Launch Your Own Successful AI App | AI Startup | Workshop 2026

It is critical as a business you are able to articulate your ‘why’ when meeting with Defence and defence industry representatives. Whether you are an existing supplier or new to defence industry, delivering a compelling pitch is the key to building the relationship you desire. The aim of the Pitching to Defence Masterclass is to equip you, as a participant, with the confidence, skills, and strategic clarity to effectively communicate your value proposition to stakeholders. This masterclass will ensure you understand your defence audience, are able to clearly communicate your key message and have the confidence to cut through in a competitive environment. Proudly presented by Defence Q in conjunction with Industry Capability Network (ICN) our Pitching to Defence Masterclass will help you refine your pitch, so it is memorable and provides a great first impression. Join Abhiney Arora (ICN), and Rodger Manning (BidWrite) as they guide you on how to develop, structure and deliver a compelling pitch. Workshop includes*: the science of building trust and why it is important practical pitching skills – before, during and after your pitch interactive session – get ready to deliver your pitch constructive feedback – let’s build your confidence to nail your pitch networking. *subject to change to meet needs of the participants. Discover the art of pitching and prepare for your next exhibition, conference or client meeting opportunity! Please note this masterclass is only open to businesses registered in Queensland .

Doors open 5:00 PM, networking and snacks Demos start at 5:30 PM Build from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Presentations from 8:00 - 9:00PM Winner announced: 9:00PM

## 🧠 AI & Society Practice Lab: Getting Hands-On with Claude Whether you've never opened Claude or you're already deep in the weeds — this one's for you. Join us for our September Practice Lab, a hands-on session dedicated to exploring Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant. We're starting from the very beginning for those new to Claude, then building up into the tools that make it genuinely useful for work and creative projects. What we'll cover: Claude for Newbies — the basics: how to get started, ask good questions, and get useful results Claude Projects — organising your work into dedicated spaces with their own files, context, and instructions, so Claude doesn't start from scratch every time Artifacts — turning conversations into tangible outputs: documents, interactive tools, charts, and small working apps you can see and use in real time Vibe coding — building simple apps and tools through natural conversation, no coding background required Claude Cowork — Claude's newer agentic workspace for knowledge workers, where it can work across files, spreadsheets, and slides on your behalf As always, this session is curated and practical — come with your laptop, your curiosity, and (ideally) a task you'd love an AI assistant's help with. Led by: Varsha, Marco Suarez and Trikush Mehta 📅 Wednesday 16 September — arrival from 5.30pm, session starts 6pm sharp 📍 Dimbin Mill Seminar Room, Level 1, The Precinct ⚠️ Please note: doors lock at 6pm. We encourage you to arrive before this from 5.30pm This venue has no way for us to let latecomers in after that time, so please arrive on time or early — punctuality here is essential, not optional. Photography notice Photos and video may be captured for AI & Society's LinkedIn and community comms. If you'd prefer not to be included, just let us know on arrival. About AI & Society AI & Society is a national community bringing people from all backgrounds together to talk through the human and civic side of AI. Through events