Workshop leader
Type
EventWhen
Welcome to Idea to Agent Before 5 p.m.
You've reserved your spot. Now let's get ready to build.
On Wednesday, October 7, you'll join manufacturing, business and technology leaders for a hands-on workshop focused on one goal:
Turning a real business challenge into a practical AI agent in a single day.
Using Microsoft Copilot Studio, with guidance from the Columbus AI Team, you'll identify opportunities for AI and build a first working version of an agent for one scoped process. You’ll also leave with the foundational knowledge to apply the approach to other use cases in your business.
Prepare for the workshop
You’ll get more from the day if you arrive with one specific task or process in mind.
This could be:
- A repetitive task that takes up too much time
- A question employees or customers ask repeatedly
- A process that involves searching across several systems
- A reporting or information-gathering challenge
- A workflow that creates delays or manual effort
- A manufacturing or operational process that could be improved with AI
The more specific the challenge, the more focused your agent can be. Please do not bring or upload confidential company, customer, or employee information during the workshop.
What to bring
- A laptop and charger
- A business challenge or process improvement idea
- Curiosity and a willingness to experiment
- No coding experience is required.
What to expect
Morning
- Understand what an AI agent is and where it could support your work
- Choose the task or process you want to focus on
- Build the first working version of your agent
Afternoon
- Add knowledge, tools and actions
- Test and refine your agent using the workshop environment
- Leave with the foundational knowledge to apply the approach to other use cases
Event details
- Parking is located at the address provided and there is no charge to park
- Lunch is included
- Day-of contact: Maureen Kijek (Project Manager) Tel: 248-457-3233
Technical requirements
- Columbus will provide the Microsoft accounts, tools and isolated workshop environment. You do not need your own Microsoft account, license, or Copilot Studio trial.
- Bring a personal or company laptop that can run a current version of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
- No software will be installed, and administrator rights are not required.
Please check that your laptop and company firewall allow access to Claude, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot. If you are unsure, contact us before the workshop and we can help you check the requirements. If your company laptop restricts access to these tools, please bring a personal laptop.
FAQs
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No. If you can describe what you want in plain language, you can take part in the workshop. No previous coding or AI experience is required.
No. If you can describe what you want in plain language, you can take part in the workshop. No previous coding or AI experience is required.
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You’ll take part in the build process and create the first working version of an agent for one focused use case, with support from the Columbus AI Team
You’ll take part in the build process and create the first working version of an agent for one focused use case, with support from the Columbus AI Team
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You’ll leave with the first working version of an agent for one focused use case, along with the foundational knowledge to tackle other use cases in your organization and understand the next steps for further development.
You’ll leave with the first working version of an agent for one focused use case, along with the foundational knowledge to tackle other use cases in your organization and understand the next steps for further development.
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Yes. We encourage colleagues to attend together so they can collaborate during the workshop and return to the business with a shared approach. Registration is limited to two people per company because space is limited, and each person must register separately.
Yes. We encourage colleagues to attend together so they can collaborate during the workshop and return to the business with a shared approach. Registration is limited to two people per company because space is limited, and each person must register separately.
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Please let us know so we can release your seat.
Please let us know so we can release your seat.
Do I need to know how to code?
No. If you can describe what you want in plain language, you can take part in the workshop. No previous coding or AI experience is required.
Will I actually build something or just watch?
You’ll take part in the build process and create the first working version of an agent for one focused use case, with support from the Columbus AI Team
What will I leave with?
You’ll leave with the first working version of an agent for one focused use case, along with the foundational knowledge to tackle other use cases in your organization and understand the next steps for further development.
Can I bring a colleague?
Yes. We encourage colleagues to attend together so they can collaborate during the workshop and return to the business with a shared approach. Registration is limited to two people per company because space is limited, and each person must register separately.
Can’t make it?
Please let us know so we can release your seat.
Why Columbus?
Columbus helps organizations turn business challenges into practical AI and automation solutions. We combine technology expertise with business process and operational experience across manufacturing, retail and distribution, food and beverage, and life sciences to help teams identify suitable use cases, build initial solutions and plan the next steps for wider adoption.
Meet your workshop leader
If you need help?
For questions about the workshop or technical requirements, contact:
CJ Combs
AI Strategy Executive
CJ helps organizations turn business challenges into practical AI and automation solutions. His work includes Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, custom AI agents, and enterprise automation. With more than 25 years of experience across enterprise communications and automation, he focuses on helping teams identify suitable use cases and turn ideas into solutions they can test, refine and develop further.