions and discussion.
Recruiting presenters
Shreyans focused on outreach and building interest across social platforms.
I created the Eventbrite page and submission form, handled the event structure, and worked through what presenters would need in order to show their projects successfully.
Nine presenters ultimately participated.
Preparing the space
I secured Slip Gallery, prepared the room, helped presenters get set up, and welcomed attendees into the event.
The physical format needed enough structure that people knew where to go while remaining loose enough for direct conversation around the projects.
Letting conversation happen
I placed optional notepads at stations as a fallback for questions or thoughts in case a presenter was already occupied.
They were not used.
People simply talked to the presenters directly. The fallback became unnecessary because the behavior the format was trying to support happened on its own.
What the turnout showed
The event had approximately 45 Eventbrite registrations, ~35 attendees, and 9 presenters.