• Ready or Not, AI 2026 Is Here.

  Learn What’s Next and How to Stay Ahead

  AI isn’t waiting for anyone—and 2026 is esssentially already here. Artificial intelligence is moving at breakneck speed—what felt cutting-edge just months ago is already outdated. For small businesses and women entrepreneurs, the real question is no longer whether AI matters, but how fast you can adapt before the next wave reshapes the rules of the game. Again.

  Join NYWIB, Women.NYC and Accompany Capital for a dynamic fireside chat that brings together two top AI insiders—a visionary tech executive and Microsoft’s Director of Software Innovation—ready to break down what the next wave of AI really means for small businesses.

  Guided by a moderator who has been on the front lines of AI content creation for five years, this conversation will replace anxiety with clarity and opportunity. Expect straight talk on how evolving tools will reshape marketing, communication, innovation, and day-to-day operations—and what actions you should be taking now to protect your margins and fuel growth.

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• Participate in discussion circles immediately afterwards led by the three speakers. This is our chance to ask questions about what this might specifically mean for you and your business. Then network and build the connections that help you grow.
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• If you want to stay competitive in an unpredictable economy, you can’t afford to miss this.

Admission is free, but you must register to attend.

Snacks and beverages while they last

A donation of at least $1 would be appreciated to help cover our costs. CLICK here if you care to make a donation. Your support now matters more than ever as our funding is being challenged.

This isn’t another talk about “what ChatGPT can do.” This is about practical, forward-looking strategies you can put into action now so you’re not playing catch-up tomorrow. 

What You Will Learn and Experience

• Anticipating the 2026 AI Shift – What’s on the horizon that will directly impact small businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Resilience through Innovation – Learn how to pivot quickly, experiment boldly, and thrive in rapidly changing markets; how to use AI instead of avoiding it or trying to compete with it.
• Answers to your Questions – Join two rounds of discussion circles with the speakers
• Community & Collaboration – Network and learn from peers facing similar challenges and walk away with action steps tailored to your business.

MODERATOR

Catherine Ventura, Writer | Communications Specialist | Content Creator | Poet | Translator| Founder Venn Diagram

Catherine Ventura is a veteran Social Media Branding and Content Strategist known for spotting what’s next long before it hits the mainstream. One of the earliest adopters of Twitter and YouTube, she helped shape the first era of social storytelling—and has spent the last two decades guiding small businesses and nonprofits on how to build clear, compelling, and strategic online brands.

With a career rooted in understanding platform shifts and audience behavior, Catherine brings a sharp, grounded perspective to the conversation about where AI is heading in 2026.

SPEAKERS 

Sarah Perkins, Founder, Product Place Labs

Sarah is the Founder & Principal of Product Place Labs, a strategic advisory firm that partners with technology and product organizations to define and execute on transformative product and digital experience. As a former Chief Product Officer with 15 years of B2B, B2C and IT experience, she specializes in launching 0→1products, AI Strategy & Implementation, operational excellence and  turning ideas into revenue.   Sarah empowers organizations to future-proof their products through strategic frameworks that align technology, people, and strategy for transformative growth.

Allen Stewart, Director Software Engineering, Microsoft Strategic Missions & Technology Divisions

Allen is the Partner Director of Software Engineering in the Microsoft Discovery and Quantum Divisions Office of the CTO.  He leads all Software Engineering efforts in the CTO’S office including AI agent development for various use cases: Autonomy and Science.  Allen’s expertise is in the following areas: AI Native Development, AI Product Development, Building AI applications and services, Cloud Native Application Development, HyperScale Cloud Services Design, and Intelligent Edge Solutions.

Allen is an IASA board Certified Distinguished Architect  and is very active in the Cloud Software and AI Architect community. Allen is also a member of the Cloud Native Compute Foundation (CNCF) that governs various Cloud Native Open Source projects. Allen is a frequent conference speaker mainly focusing on the following topic areas: Gen AI, Building -designing new cloud-native applications and building AI applications and services.

Prior to Microsoft Allen spent several years doing software development in the Financial Services Industry. Allen is the author of Inside Hyper-V and has published numerous articles and blogs. Allen is also the founder of Project Lift which is focused on highlighting AI uses cases for any scenario and showing the world how to Elevate any activity using generative AI.

Why Attend?

by 2026, AI will no longer be optional. It will define how small businesses grow, compete, and stay resilient. Don’t wait to be disrupted—be the one setting the pace.

We have limited seating! Reserve your spot today and be part of a night of inspiration, connection, and community.

This event is sponsored by SCORE, Women.NYC, and Accompany Capital and funding support from TD Bank. . By registering you’ll be subscribed to their email list.  We don’t sell our lists. Ever. By attending this event, you also agree to be photographed, videotaped, and recorded, and you grant NYWIB permission to use your likeness for promotional and marketing purposes in any and all media, including social media.