AI Collective@ City Hall
Opening Times
1PM - 3PM
Entry Fee
No
Booking Required
Yes
Venue
City Hall
Join local businesses for an honest conversation about AI, what’s actually useful, what isn’t, and where it could make a real difference.
Everyone’s talking about AI. Fewer people are being honest about it.
We speak with 30+ businesses across the region every month, and the same story comes up again and again: not knowing where to start, AI creeping in through personal accounts rather than proper adoption, one person who’s “good at it” with no way to pass it on, no clear lead from the top. If any of that sounds familiar, you’re exactly who this session is for.
Session 1 of the AI Collective is an open, no-pressure, in-person conversation for employers across the North East and the wider North East. No sales pitch, no jargon – just a room of local business comparing notes on what’s really happening on the ground. Please note that a maximum of two representatives per company may attend.
What you’ll get from the morning
- An open forum, not a lecture – introduce yourself, hear how other local businesses are approaching AI, and get real answers to the questions you’ve been sitting on
- Honest insight, not hype – what platforms people are actually using, what’s worked, what’s flopped, and the mistakes worth avoiding
- A live demonstration of AI doing a real job in front of you – a quote drafted, a rota built, a week of admin cleared
- Straight talk on governance and data – what happens to what you type into these tools, and how to put simple guardrails in place before scaling
- A tangible takeaway to leave with – a clear, practical next step for your business, not just notes
- A look at how to build AI skills in-house, including the Level 3 and Level 4 AI Apprenticeship route
Who it’s for
Business owners, managers, decision-makers, team leaders, employees, and organisations looking to nominate or develop AI Champions from businesses of any size across the North East. Whether you’re already using AI, curious about its potential, or a little wary of it, all experience levels are welcome. No technical or IT background is needed, just an interest in exploring how AI can support your role, team, or business.
Join the Collective
This session is the start, not a one-off. Attend Session 1 and you’re welcome to join the AI Collective – an ongoing, free network of North East businesses meeting regularly to keep the conversation going and keep building AI capability together. No membership fee, no obligation.
FYI
This is an in-person event
📧 Questions: [email protected] | 07867 452 845
🔒 Exclusive employer-only event. Attendance is limited to a maximum of two delegates per organisation to encourage meaningful discussion, networking, and peer learning.
Spaces are limited — reserve your place now!
LATEST EVENTS
SUNDAY CLUB LIVE
@ Live Lounge4 October 2026
Happy Hour 3pm - 4pm with pints from £2.50!
A high-energy North East UK rock tribute band delivering a powerful live celebration of the biggest rock anthems of the 1980s and beyond. With a set packed with classic songs from artists including Bon Jovi, Pink Floyd, Cutting Crew and many more, the band brings big vocals, guitars, driving rhythms and plenty of audience participation to every show.
Bandana Workshop
@ STACK7 October 2026
Join Louise, owner and creator at Connie and Belle, for a relaxed beginner friendly crafty evening where you will choose from a range of handmade bandanas for the perfect one ready for you to customise and create a personal one of a kind bandana for your furry best friend. including Halloween themed patches and bandanas, You know they deserve it!
Alongside your bandana you will be provided with a wide choice of felts, threads, trims and tassels to customise your bandana, alongside a large range of pre-made (handmade) patches to choose from and stitch, you can mix and match or fully use pre-made or do all handmade patches, it's completely up to you (up to 5 patches can be chosen)
Totally Gaga
@ STACK8 October 2026
This is Totally Gaga – Starring Georgia Crandon
Step into a world of pop spectacle, glamour, and unstoppable energy with *Totally Gaga* – the
ultimate celebration of Lady Gaga, starring the sensational Georgia Crandon,’ Backed by her
stellar live band and dazzling dancers, this electrifying production delivers the full Gaga
experience, from powerhouse vocals to iconic fashion and unforgettable choreography.
Hocus Pocus
@ The 3 Stories8 October 2026
Experience your favourite films on the big screen at The 3 Stories, while being served themed food and drinks throughout
This event features Halloween favourite, Hocus Pocus, for the spooky ones among us
Ogrepalooza
@ The Point9 October 2026
Leave your pitchforks at the door and step into the swamp… Ogrepalooza is heading to The Point, Sunderland on Friday 9th October!
Headlined by the UK's #1 Shrek tribute band, @TheOgretones - an 8-piece live band featuring Shrek, Fiona and Donkey & Friend!
Ska Day Party
@ The Point10 October 2026
The Ska Day Party is coming!
Calling all rude boys, rude girls, and skankin’ legends!
Look for a Book
@ Seafront10 October 2026
LOOK FOR THE BOOK | Sunderland Seafront
Saturday 10 October | 10 am - 12 noon
Roker & Seaburn | FREEBooks are hiding along Sunderland Seafront… are you ready to find them?
Art, Craft, and Graze Market
@ Sunderland Train Station10 October 2026
The Art, Craft & Graze Markets are all about slowing down, having a wander, and meeting the people behind the work.
Come along to browse handmade pieces, discover local artists and makers, and enjoy a chat with the creatives themselves.
Expect:
Original artwork & handmade crafts
Locally made gifts & home décor
Fresh bakes, savoury treats & artisan produce
A relaxed atmosphere filled with creativity
Whether you’re curious, collecting, or just fancy a relaxed morning out, there’s plenty to explore, taste, and enjoy.
Grab a coffee from the coffee caribe pod, take your time, and support Sunderland’s small businesses and creative community.
Matchday Hospitality
@ Hilton Garden Inn10 October 2026
October 10th - Sunderland V Brighton
Sunday Market
@ Sheepfold Stables11 October 2026
The artisan food and drink market will be held on the second Sunday of each month going forward. Visitors can wander around the many stalls and purchase from a range of local independent traders offering the very best produce, from crafted gifts to specialist breads and cakes, organic vegetables, charcuterie and more!