PRESS RELEASE: MAICON Collective Launches "AI and the Art of Possibility" in Macon, Georgia

Two-Day Event Explores How Artificial Intelligence Can Empower Communities and Solve Real-World Challenges

Macon, GA – Tuesday January 28, 2025– The MAICON Collective, in collaboration with Microsoft, Wesleyan Leadership Lab, and Macon Black Tech, is excited to announce AI and the Art of Possibility, a transformative two-day event taking place on January 31 and February 1, 2025. Designed by a collaborative network of community stakeholders in the Middle Georgia region, this event will showcase the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovation, equity, and opportunity in Macon.

Day 1 will feature interactive workshops at Wesleyan College Campus, focusing on practical applications of AI for education, small businesses, nonprofits, and personal productivity. Participants will gain valuable skills, explore career opportunities in AI fields, and discuss ethical and responsible AI practices.

Day 2 at the Tubman Museum promises a dynamic blend of hands-on learning, interactive showcases, and insightful discussions for adults, children, and youth. Attendees will explore how to hack everyday life with AI, engage with cutting-edge generative AI tools, and participate in community-oriented breakout sessions.

“AI and the Art of Possibility is more than an event—it’s a movement to empower the Macon community through the exposure, access, fluency, and adoption of Generative AI,” said Erika Smith, Global Partnerships Lead at Microsoft. “We are excited to collaborate with the MAICON Collective and connect the residents, leaders, and entrepreneurs with resources, tools, and insights to ensure that AI is everyone.”

“This event brings together local leaders and educators to talk about their experience using AI as well as Microsoft professionals who are actively developing the technology,” said Alexis Gregg, Executive Director of the Wesleyan Leadership Lab. “In education we have been learning about AI out of necessity since students started using it and now its exponential growth is all around us. We wanted to create an event where our community could talk about, understand, and learn how to use AI so the opportunities of this technology doesn’t pass Middle Georgia by. 

“This event is a collective effort intentionally curated to provide accessible resources and experiences for our community,” said Christele Parham of Macon Black Tech. “Regardless of your expertise or feelings about AI, we have something for you—from interactive demos to engaging kids’ activities like Melodies and Machines: Songwriting with AI. Join us as we explore the possibilities and empower our city through AI.”

This event is open to students, professionals, business owners, educators, nonprofit leaders, and anyone curious about the potential of AI to create positive change.

Registration is now open. Please visit this site to learn more and secure your spot.

About the MAICON Collective

The MAICON Collective is a collaborative network of community stakeholders in Middle Georgia dedicated to advancing innovation, equity, and education in the realm of STEM. The collective includes partners from academic institutions, local government, nonprofit organizations, and businesses, creating a powerful ecosystem for progress.

Wesleyan Leadership Lab

Located in the heart of downtown Macon, the Wesleyan College Leadership Lab serves as the premier venue for campus and community events and the home of the Wesleyan College CEO Leadership Institute.

Macon Black Tech is a community organization using tech enabled solutions and research to support early-stage founders in Middle GA to forge a tech-driven future; creating impactful solutions for community challenges and fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity.

For more information about the MAICON Collective, visit Maicon.collective.com