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AI speaker · Petersburg & Central Illinois

Plain answers about AI
for your next event.

I talk to libraries, chambers, Rotary clubs, schools and business groups about what AI actually does. Plain words. Real examples. How to check the answer.

Ask about your event See past talks ↓
Adam Gurski, who gives AI talks around Central Illinois.
Adam Gurski, Petersburg, Illinois.
Hear me on NPR Illinois ↗
What I talk about

What AI does.
What to watch for.

AI 101

What AI is, what it can do, how to ask, and how to spot a wrong answer. Made for people who have never opened one of these apps.

AI for everyday life

Rough notes into a first draft. Finding the details in a long document. What’s OK to type in, and what should stay private.

AI without the hype, for owners

Quotes, emails, customer replies and posts. Where AI fits, where it doesn’t, and what a person still needs to check.

Talks

Groups I’ve
spoken with.

Booked next
  • JAN 28, 2027BOOKEDAgeLinc, SpringfieldAI 101 for the PrideLinc group
  • JULY 21, 2027BOOKEDAgeLinc, SpringfieldCaregiver Lunch and Learn
Past
  • Sept 2026Distillery Labs, PeoriaAI Without the Hype, for owners, founders and nonprofits
  • Sept 2026Rochester Public LibraryAI 101 for Everyday Life
  • Sept 2026Trinity Lutheran SchoolStaff session with a take-home prompt guide
  • Aug 2026Rotary Club of SpringfieldPractical AI for members
  • June 2026Lincoln Library & Chatham Area Public LibraryAI 101 for the public
  • June 2026NPR Illinois, Community VoicesPractical AI for local people and businesses
  • May 2026Athens Municipal LibraryTwo classes for seniors and the workforce
  • Spring 2026PORTA CUSD 202Gemini and NotebookLM for staff and teachers
  • Feb 2026Petersburg Chamber of CommerceAI 101 for business owners

At Athens Municipal Library I taught seniors at 10 in the morning and the workforce at 7 that night. The library became a paying client after.

See it

What it’s like
in plain words.

Watch You’re the conductor (with sound)
Short reel · AI explainedWatch with sound

You’re the conductor

Why working with AI feels more like directing than typing.

Watch AI vs. a calculator (with sound)
Short reel · AI explainedWatch with sound

AI vs. a calculator

When I build a custom tool, the math comes out the same every time.

Watch Spotting what’s fake (with sound)
Short reel · AI explainedWatch with sound

Spotting what’s fake

Why scam emails got so convincing, and what to watch for.

Watch Not all AI needs a data center (with sound)
Mosaic Project clipWatch with sound

Not all AI needs a data center

Why some AI can run on a small chip instead of a giant data center.

Questions

What organizers
ask first.

Can you speak to our library, chamber or club?

Yes. I’ve done it for libraries in Springfield, Chatham, Athens and Rochester, the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Springfield and Distillery Labs in Peoria.

Is it OK for people who have never used AI?

That’s who a lot of these talks are for. Plain words. No jargon.

What does a talk cost?

Tell me about your group and I’ll quote it. Hands-on workshops have published prices: $800 for a half day, $1,600 for a full day, plus preparation and travel.

How far will you travel?

I’m based in Petersburg and I’ve taught as far as Peoria. Tell me where your event is.

Do you do hands-on workshops too?

Yes. A talk gets a room thinking. A workshop gets people practicing on their own jobs.

How long are your talks?

A 20 to 30 minute lunch talk, 1 hour, 90 minutes or a half day.

How far ahead should I book?

Two weeks ahead is best.

Start here

Tell me about
your group.

Who’s coming, where, and what they want to know. The first call is free.

Book a free 20‑minute call Call or text (217) 381‑5394