About this Event
AI is changing the way we do business, but knowing how to use it effectively is what makes the difference.
Join Camp Tech for a hands-on AI For Business Workshop Series designed to help small business owners and professionals turn AI into a practical, every day business tool. Through real-world exercises and guided instruction, you'll learn how to use AI to make better decisions, strengthen your business, and work more efficiently.
*This workshop series is in-person only. Location: NWO Innovation Centre (2400 Nipigon Rd).
Workshop 1: Next-Level AI: From Chatbot to Business Partner
September 15, 2026: 9am - 12pm
Instructor: Avery Swartz (bio below)
Move beyond basic prompts and start using AI as a strategic business tool. This hands-on workshop is for small business owners and professionals who are ready to move beyond basic chatbot use. You will learn how to build a custom AI advisor loaded with your business context, assemble a virtual advisory team that can challenge your thinking, and put AI to work on real business talks. You will walk away with practical tools and techniques you can use immediately, not just ideas about what is possible.
*Prior chatbot experience recommended. Bring a laptop. A paid ChatGPT Plus or Claude Pro account is strongly recommended in order to follow along with all exercises.
Light breakfast will be provided. Please let us know upon registration if there are any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Workshop 2: Microsoft Copilot in Practice: From Quick Wins to Real Automation
November 24, 2026: 9am - 12pm
Instructor: Nicole Mickelow (bio below)
Built for organizations powered by Microsoft 365, this workshop starts with every day wins across Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams, such as pulling the key points out of a long email thread or turning a rough outline into a first draft. From there it builds toward something bigger. With Copilot as a guide, you will construct a real workflow in Microsoft Power Automate, such as an automatic notification when a new file lands in a shared folder. No coding or prior automation experience required. Throughout, the focus stays on what Copilot can genuinely do inside Microsoft 365 today, so you leave knowing where it saves real time and where it falls short.
*Bring a laptop. Microsoft 365 access with Copilot enabled is required.
Light breakfast will be provided. Please let us know upon registration if there are any allergies or dietary restrictions.
ABOUT THE AI EXPERT INSTRUCTORS
Avery Swartz, AI Expert + Founder & CEO
Avery Swartz is the founder and CEO of Camp Tech. She's the author of See You on the Internet: Building Your Small Business with Digital Marketing. Avery's also a tech correspondent for the media: you may have seen her on CTV's Your Morning, heard her voice on CBC Radio, or read her small business articles in The Globe and Mail. Avery was listed #5 on the Top 50 Women in Marketing list by Search Engine Journal.
Nicole Mickelow, Instructor
Nicole got her career start in television before making a move to the world of digital over 15 years ago. She led digital/content teams for great organizations like Astral Media, TIFF and Skate Canada and then ventured out on her own to launch Mnemonics Media. She taps into over two decades of career experience covering digital strategy, content creation and marketing execution to help her clients with their varied business objectives.
If you have any questions about this event, please email [email protected] or call 807-768-6682.
Event venue & nearby stays
Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre, 2400 Nipigon Road, Thunder Bay, Canada
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