Collaboratory tackles real-world AI applications at September AI Fridays

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Aug. 28, 2026 - PRLog -- Collaboratory and the SWFL HI AI Innovation Hub are expanding AI Fridays programming in September with three free sessions examining practical applications of artificial intelligence across sales, organizational culture and digital marketing.

Two sessions take place Friday, Sept. 11, followed by a third on Friday, Sept. 25, at Collaboratory in Fort Myers. Led by the SWFL HI AI Innovation Hub, AI Fridays features different speakers and topics on select Fridays through the end of the year, helping Southwest Florida move from AI awareness to practical application.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 11, RUKE and entrepreneur Cole Peacock lead "AI + Influence = Sales." Designed for entrepreneurs with businesses generating $250,000 to $2 million, the intermediate-level intensive examines how artificial intelligence, branding, marketing, corporate relations and influence intersect with sales and business growth. Participants will engage in small-group discussions focused on applying these concepts.

The second session on Sept. 11 runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Susan Minaya of Minaya Learning Global Solutions leads "Culture by Design in the Age of AI," examining how existing workplace culture, communication, decision-making and leadership behaviors can influence AI adoption. The intermediate-level session considers what AI may amplify within an organization and practical ways leaders can shape responsible, human-centered workplace practices.

"AI doesn't operate separately from the people and systems already driving an organization," said Collaboratory Vice President of Operations Kim Williams. "As these tools become part of everyday work, organizations have an opportunity to think intentionally about how they can strengthen operations while valuing the emotional intelligence and creativity that people bring to the table."

On Sept. 25, Jim Dobinski of StellarBlue.ai and SWFL Tech leads "Not Your Grandma's Marketing" from 10 to 11 a.m. The beginner-level session turns to digital marketing, examining how AI can handle routine tasks while allowing people to devote more time to creative work.

"Moving from AI awareness to practical application means understanding where these tools can create value across different types of work," said Guido Minaya, Ed.D., president of the SWFL HI AI Innovation Hub. "Giving people opportunities to build that knowledge across disciplines better prepares our region to put emerging technology to work in meaningful ways."

The majority of AI Fridays sessions are free, and advance registration is encouraged. To register for the September sessions, visit Collaboratory.org/swflhiaihub/events. Additional AI Fridays events take place Oct. 9 and 23, Nov. 6 and 20, and Dec. 11.

To learn more or become involved with Collaboratory, call 239-274-5900 or visit Collaboratory.org (http://www.collaboratory.org/).