Start date: 12 August 2026
Duration: 12:30pm - 2pm
Location: McGeoughs Bar & Restaurant, Roden Place, Dundalk - Upstairs
Certificate: N/A
Cost: Free
Course code: N/A
Programme overview
Artificial Intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday business, but many SMEs are still unsure what it means in practical terms, where the opportunities are, and what risks they need to be aware of.
This Lunch & Learn session is designed to give business owners, managers and decision-makers a clear, accessible introduction to AI from a business perspective.
Delivered by Professor Alan Smeaton, the session will focus on what AI means for SMEs, how it is already being used across different sectors, and the key questions businesses should consider before adopting AI tools.
The event will take place in McGeough’s from 12:30pm to 2:00pm, with lunch served on arrival, followed by a 30-minute presentation and 15 minutes for audience questions.
Speaker Bio:
Professor Alan Smeaton is Emeritus Professor of Computing at Dublin City University and one of Ireland’s leading experts in Artificial Intelligence. He has been working in the field of AI for more than three decades, with expertise spanning machine learning, data analytics, computer vision and information retrieval.
Professor Smeaton has played a significant role in the development of AI and data analytics research in Ireland and has contributed to national discussions on the future of AI, including through Government advisory work. He is also a regular contributor on AI in national media, including appearances on RTÉ Radio and television, where he helps explain the opportunities, risks and practical implications of AI for businesses and society.
This session will draw on Professor Smeaton’s extensive experience to give SMEs a clear, accessible and business-focused understanding of AI, what it means in practice, and the key issues organisations should be thinking about.
Learning Outcomes
Key Takeaways
- A clearer understanding of AI and its relevance to SMEs.
- Insight into how AI is being used in business today.
- Awareness of the opportunities AI may create for productivity, efficiency and decision-making.
- An understanding of the risks, limitations and considerations around AI adoption.
- A better sense of the questions businesses should ask before using AI tools.
- Practical direction on where SMEs can begin when exploring AI.
Who Is This Course For?
This lunch & Learn session is suited to anyone interested in AI for Business
Modules
- A clearer understanding of AI and its relevance to SMEs.
- Insight into how AI is being used in business today.
- Awareness of the opportunities AI may create for productivity, efficiency and decision-making.
- An understanding of the risks, limitations and considerations around AI adoption.
- A better sense of the questions businesses should ask before using AI tools.
- Practical direction on where SMEs can begin when exploring AI.
To book a place, click the link below and complete the short profile form
Bookings closing 10th August
