​Join us to shape Chicago’s AI future! Be part of an exclusive gathering of Chicago’s AI professionals for an evening designed to deepen connections, spark collaboration, and inspire new ideas — both personally and professionally.

​This event is all about the power of real-world connections. Whether you’re in AI development, research, or any AI-driven industry, this is your chance to step away from the screen and into a friendly community space where Chicago’s brightest minds in AI come together to exchange ideas, share passions, and envision new possibilities.

​This launch event is designed for AI professionals ready to go beyond surface-level networking and build lasting relationships within Chicago’s AI community. We’re excited to host the GenAI Collective Chicago launch at a “coffee shop for beer”—a unique venue known for its inviting, café-style vibe and warm, community-focused atmosphere. With cozy seating, plenty of room to mingle, and an ambiance that’s relaxed yet upscale, this setting is ideal for deep conversation, collaborative thinking, and genuine connection.

​You’ll leave with new connections that go far beyond LinkedIn, conversations that reach beyond the latest AI trends, and the start of relationships that support both career growth and a strong sense of belonging in Chicago’s AI ecosystem.

Meet Our Special Guests

​We’re thrilled to have two incredible leaders joining us for the GenAI Collective Chicago launch: Chappy Asel, co-founder and CEO of GenAI Collective, and Roma Khan, founder of CrushContracts and Zoey, and our event sponsor.

​Chappy Asel:
As the co-founder of GenAI Collective, Chappy brings a visionary approach to building thriving AI products and communities. He’ll be sharing insights into GenAI’s mission and the power of community in driving AI innovation, making this launch event a truly unique opportunity to connect with the visionary behind GenAI Collective’s global success.

Roma Khan:
We’re proud to have the support of Roma Khan, Chief Empowerment Officer and Founder of CrushContracts and Zoey. Known as the “Contracts Queen” and a true connector, Roma’s mission is to make legal technology accessible to everyone. Roma’s passion for problem-solving and community-building embodies the spirit of GenAI Collective, and we’re honored to have her as our launch sponsor.

​What to Expect

• ​Check-In & Warm Welcome (6:00 - 6:15 PM)
  Start the evening by grabbing refreshments, filling out your name tag with an “interesting fact,” and connecting with new faces. After everyone settles in, the chapter lead will introduce Chappy Asel, GenAI Collective co-founder, who will share our mission and values of community and collaboration.

• ​Curated Conversations: AI Connections & Ambitions (6:30 PM)
  This session is all about finding common ground and shared passions. You'll jump into the action with curated conversations designed to spark openness and creativity. We'll show you how to succinctly talk about who you are and what you're passionate about, then you’ll get to connect in a quick pace with others, blending personal passions with professional insights. The goal is to make the most out of your 30 minutes of "structured networking." Meet as many people and remember as many of their passions as possible.

• ​Collaborative Pitch Workshop: AI for a Better Chicago (7:00 PM)
  Get ready for a high-energy session where you'll join teams to tackle real-world issues facing Chicago. Bring a local or industry challenge, brainstorm AI-driven solutions, explore challenges, and create a compelling pitch to share with others. It’s a fun, collaborative way to innovate and imagine AI’s potential impact on our city.

• ​Refreshments & Open Networking (8:00 PM)
  Take a breather, enjoy more refreshments, and engage in "unstructured networking." This is your chance to explore ideas from the workshop, share insights, and connect with others on a personal level.

• ​Closing Reflections, Group Photo & Farewells (8:15 - 8:45 PM)
  We’ll gather for closing reflections and to throw out ideas about our next meet-up. This is when you’ll have the chance to share your takeaways and hear from others. We’ll wrap up with a group photo to capture the evening and a final reminder to connect on LinkedIn with all your new colleagues!

​As part of a global GenAI Collective, this event brings together leaders from across Chicago’s AI ecosystem to drive forward ideas that impact not just our city but the AI field at large. Don't miss joining us for this special launch event!

As always, enjoy delicious food, refreshing non-alcoholic beverages, engaging conversation, and incredible company! Craft beer will be available for purchase at the bar, but the real focus of the night is on impactful ideas and meaningful connections.

​Please be advised: We’ve had an insane response to this event, and space is extremely limited. While we welcome everyone, we’re unable to accept all applicants this time. If you aren’t selected, please keep applying! We genuinely appreciate your interest and look forward to seeing you at a future event very soon.

​​​The GenAI Collective is a non-profit, grassroots community of 25,000+ founders, researchers, operators, and investors representing the global forum for AI and technological progress. Through world-class events, workshops, and online forums, members leverage their diverse perspectives and innovative minds to foster meaningful relationships, solve challenging problems, and define the future of AI. Follow us on LinkedIn!