Membership
- Who is this for?
- People actively building with AI: engineers shipping features in production, ML researchers with real projects, technical founders of AI-native products, and applied researchers. The common thread is simple — you are already in the work.
- Who is this not for?
- This group is designed for people who are already building. If you are still exploring AI, early in your journey, or primarily looking to understand where to start, you will likely get more value elsewhere for now. We also do not position events as networking or lead-generation spaces. Service providers and recruiters generally find it a better fit to engage through sponsorship rather than standard membership.
- How does the curation process work?
- You apply. We review your application — specifically what you have built, what you have shipped, and how you describe your current work. We are not looking for CVs or credentials. We are looking for evidence that you are actively working on something real. Applications are reviewed manually. You will hear back within two weeks.
- Can students apply?
- Yes — if the work is substantive. Strong applications typically include a published paper, a live product, or a serious research project. The key question is not your status, but the depth of your work. If you are still early and looking to break into AI, this may be something to come back to.
- Can non-technical founders apply?
- It depends on your level of involvement. Founders who are deeply engaged in technical decisions — and can speak clearly about architecture, models, and tradeoffs — tend to get the most from the group. If your role is primarily commercial or focused on hiring, this may not be the right environment.
- Do I need to be based in Chester?
- No. Events are held in Chester, so you should be able to get there. Members come from across the North West — Manchester, Liverpool, Warrington, Wrexham, and beyond. If you are further afield and willing to travel, that is not a barrier.
Events
- Are events free?
- Standard meetup sessions are free for accepted members. Some workshops may involve a small fee to cover materials, venue, or catering. Builder dinners are subsidised by sponsors but may include a contribution. Pricing, where it applies, is always stated in the event details.
- What happens if an event is full?
- Events are deliberately capped to keep the room small and focused. If a session is full, you can join the waitlist — spaces do open up. Being on the waitlist does not affect your standing in the group.
- Can recruiters attend?
- Not as standard members. Recruiters who want to be involved can do so through sponsorship, which comes with clear expectations about how to engage appropriately in the room.
- What is the format of a typical session?
- Sessions are built around live demos and discussion. Typically: Two or three demos (15–20 minutes each), questions from the room, a short break, an open discussion topic, and informal time at the end. The focus is on showing real work and having honest conversations — rather than panels, keynotes, or pitching.
Demos
- What kind of work belongs in a demo?
- Running code is the baseline. The most valuable demos show what actually works, what does not, and what was learned in the process. Production systems, research prototypes, and tools in active development are all welcome. The key is that there is something real to show and a clear point of view behind it.
- Can I demo something that is not finished?
- Yes. Unfinished but substantive work is often more interesting than polished outputs. The expectation is that something is running, and that you can speak meaningfully about it. Work in progress is welcome. Work that only exists in slides is not.
- How do I propose a demo?
- Use the "Propose a Demo" form. We review proposals on a rolling basis and schedule sessions two to four weeks ahead. You will hear back either way.
Sponsors
- Why would an organisation sponsor?
- Because you want to be present in a small room of active builders — not a large conference audience. Sponsors typically support the group because they value proximity to real work and practitioners, rather than treating it as a traditional sales channel.
- What do sponsors not get?
- Sponsors do not receive: Stage time, sales presentations, attendee data, or product showcase positioning. Their role is to support the group and be present — not to advertise.
Logistics
- How are events announced?
- By email to members and subscribers. There is no public ticket link. If you want to hear about events, subscribe to the mailing list or apply to join.
- Are sessions recorded?
- No. The expectation of privacy is part of what allows for more open and honest conversations. Some speakers may share slides or code afterwards at their discretion, but sessions are not recorded.