Lightning talk sparks double benefit

An informative presentation about the use of generative AI in marketing not only benefitted attendees but also local charity Children’s Hospice South West.

The ‘lightning’ talk was given by Optix Solutions co-founder Alastair Banks who provided an overview of how AI is a practical and creative tool for marketers which can be adapted for multiple uses to save time, increase efficiency and support training and recruitment needs. Alistair spoke of the need for users to become competent ‘prompt engineers’ in order to get the best out of AI responses and outlined potential issues to be aware of including privacy.  

Although AI platforms such as ChatGPT are relatively new, Alastair surprised delegates when he revealed his own journey with AI began in the late 1990s, when he read ‘A New Guide to Artificial Intelligence’ written by Professor Derek Partridge, one of his course tutors at the University of Exeter.

Alastair also spoke about Optix’s new suite of AI services aimed at senior leaders in SMEs and marketing teams in larger companies.

Attendees were invited to make an optional £10 donation to the charity to access the meeting either online or at Optix’s Marsh Barton offices. Just under £200 was raised from the event.

The next lightning talk is on May 23 and profits will again be donated to the Children's Hospice. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.