Entrepreneur Forum: AI Update How to Leverage AI Tools to Accelerate Growth

Schedule

Fri May 15 2026 at 09:00 am to 01:00 pm

Location

Lawrence Technological University | Southfield, MI

A powerful event to help entrepreneurs get ahead in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence!
About this Event

Are You Ready to Take Your Business to New Levels?

NEA will host the annual Entrepreneurs Forum in partnership with Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan on Friday May 15th. This event brings together entrepreneurs and professionals to connect, collaborate, and explore cutting-edge strategies for business growth.

This year’s theme is AI Update and explores how artificial intelligence is helping every day entrepreneurs save time, become more competitive, and significantly reduce costs. Our Closing Inspirational Keynote Speaker will be Emmy Award Winning News Anchor and Entrepreneur Glenda Lewis.

This is your opportunity to learn about AI and how its transforming the way businesses operate and grow. Hear from leading AI experts, tech professionals, and entrepreneurs as they share the newest tools and strategies shaping the future of business. Leave with actionable steps.

2026 Entrepreneurs Forum Event Highlights

Dynamic Keynote Speakers
Power Packed Panel Discussion
AI Training Sessions
Numerous Business Resources
Exhibitors/Vendors
Continental Breakfast
Power Networking Lunch
Give-aways and more

Learn more at https://www.nationalentrepreneurs.org/2026-entrepreneurs-forum

AI Training Session Descriptions

Session One

Never Lose a Lead Again: Capture, Connect, and Convert Automatically

Instructor: Shaun Zhang | Chief AI Officer at Think Technologies

At an event, you may encounter a valuable contact, capture their business card, and then neglect to follow up. In this hands-on workshop, you will develop an easy automation that captures a business card’s image, extracts contact information using AI, saves it to your Google Sheet (or your preferred CRM), and drafts a personalized follow-up email within seconds. You will emerge with a functional system that transforms every handshake into a meaningful connection. Please bring your laptop, your phone and business card(s).

Key Takeaways:

Capture and organize business contacts instantly using AI
Eliminate missed opportunities with automated follow-up
Generate personalized emails in seconds
Build a ready-to-use system to streamline your networking process

Session Two

AI for Entrepreneurs: Smart Marketing Without a Bigger Team

Instuctor: Heather McGlone | Founder of Ace Strategies

AI is the great equalizer for entrepreneurs, giving small businesses access to tools and capabilities that were once reserved for larger teams. In this practical session, you’ll learn how to use AI strategically to clarify your messaging, create content efficiently, and build consistent marketing systems all while maintaining your authentic voice and without adding headcount.

Key Takeaways:

How to use AI to improve messaging clarity and strengthen positioning
A simple system for turning one idea into multiple marketing assets
The right balance between AI efficiency and human strategy
A practical workflow you can implement immediately to save time and increase consistency

Session Three

AI Systems to Create Seven Figure Service Businesses

Instructor: Gabe Wilson|Microsoft Certified AI Engineer|Founder of Edgy Design Group

Discover how to leverage AI systems to build and scale a seven-figure business with greater speed and efficiency. Learn how entrepreneurs are using automation, data, and smart workflows to reduce costs, increase productivity, and maximize profits. This session will break down practical tools and strategies that can streamline operations, enhance marketing, and improve decision-making. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale, you’ll gain actionable insights to implement AI systems that drive business growth.

Key Takeaways:

Identify AI systems that can accelerate business growth and scalability
Automate key operations to save time and reduce overhead
Leverage AI for smarter marketing and customer acquisition
Build efficient workflows that support consistent revenue growth

Panel Discussion

The Truth About AI - Myths, Misconceptions and Growth Strategies for Entrepreneurs

Panelists: Michael Wynn, Certified AI Consultant | Melissa McClary Davis, founder of Wise Digital Marketing | Angelo Austin founder of Austin Media Group | Susan Gordon Jackson, Certified AI Consultant | Robin Suomi, founder of MEG Community and Start Up Growth

This interactive discussion will tackle common fears and misconceptions about AI, separating hype from reality so you can make informed decisions. Panelists will share real-world examples of how entrepreneurs and small businesses are using AI to save time, reduce costs, and accelerate growth. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already using AI in your business, you’ll gain practical insights and strategies you can apply right away. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and walk away with a new level of understanding to move your business forward.

Key Takeaways:

Separating AI myths from real-world business opportunities
Practical ways to use AI to save time and reduce costs
Strategies to leverage AI for faster, smarter business growth
Building confidence to adopt and integrate AI into your business

Fireside Chat

How AI Powers Podcasts & YouTube for Business Growth

This session brings together longtime podcaster and marketer Rosh Sellars and AV professional Van Allen, for an engaging fireside chat. Drawing on Rosh’s real-world podcasting experience and Van’s deep background in video production, this conversation will break down how entrepreneurs can create compelling content without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re already producing podcasts or YouTube videos or have been holding back because it seems like too much work, you’ll discover how AI tools can simplify planning, production, and promotion.

Key Takeaways: