AI is everywhere, but is it actually useful?

This hands-on workshop cuts through the hype and focuses on what AI can genuinely do for real people in real workflows — without turning anyone into an AI grifter.

Led by Scott Hanselman, this session is practical, grounded, and interactive. Together, participants will explore how to use AI tools in ways that actually save time, reduce repetitive work, and support creativity. The goal is not to chase buzzwords or speculate about AGI. It is to understand what is useful now, what is overhyped, and how to make informed decisions about the tools showing up on our laptops, phones, and in our work.

Instructor

Scott Hanselman is a programmer, teacher, speaker, and community builder known for making complex technical topics approachable and practical. He brings a clear-eyed perspective on emerging technology, with a focus on helping people understand what works, what does not, and what is worth their time.

What to Expect

A practical, hands-on workshop
Real examples of useful AI workflows
Clear explanations without jargon overload
Honest discussion about where AI helps and where it does not
A collaborative environment built for experimentation and learning

What We’ll Explore

Large vs. Small Language Models
When does model size actually matter? What can a smaller model running locally do well, and when does a larger cloud model make more sense?
NPUs and Edge AI
Your laptop and phone may already include AI hardware. We’ll look at what that means in practice, whether it matters, and how to think critically about AI performance claims.
Practical Productivity Patterns
Real-world examples of AI that support better work by reducing toil, improving output, and helping people move faster with intention.
Avoiding the Grift
How to evaluate AI tools with healthy skepticism, recognize inflated claims, and stay grounded in what is actually useful.

Requirements

Please come prepared with:

A laptop
An open mind
A healthy dose of skepticism

No PhD required.

Outcome

By the end of this session, participants will leave with:

A clearer understanding of how AI tools can be used practically today
Better judgment for evaluating AI products and claims
Actionable ideas for using AI to improve productivity and creativity
More confidence navigating AI without the hype