Seeking Expressions of Interest: Embedding AI into Your Business Workshops
We had a great session with IGC Conference 2025 keynote speaker Leanne Shelton regarding using AI within your business, with practical application demonstrated and discussed with Matt Macri from Four Season’s Garden Centre (Belrose).
To build on the momentum from the IGC Conference keynote, this three-part workshop series is designed to give garden centre owners the confidence, practical tools, and support to start using AI in a way that’s simple, effective, and completely tailored to their needs. If you missed the conference, don’t worry, you can easily catch up at the first session.
We are looking to run these sessions in Capital cities, but here’s the skinny: there are costs related to hiring rooms, flights, catering, and the session content + delivery, so we need to break even. We need a minimum of 15 people per session (three sessions). The proposed dates below are flexible.
If you are serious, please send through your Expression of Interest. If we get enough, we will confirm these sessions, and you’ll receive a registration form to complete.
The Sessions Content:
Each session will run from 10am–12pm (dates TBA),
Workshop 1: Getting Started with AI (Mid-August)
Theme: From Curiosity to Confidence
Overview:
We’ll kick off with a short recap of Leanne’s keynote from the IGC Conference (30 minutes, including Q&A), to re-ground attendees in the “why” of AI and how it applies to small business.
Then we’ll jump into the AI onboarding process – with a step-by-step walkthrough of how to start training ChatGPT to understand your business, your customers, and your tone of voice.
Outcomes:
- Clear understanding of how AI works and why it’s worth using
- A trained starter ChatGPT thread tailored to their business
- Confidence in asking AI the right kind of questions to get useful responses
Workshop 2: Practical AI Applications (October)
Theme: From Theory to Tools
Overview:
This is where it gets hands-on. After a live Q&A to troubleshoot any roadblocks, we’ll explore real-world applications of AI for garden centres – from content creation to customer service scripts, marketing ideas, and product descriptions.
Attendees will work on a mini project of their choice with guidance, and have time to test out tools and prompts live.
Outcomes:
- Practical experience using AI to create or improve a real business asset
- More confidence in tool experimentation
- Better understanding of where AI fits in everyday workflows
Workshop 3: Embedding AI into Your Business (Late Nov / Early Dec)
Theme: From Tools to Transformation
Overview:
This session brings everything together. Attendees will learn how to build simple repeatable AI systems into their business, so the skills and confidence they’ve gained don’t fade over summer.
We’ll cover:
- How to create AI SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for common tasks
- Using AI for planning seasonal campaigns and email/newsletter writing
- Building an “AI buddy” thread for long-term support
Plus, we’ll celebrate wins and share successes from the community.
Outcomes:
- AI embedded as part of weekly operations
- End-of-year strategy and marketing content mapped out with AI help
- A sense of momentum and capability going into 2026
Bonuses
Beginner-Friendly Email Mini Course
Between sessions, attendees will receive a light-touch email mini course to help them stay engaged.
Each email includes:
- A quick beginner-level tip or concept
- One easy action they can try in under 10 minutes
- Encouragement to keep going
Perfect for non-techy, time-poor business owners who don’t usually set aside time for professional development.
A Free Copy of Leanne’s Book – AI-Human Fusion
All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Leanne’s bestselling book AI-Human Fusion (RRP $32.99) – a jargon-free, confidence-building guide for using AI without losing your human edge.
Why This Series Matters
By the end of the year, participants will:
- Feel confident using AI in a way that suits their business
- Save time on marketing, content, and admin tasks
- Deliver more personalised, consistent customer experiences
- Stay competitive – without needing to be “tech experts”
Investment
$330 inc GST per person, per session.
This includes:
- Workshop design and facilitation
- Customised examples relevant to garden centres
- Hybrid session delivery with Q&A
- Access to all workshop slides and takeaway resources
- Creation of the email mini course (between sessions)
- Complimentary AI-Human Fusion book for every participant
- Travel expenses
- Ongoing email access for light-touch questions between sessions
