From Build to Buy-In: Presenting your AI Project to Decision-Makers
Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10:00 AM PST – 12:00 PM PST
Ansir Innovation Center · 7670 Opportunity Rd #255, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
Hosted by Autumn, Belong Here Co.
From Build to Buy-In: Presenting Your AI Project to Decision-Makers You built something that works. Now you have to explain it to people who decide whether it gets funded, adopted, or noticed. In this hands-on 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn a simple structure for pitching any AI or technical project in terms decision-makers care about: the problem, the system, the constraints, and the business value. Then you’ll practice saying it clearly, leading with your point, dropping the jargon, and handling questions with confidence. You’ll work in pairs, get direct feedback, and leave with a 3-minute pitch you can use in interviews, team meetings, and stakeholder conversations. Led by Matthew Zimmer, Founder of VibeCraft and Professor of Business Systems at the University of San Diego’s Knauss School of Business, and Autumn Garrett, founder of Belong Here Co. and a communication coach with 16+ years of experience helping international professionals succeed in U.S. workplaces. Open to students and working professionals. Bring a project you’ve worked on, or use one of ours. From Build to Buy-In: Presenting Your AI Project to Decision-Makers Saturday, November 14 · 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. · Ansir Coworking $29, includes light refreshments Agenda 10:00 · Networking and refreshments Arrive, grab a coffee, and meet other builders, students, and professionals working with AI. 10:30 · Workshop Frame it: a simple structure for presenting an AI or technical project in terms decision-makers care about Say it: clear, jargon-free delivery, and what U.S. audiences expect from a pitch Practice it: pitch to a partner, get feedback, and refine your message Present it: volunteers present to the room for live coaching on content, delivery, and handling tough questions 12:00 · Wrap-up You’ll leave with a 3-minute pitch you can use in interviews, team meetings, and stakeholder conversations. Bring a project you’ve worked on, or use one of our sample projects.