The AI & Data Series returned this March as a multi-day lineup of sessions designed to explore the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence and data in our everyday lives. Hosted across a mix of local venues and virtual platforms, the series created multiple entry points for participation, making it accessible, flexible, and community-driven.
Over the course of the week, 90 guests joined a diverse range of sessions, including panel discussions, workshops, virtual presentations, and an AI help desk, alongside more informal, conversation-based gatherings. Events were held in spaces such as Baked Café, Yukonstruct, MacBride Museum, and other community venues, creating a welcoming and approachable environment for learning and connection.
The series attracted a wide spectrum of participants – from experienced AI users and tech professionals to small business owners and community members who were newer to the space. For some attendees, this was an opportunity to deepen existing knowledge and explore practical applications. For others, it was a chance to better understand a technology that can feel unfamiliar, and at times even intimidating, by asking questions, sharing perspectives, and engaging in open dialogue.
Each session was designed to be interactive, grounded, and relevant, encouraging participation rather than passive learning. Topics ranged from practical AI tools and automation to data discovery, ethics, and the future of emerging technologies, offering both technical insight and broader societal context.
By bringing together a variety of formats, perspectives, and experience levels, the AI & Data Series fostered meaningful conversations, supported peer learning, and strengthened connections across Yukon’s growing tech and business community.
The Sessions
Use AI to Sell Smarter: Building a Living Digital Customer Persona with AI
Speaker: James Rowe, Insightful Innovation
This session explored how businesses can move beyond static customer personas by using AI to create dynamic, interactive representations of their audience. Through live demonstration and practical examples, James showed how AI can support sales, marketing, and product decision-making. Attendees left with a clear understanding of how to apply these tools to better understand and engage their customers.
How Local Businesses Are Using AI
Speakers: Marcos Castillo, CEO @ Bizont | Bethany Ryan, Account Executive @ Bizont | Taryn Ellens, Founder @ AInome
This informal, community-focused session highlighted how local businesses are integrating AI into their day-to-day operations. Through candid conversations, speakers shared practical examples, lessons learned, and real-world challenges. The session created an approachable environment for attendees to ask questions, exchange ideas, and connect with others exploring AI within a local context.
Quantum Computing Demystified: How Will It Change Computers of the Future?
Speaker: Dr. Mark Jackson, Quantinuum
This session introduced attendees to the fundamentals of quantum computing, breaking down how it differs from classical systems and why it has the potential to transform industries. Dr. Jackson explored key concepts such as superposition and entanglement, while connecting them to real-world applications in AI, cybersecurity, and advanced materials. Attendees left with a clearer understanding of how quantum computing may shape the future of technology and innovation.
Make AI Playbook: Combining Traditional and Agentic Automation Meaningfully
Speaker: Sara Maldon, Make
Sara Maldon provided a practical look at the evolving landscape of automation, helping attendees understand the difference between traditional workflows and agentic AI. Drawing from real-world use cases, the session explored when and how to apply each approach effectively. Participants gained insight into how organizations are thoughtfully integrating AI agents into their operations to improve efficiency while maintaining control and intention.
AI & Us: Navigating Connection in the Age of AI
Panelists: Sean Boots, Katrina Ingram, Eugene Chen, Paul Kishchuk
This panel brought together diverse perspectives to explore how AI is influencing human connection, communication, and trust. With viewpoints ranging from enthusiastic adoption to thoughtful skepticism, the discussion created space for nuanced dialogue around the role AI plays in our personal and professional lives. Attendees engaged with big questions around boundaries, responsibility, and what it means to interact with increasingly intelligent systems.
From Napkins to Reality: How a World Bank Visualization Comes to Life
Speaker: Eugene Chen, Canadian Open Data Society
This relaxed, café-style session offered a behind-the-scenes look at how data visualizations are actually created — from rough sketches and early ideas to final outputs. Eugene walked attendees through the full arc of real projects, sharing the pivots, unexpected challenges, and failed mockups that rarely make it into the spotlight. Blending storytelling, technical insight, and humour, the session gave a candid look at the creative process behind digital storytelling, while creating a cozy space for conversation, curiosity, and connection.
Hiding in Plain Sight: AI for Data Discovery
Speaker: Paul Kishchuk, Vector Research
This session focused on uncovering valuable data that often goes unnoticed across websites and documents. Paul demonstrated practical, no-code techniques for extracting, structuring, and visualizing information using AI tools. Attendees gained actionable strategies for turning overlooked data into meaningful insights to support decision-making and analysis.
AI Now: Realistic Risks & Potential Rewards
Speaker: Katrina Ingram, Ethically Aligned AI
Katrina Ingram led a thoughtful discussion on the current state of AI, exploring both its potential and its risks. Moving beyond hype and fear, the session addressed the ethical considerations shaping AI adoption today, including its impact on people, society, and the environment. Attendees left with a more balanced understanding of how to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.
CTO + AI Helpdesk: Build, Experiment, and Get Unstuck
Speaker: Eugene Chen, Canadian Open Data Society
This hands-on session combined a fast-paced walkthrough of practical tools for building apps, sites, and dashboards with open office hours where attendees could bring their own questions and challenges. Led by Eugene, a seasoned software developer and former CTO, the session offered real-time guidance on everything from troubleshooting and architecture to AI-assisted development. The flexible, drop-in format encouraged experimentation, collaboration, and peer learning, helping participants gain clarity, build momentum, and move forward in their projects.