Why Communities Should Lead the AI Revolution

There’s a common misconception that communities and AI are opposites, one human and organic, the other cold and algorithmic. But communities aren’t the antithesis of AI; they’re the missing ingredient in making it work for real people.

In this session, Alex Shiell, Co-Founder & Manager @ The Creative Innovative Network / Strategy & AI Capability Designer @ Accelio, will explore how communities can become powerful catalysts for successful AI transformation.

Drawing from her experience helping ASX-listed companies and government agencies navigate AI adoption and organizational change, Alex will share how communities can:

🔹 Act as living laboratories for innovation and feedback

🔹 Build trust and context that no algorithm can replicate

🔹 Turn resistance into curiosity and collaboration

🔹 Ensure AI reflects real human needs, not just data

Whether you’re a community builder, innovator, or simply curious about the human side of AI, this session will show how we can shape an AI future that’s collaborative, contextual, and truly human-centered.