IN-PERSON | The AI Toolkit | The AI Landscape

AI is changing the way we think, create, and work. But with so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this hands-on three-part series, explore the different types of AI tools, discover where they compete or complement one another, and learn how to build a streamlined AI toolkit tailored to your goals. Leave with a practical plan and the confidence to put AI to work on Monday morning.

Session 1: The AI Landscape

What are these tools and what do they actually do? AI tools aren't one thing. They're specialized — and once you understand the categories, the choices get much clearer.

Walk away with more knowledge on the five categories of AI tools:

Thinking & Research
Creative
Build & Run
Productivity & Operations
Research & Knowledge

Alex Colley, Co-Founder, dameSpeak

With over 20 years in marketing and creative services, Alex brings a rare combination of strategic depth and hands-on execution to every client she works with. Her guiding question — "Who still needs to know about this, and how do we get that message across more clearly?" — has driven her work across industries ranging from economic development and healthcare to food and beverage, retail, and business networking.

Alex holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Advertising from the University of Tampa and an MBA from the University of West Florida. She co-founded dameSpeak in 2021 with a clear conviction: that small and mid-sized businesses deserve the same caliber of strategic marketing that enterprise brands take for granted.

In the Kansas City business and AI community, Alex is a recognized voice on AI search and digital marketing strategy. She serves on the KC2026 AI Committee, moderates the AI Roundtable, and previously held the Social Media Chair role for the Kansas City AI Club. She is a former Board Member of the Kansas City Healthcare Communicators Society and a 2018 Women of Distinction honoree. Outside of work, Alex is a self-described crazy dog lady, proud fun aunt, wannabe foodie, and avid marathoner.

REGISTRATION CLOSES 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE.

Enter your email address below to receive a reminder message.

Please complete the Captcha

Date and Time

Wednesday Sep 9, 2026
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT

11:30 AM - Arrival, Mingle and Enjoy Lunch
12:00 PM - Program Begins
1:00 PM - Program Ends

Please Provide Us Notice If You Need To Cancel:
We understand that schedules change. If you have registered for this program and can no longer attend, we greatly appreciate you notifying us of your cancellation by completing our cancellation form or emailing hello@centralexchange.org at least 48-hours prior to the program if possible. This is so we can adjust our catering order to help eliminate food waste and prepare accordingly. Thank you!

Location

IN-PERSON AT UMKC BLOCH EXECUTIVE HALL
5108 CHERRY STREET, ROOM 413
KANSAS CITY, MO 64110

You will receive an email from UMKC Parking 24-48 hours prior to the program. This will include a personalized link to the parking registration portal. To complete registration, you will enter your vehicle information, including your license plate number.

Parking is available in the Cherry Street Garage and you are able to park in Lot 12, Lot 14 or Lot 19, or any of the other lots in red on the map (see here).

Fees/Admission

FREE for CX Members
1 Voucher for CX Partners
$35.00 for Non-members
No refunds.

Interested in becoming a CX Member? Read more about membership here and be our guest for up to two CX Programs or Exchange Circles.

Contact Information

Allison Baker
Send Email