Bring Your Own Brain: Running Local AI Agents to Empower Your Team

GRWebDev Powered by LaFleur presents

Bring Your Own Brain: Running Local AI Agents to Empower Your Team

LaFleur Marketing (549 Ottawa Ave NW #201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)

Tuesday, May 26th 2026, 6pm - 8pm

DESCRIPTION

You've used ChatGPT. You've used Gemini. Maybe you've even paid for a Max plan on Claude or ChatGPT and watched your usage evaporate by noon. So what happens when the tools you're starting to depend on get more expensive, more restrictive, or raise ethical and security questions you can't ignore?

This session is a working demo of a different path: spinning up local AI models on hardware you own and orchestrating them through tools like Openclaw to read your Slack, move tasks in ClickUp, follow up on stalled projects, and generally act as an extra teammate, without burning frontier-model tokens or handing your data to a third party.

We'll cover what's actually possible today, where local models fall short, and how small teams (agencies, nonprofits, in-house ops) can use this to leapfrog the "AI department" most companies don't have yet. If you're AI-curious but skeptical, you'll leave with a clearer picture of what's worth the hype. If you've already been knee-deep in agents, you'll see a setup you can probably copy on Monday.

OUR PRESENTER

is a digital marketing leader, author, and technologist best known for writing Digital Marketing for Law Firms: The Secrets to Getting More Clients and Better Cases. As founder and CEO of LaFleur Marketing, he has built a nationally recognized agency that blends data, creativity, and human insight to help professional service firms grow with purpose.

A frequent keynote speaker, Chip shares insights on AI adoption, brand humanization, and digital transformation, presenting for organizations such as the American Marketing Association, GR Tech Week, and the State Bar of Michigan. He has also led the development of AI tools like the Longest Tail AI model and ClearBoard. Beyond his professional work, Chip is committed to expanding technology access in underserved communities.

SCHEDULE

• 6:00pm - 6:30pm … Refreshments and Networking
• 6:30pm … Opening Announcements + Presentation
• 7:30pm … Q&A + Closing Announcements
• 8:00pm … Event Ends

LOCATION

LaFleur Marketing is located at the corner of Trowbridge and Ottawa just north of downtown Grand Rapids. Enter through the main entrance on Ottawa Ave. and use the stairs or elevator to access the second floor. The entrance to Suite #201 is immediately to the right.

PARKING

Street parking is available along Ottawa Avenue and Trowbridge Street. Pricing and hours vary depending on location; details can be found on the City of Grand Rapids website.

SPONSORS

This month’s meetup is sponsored by . West Michigan Tech Talent connects local employers, educators, community organizations and workforce experts who are invested in creating a strong tech workforce. By sharing best practices, leveraging resources and collaborating on innovative solutions, WMTT is actively addressing the tech talent gap and makes upskilling affordable and accessible. Learn more at westmichigantechtalent.com.

GRWebDev is also sponsored by . Empowering West Michigan's startup ecosystem through financial, intellectual & social capital, Start Garden provides a neighborhood for startups to grow. No matter where you are on your journey - whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup or simply a dreamer with a great idea - the Start Garden ecosystem provides a strong community of support to help you get your idea off the ground or move your business to the next level. Learn more at startgarden.com.

GRWebDev's title sponsor (and our venue this month) is . LaFleur is your forward-thinking digital marketing partner, creating innovative, data-driven marketing strategies and assets for law firms, healthcare organizations, and growing businesses. Learn more about their services on the web at lafleur.marketing.

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Host or Publisher Grand Rapids Web Development Group (GRWebDev)