Athlone Chamber to host public AI forum session

Athlone Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with LWETB’s Skills to Advance and Midlands Regional Skills, will host a public forum session focused on the practical application of artificial intelligence (AI) for business.

The Chamber's first public information session of 2026 will take place in the Sheraton Athlone Hotel on Thursday, April 16, at 12.30pm.

The event will provide local businesses with an accessible introduction to simple yet powerful AI tools that can be implemented immediately to boost productivity, streamline tasks and deliver measurable impact.

Designed as a highly practical session, attendees will gain insights into how AI can support day-to-day operations and enhance competitiveness across a range of sectors.

The Chamber president Regina Bushell is particularly pleased to welcome Ramy Ebeid from CeADAR (Ireland’s Centre for Applied AI) to Athlone for this event.

CeADAR is a not-for-profit centre specialising in applied AI, machine learning and data analytics, working with organisations ranging from start-ups and scale-ups to established enterprises, government bodies and academic institutions.

During the session, attendees will experience a live demonstration of AI tools in action, alongside a series of actionable “simple wins” that can be adopted immediately within their own organisations.

Speaking ahead of the event, CEO of Athlone Chamber of Commerce, Tommy Hogan, said:

“Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept, it is a practical tool that businesses of all sizes can begin using today. This session is about cutting through the complexity and giving our members clear, accessible ways to improve efficiency and competitiveness.

"As a regional growth centre, Athlone is well positioned to lead in the adoption of new technologies and events like this ensure our business community has the knowledge and confidence to embrace innovation," Mr Hogan said.

CeADAR, established in 2013 and based at University College Dublin, operates at both national and international levels and is supported by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland.

The organisation plays a key role in bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI research and real-world commercial application, helping businesses to adopt and leverage these technologies effectively.

Booking is essential for this event and interested attendees are encouraged to secure their place through the booking link available across Athlone Chamber’s social media channels.

Athlone Chamber continues to deliver initiatives that support business development, innovation and regional competitiveness. By facilitating access to expert knowledge and fostering collaboration, the Chamber is committed to ensuring Athlone remains a vibrant and forward-looking hub for enterprise in the Midlands.