In the summer of 2023, as the world watched the rapid rise of generative AI, Nicole and Megan found themselves casually yet deeply engaged in conversations about what this emerging technology meant for their lives. They were fascinated by the possibilities, and it became a frequent topic of their discussions.

Then, one December evening, the stars aligned for an impromptu get-together over a bottle of wine and some baby carrots. Nicole had been listening to a podcast about AI in design on her way over, and naturally, the conversation turned to AI once again. The excitement in the air was palpable.

That night, Nicole made a casual but significant suggestion: "If we’re so fascinated by this, surely other people must be too. We should start a meetup, we should make AI Portland!" Without hesitation, Megan said, "No. We are too busy, and have way too much going on."

But sometimes, a simple idea has a way of sticking with you. The very next day, Megan reconsidered. Maybe there was something more here—a community waiting to be formed. And just like that, AI Portland was born.

Fast forward to 2024, and AI Portland has grown into something beyond their wildest expectations. They’ve hosted 14 events, spoken at 4 others, and even launched a podcast. What started as a casual conversation between friends over a bottle of wine has evolved into a thriving community of AI enthusiasts, creators, and thought leaders, all eager to explore the future together.