Another Crazy Day in AI: Assets, Costs, Gaps

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

Cheers to Friday night! 🌙

As you kick off your weekend, check out this edition's featured podcast. It dives into key trends shaping the future of AI in associations, including strategies for leveraging existing assets, the drop in AI token costs, and generational differences in adoption.

Plus, explore TIME’s AI 100 Most Influential List for 2024 to see who made the cut and how they were selected, and discover how Google’s new AI feature enhances photo searches.

Have a fantastic weekend and enjoy these insights! 🎉

Here's another crazy day in AI:

• AI Insights: Effective Asset Use, Declining Costs, and Generational Impact

• Inside TIME’s AI 100 Most Influential List for 2024

• Google launches AI-powered Ask Photos in the US

• Some AI tools to try out

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TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Key AI Aspects: Data, Costs, Generational Insights

Image Credit: Wowza | Canva mockups + Screenshot from Sidecar Sync Podcast Ep. 46

Is your organization ready to tap into AI’s full potential?

In the latest episode of Sidecar Sync, hosts Amith Nagarajan, Chairman of Blue Cypress, and Mallory Mejias, Manager at Sidecar, dive into the transformative power of artificial intelligence in associations. Throughout the episode, Amith and Mallory explore three key areas that will shape the future of AI in associations: leveraging your existing asset base, the rapidly declining costs of AI tokens, and the generational differences in AI adoption. It's a fascinating look at how this cutting-edge technology is becoming more accessible and impactful than ever before.

Important points from the discussion:

1. Transforming Association Assets:

   • Associations can convert their unique data and content into innovative, technology-driven services.

   • Example: Creating dynamic, interactive benchmarking reports offering personalized insights.

   • This approach can lead to new revenue streams and enhanced member value.

2. Decreasing Costs of Advanced Computation:

   • The cost of processing power for advanced technologies has dropped significantly, making sophisticated tools more accessible.

   • This reduction is driven by competition, hardware innovations, and semiconductor advancements.

   • Lower costs enable more complex applications across various industries, including associations.

3. Generational Divide in Technology Adoption:

   • Younger professionals are more likely to embrace new technologies in their work.

   • Many older workers are hesitant to adopt emerging tools, potentially hindering organizational progress.

   • This gap presents challenges for associations implementing new technology strategies and highlights the need for comprehensive training programs.

4. The Future of Associations:

   • Emerging technologies are becoming essential tools, not just passing trends.

   • Leaders must prioritize technological literacy to stay competitive.

   • Multi-faceted and hybrid approaches are emerging as powerful tools for problem-solving in the association world.
     

As highlighted in this episode, AI is far more than just a trend—it’s a crucial element for future success. The discussion emphasizes the need for AI literacy and innovative thinking, helping associations stay ahead and provide exceptional value to their members.

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, effectively leveraging AI can give your organization a significant edge. By exploring AI's potential, associations can open up new revenue streams, improve member engagement, and optimize operations. Understanding and addressing generational differences in AI adoption is also essential for fostering a more inclusive approach to technology.

Reflect on how the insights from this episode can be applied to your organization. With strategic use of AI and a commitment to embracing new technologies, your association can excel in this exciting era of innovation. Embrace the possibilities and make AI a powerful ally in your journey toward growth and excellence.

Catch the podcast on YouTube here.

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OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

Inside TIME’s AI 100 Most Influential List for 2024

/Sam Jacobs, Editor in Chief at TIME

TIME’s second edition of the TIME100 AI highlights 100 individuals shaping the future of artificial intelligence. From Sundar Pichai's transformative work at Google to Meredith Whittaker's advocacy for privacy at Signal, the list includes diverse voices and perspectives. With notable additions such as Francesca Mani and Andrew Yao, this year’s selection reflects the rapid evolution of AI and its impact on various industries. The article also touches on the recent upheaval at OpenAI and the growing influence of major tech companies in AI advancements.

The 100 Most Influential People in AI 2024.

Read more here.

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Google launches AI-powered Ask Photos in the US

/Sarah Perez, Consumer News Editor at TechCrunch

Google Photos introduces its new AI-powered "Ask Photos" feature, enabling users to search their photo libraries with natural language queries. Leveraging Google’s Gemini AI, this tool allows for complex searches based on photo content and metadata, such as asking for the best photos from National Parks or identifying birthday themes. Initially available to select U.S. users, it promises enhanced photo retrieval and contextual answers, all while adhering to Google’s AI Principles for privacy and security.

Read more here.

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SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

• Suppa - easily create and deploy smart chatbots for web and mobile with minimal tech skills

• Layerpath - quickly build and share interactive product demos, tours, and guides

• SoBrief - get 10-minute summaries of books with audio in 40 languages

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That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.

Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.

Another Crazy Day in AI: Upgrading career support in associations

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

The week is moving along, and it’s the perfect time to dive into the latest AI news.

Tonight, we’re featuring insights from a job board CEO on how AI is transforming career support within professional associations. Plus, discover how ed-tech companies are pitching AI to educators and explore the latest trends in AI search that are reshaping marketing.

Ready to dive in?

Here's another crazy day in AI:

• AI solutions for career centers at professional associations

• AI search redefines the future of marketing

• Ed-tech pushes AI tools to save teachers’ time

• Some AI tools to try out

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TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Five AI trends shaping career centers

Image Credit: Media from Wix

How can professional associations leverage AI to enhance their career development offerings and better serve their members?

Rodion Telpizov, CEO and founder of SmartJobBoard, recently shared his insights on this topic in a Forbes Council Post. As someone who's worked with associations for over 15 years, he's seen firsthand how AI can enhance the services offered by career centers.

These centers play a pivotal role in helping cresources such as career coaching and résumé writing. But for smaller associations, offering these services can be a real challenge. That's where AI comes in. Telpizov outlines five ways AI can shape professional associations' career centers:

• Résumé Critique: AI-powered tools can provide personalized résumé feedback, helping members fine-tune their applications and stand out in the job market.

• Résumé Writing: AI platforms like Rezi and Zety assist users in crafting tailored résumés that highlight key skills and experiences relevant to specific job descriptions.

• Career Coaching: AI-driven coaching platforms offer personalized advice and development plans, making career coaching more accessible to all members.

• Interview Coaching: AI-based interview simulators provide real-time feedback and insights to help job seekers improve their performance and confidence during interviews.

• Job Matching: AI systems can analyze members' skills and preferences, matching them with the most suitable job opportunities to streamline their job search.

While these tools offer associations a way to enhance their career services, Telpizov also mentions a few things associations need to keep in mind:

• AI Bias: AI systems can unintentionally reinforce biases related to race, gender, or age. It’s important for career centers to regularly audit these tools and ensure they're promoting diversity and fairness.

• Privacy Concerns: With AI tools collecting large amounts of personal data, it's essential to protect candidates’ information with strict data privacy measures.

• Lack of Nuance: AI might struggle to assess soft skills or cultural fit, so human oversight is still needed when evaluating candidates for jobs that require unique qualifications.

• The Limits of AI: AI shouldn’t be the only tool in the career center's arsenal. Job seekers should still personalize their applications, and associations should offer other resources like mentoring and workshops.

At the end of the day, it's all about leveraging technology to enhance the value associations bring to their members. And if implemented thoughtfully, AI can be a game-changer in helping career centers expand their reach and deliver more personalized, impactful support. We'd be curious to hear your thoughts on this - what do you think about the potential of AI in this space?

Read the full article here.

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OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

AI search redefines the future of marketing

/Andrew Holland on MarketingWeek

OpenAI’s new search engine might change the game for Google and shift marketing back toward brand building. AI search engines, like Perplexity, are simplifying results, reducing the need for traditional web searches, and making way for real-time actions across various platforms. This poses a significant challenge to Google’s dominance, as AI search may plug directly into social media, TV, and phones, where inspiration for searches often begins.

Read more here.

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Ed-tech pushes AI tools to save teachers’ time

/James O'Donnell on MIT Technology Review

Ed-tech companies are promoting AI tools as time-savers for teachers, offering AI-powered assistants for grading, lesson planning, and providing feedback. While some teachers embrace these innovations, many remain cautious, especially regarding core teaching tasks like creative lesson planning and personalized student feedback. Educators in various countries are also issuing guidance on AI in classrooms, but resistance persists due to concerns over quality and the human element in education.

Read more here.

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SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

• Storydoc - create engaging interactive slide decks

• LibroMatch - find books similar to your favorites with AI

• Runway Gen 3 Alpha - fast, high-quality video generation with customizable styles, dialogue, and voices

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That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.

Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.

Another Crazy Day in AI: ASAE 2024 Highlights

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

After a full week, it’s time to unwind and enjoy the weekend ahead. Whether you’re kicking back after a hectic day or gearing up for some well-deserved downtime, we’ve got some interesting updates to share with you!

Fresh from the bustling ASAE 2024 Annual Meeting, Ray van Hilst from Yoko Consulting shares key AI insights. Missed the event? Don’t worry—we’ve summarized all the key points for you!

Also, don’t miss Applied AI’s upcoming event on Gen AI and a new update from Google's Gemini.

Have a fantastic Labor Day weekend and enjoy the read! 🎉

Here's another crazy day in AI:

• AI’s Impact on Associations: Key Learnings from ASAE’s 2024 Meeting

• Applied AI’s First Thursdays Event: Practical Uses of Generative AI

• Gmail Q&A: Gemini AI expands to mobile devices

• Some AI tools to try out

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TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Strategic AI for Associations from ASAE 2024

Source: ASAE TV Daily Recap: Day 1 from the 2024 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition

How can associations navigate the complexities of AI while staying true to their mission and values?

At the recent ASAE 2024 Annual Meeting, AI took center stage, sparking both excitement and concern among association leaders. Ray van Hilst, Director of Client Results at Yoko Consulting, offers a comprehensive look at the AI landscape for associations, balancing the promise of innovation with the need for responsible implementation.

Key insights from the conference:

• AI Integration: Like it or not, AI is becoming an integral part of daily operations. From content creation to data analysis, it's already embedded in many tools associations use. The challenge? Leveraging AI to do more with less without losing the human touch.

• Strategic Alignment: Don't fall for the "shiny object syndrome." AI adoption should be tied to your association's strategic objectives. Whether it's increasing content production or optimizing member services, AI should serve your mission, not dictate it.

• Transparency: Be upfront about your AI use. If you're using AI to draft content or summarize meetings, let your members know. Transparency isn't just ethical – it's a trust-builder.

• Ethical Considerations: Associations face unique ethical challenges with AI, including potential misinformation, bias, copyright issues, and data privacy concerns. Staying vigilant and establishing clear guidelines is crucial.

• Evolving Policies: Your AI policies shouldn't collect dust. They need regular updates to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology and changing terms of service. Make them accessible, understandable, and reinforced through ongoing training.

• Managing Shadow IT: Unmanaged AI tool usage can lead to security vulnerabilities and data inconsistencies. Clear policies and oversight are essential to prevent these risks.

• Data and Knowledge Governance: For AI to function effectively, it needs accurate, up-to-date information. Prioritize data and knowledge governance to ensure your AI tools are working with the best possible inputs.

The path forward for associations in the AI era is one of balanced innovation. It's about harnessing the power of AI to enhance operations, improve member services, and drive mission fulfillment, while simultaneously navigating the ethical, legal, and practical challenges it presents.

As AI continues to evolve, associations must stay informed and adaptable. This means investing in ongoing education for staff and leadership, regularly reassessing AI tools and practices, and maintaining a steadfast commitment to ethical AI use. By approaching AI with a mix of enthusiasm and thoughtful consideration, associations can position themselves at the forefront of innovation while staying true to their core values and member-centric missions. The key lies in viewing AI not as a replacement for human expertise and connection, but as a powerful tool to augment and enhance the valuable work associations do. With careful planning, clear policies, and a focus on ethical implementation, associations can leverage AI to better serve their members, advance their missions, and navigate the complexities of an increasingly digital world.

Read the full article here.

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OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

Applied AI’s First Thursdays Event: Practical Uses of Generative AI

/Applied AI

Join Nate Tower from Perrill at the upcoming Applied AI First Thursdays event as he shares how his team overcame initial AI implementation challenges. Discover the strategies he used to build excitement and commitment to AI across his organization. Ideal for those looking to create a culture of AI enthusiasm at work.

Date and Time: Thursday, September 5th, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT

Location: Lab651 | Custom Software Development & Process

(550 Vandalia St 231 Saint Paul, MN 55114)

Read more here.

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Gmail Q&A: Gemini AI expands to mobile devices

/Jay Peters, The Verge

Google’s Gemini AI chatbot is now expanding to mobile, allowing users to interact with Gmail Q&A features. This update lets you ask questions about your inbox, find specific emails, and summarize content. Initially available on Android with iOS coming soon, it requires a Google One AI Premium subscription or certain Google Workspace plans. Keep in mind to verify the accuracy of responses, as AI can sometimes generate incorrect information.

Read more here.

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SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

• Podcraftr - effortlessly convert written content into engaging podcasts

• Swatle - all-in-one team collaboration hub with AI-powered project management, instant chat, and task automation

• Clockwise Prism - intelligent calendar that streamlines scheduling by interacting directly with your requests, optimizing your schedule automatically

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That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.

Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.