About this event
AI is reshaping work, privacy, and daily life faster than we often realise. This free, beginner-friendly Meetup workshop in Seattle dives into where AI could be by 2026 and what that means for you. No technical background necessary, just curiosity and a willingness to think ahead about technology, society, and how we adapt to rapid change.
What you’ll get is a clear, accessible overview of today’s most powerful AI systems, plus exploring the near-term trajectory of the technology over the next 1–5 years. The session blends big-picture context with practical, hands-on insights you can use in your own work, projects, or everyday life. Expect live demonstrations that highlight both breakthroughs and risks, and an interactive forecasting exercise where you’ll test your own predictions about AI’s impact.
Event details: this is a free, public workshop taking place on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM at 2401 24th Ave East, Seattle, WA 98112. It’s designed for non-technical attendees, so you won’t need background in machine learning or programming. Acknowledging the rapid pace of AI development, the session addresses timely questions such as job disruption and the creation of new kinds of work, how AI could influence scams and crime, the possibility of AI companions or emotional bonds with AI agents, and broader societal trends that researchers anticipate.
Topic highlights include:
- The near-term AI landscape: what’s likely to change in the next 1–5 years
- Jobs and work: potential for both disruption and new opportunities
- Security and risk: how AI may influence scams, hacking, and other criminal activity
- Human-AI relationships: whether people might form meaningful connections with AI assistants
- Societal implications: how researchers expect AI trends to shape our day-to-day lives
What you’ll experience:
- A fast-paced, beginner-friendly overview of today’s AI systems
- Live demos that illustrate both progress and caution
- An interactive forecasting exercise you can take away to refine your own AI predictions
- An inclusive, discussion-friendly format with Q&A and shared learning
Note: This event is not hosted, sponsored, or endorsed by The Seattle Public Library, and the views expressed by participants are not representative of the Library. If you’re curious about AI, its potential impact, and practical considerations for the near future, this workshop is designed to equip you with frameworks and language to discuss and plan for a rapidly evolvin