About us
Artificial Intelligence is having a “moment” right now, and Tampa Bay Artificial Intelligence Meetup’s goal is to prepare Tampa Bay’s tech and tech-adjacent professionals for this moment.
Our primary goal is to learn about the practical use and development of AI applications — that’s right, we’ll spend a lot of time getting our hands dirty either using AI tools or coding AI applications! Many of our sessions will be “do it along with the presenter” exercises, where we’ll work as a group learning how to use or implement something AI-related.
We’ll also have sessions where we’ll learn about AI in all its forms, discuss its promises and pitfalls, and share ideas, but these sessions will stay focused on how you can put this knowledge to practical use.
This meetup is open to everyone interested in artificial intelligence and related fields (including data science, machine learning, robotics, sensors, IoT). If you want to learn about AI and put it to good use or build your own AI-based applications, this meetup is for you!
Upcoming events
2
Next-level AI: Upgrade your skills with agents, MCP, and more
Kforce, 1150 Assembly Dr Ste 500, Tampa, FL 33607, USA, Tampa, FL, USNOTE: Please arrive before 6:30 as doors close then and we won't be able to get you.
Parking: Please park in any unmarked spot on the 2nd floor of the Waterview garage. From there you can take the skybridge to the 3rd floor. Take the elevator and KForce is on the 5th floor.
Agenda
5:30 - 6:15: Networking w/ food and refreshments
6:15 - 7:30: Intros and Technical Talk
7:30 - 8:00: End w/ raffle, cleanup and go to Colony Grill to continue the conversationAbstract
AI is evolving fast, and so are the ways developers can integrate it into tech systems. A flurry of new approaches and tools surfaces every week, and it’s hard to know where to focus.In this session, we will pull back the curtain on the next wave of AI development with agents, tool integrations, and Model Context Protocol (MCP). We will break down what AI agents are, how they interact with tools and APIs, and why context is critical for building smarter, more reliable applications. Next, we will look at MCP and how it standardizes communication between AI models and external systems.
Along the way, we will touch on related concepts and step through code and demos, giving you a complete roadmap to level up your AI skills. You won’t need a yellow brick road to follow along, but you will discover some magical new tricks to level up your AI skills!
Sponsors
Venue provided by Jimmy Scullion from KForce24 attendees
TECHAPALOOZA
SOFWERX, 1925 E 2nd Ave #102, Tampa, FL 33605, USA, Tampa, FL, USJoin Disrupt the Bay and Masterminds Tampa Bay for TECHAPALOOZA Registration
**RSVP - Be sure to use the Eventbrite Registration link at the top of the description to secure your spot**An evening bringing together leaders, innovators, and Tampa Bay’s growing AI and technology community. Our panel will cut through the AI hype and explore how AI should actually be implemented—from strategy and real-world applications to building solutions that create measurable impact. Connect directly with executives, technologists, founders, and AI professionals through speed networking and open networking, while enjoying food and beverages. Whether you’re already building with AI or trying to understand where it fits within your organization, TECHAPALOOZA is about real conversations, practical insight, and meaningful connections with the people shaping Tampa Bay’s AI future.
### TECHAPALOOZA | EVENT AGENDA
November 19, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 PM | SOFWERX
5:00–5:30 PM — Doors Open + Food & Beverages
Check in, grab a drink, meet Tampa Bay’s AI and technology community, and get connected.5:30–6:00 PM — Welcome to TECHAPALOOZA
Opening remarks from Disrupt the Bay × Masterminds Tampa Bay and introduction of our featured speakers.6:00–6:30 PM — Featured AI Panel: From AI Hype to Real-World Implementation
A candid conversation about where AI is actually delivering value, where organizations are getting it wrong, and what leaders need to consider around adoption, strategy, governance, security and execution.
Featuring:
Nick Palomba — Microsoft
John O'reilly — Google
Jennifer Bryk — RebelEdge Advisory
René Clayton — Byte Strategy AI
Brian Andrews - Sofwerx6:30–6:45 PM — Audience Q&A
6:45–7:15 PM — TECHAPALOOZA Speed Networking ⚡
Fast-paced introductions designed to connect founders, executives, technologists, AI practitioners and innovators across Tampa Bay.7:15–8:00 PM — Open Networking + Food & Beverages
Keep the conversations going, make meaningful connections and meet the people helping shape Tampa Bay’s technology ecosystem.**RSVP - Be sure to use the Eventbrite Registration link at the top of the description to secure your spot**
62 attendees
Past events
99
