July 10th marked the third annual Techworks on Tap, and it proved to be one of our most impactful events to date.
Held at Brix Tavern in Tualatin, the setting offered an ideal backdrop for the eveningâcomfortable, lively, and well-suited for both the moderated panel discussion and the informal networking that followed. Attendees enjoyed a robust menu and energetic conversation, with a great mix of Techworks members and new faces in the roomâsparking dialogue that was both wide-ranging and thoughtful.

Panel Discussion: âResilience in Uncertainty â The AI Editionâ
This yearâs theme tackled one of the most pressing topics in todayâs business landscape: artificial intelligence and the organizational agility required to adapt to it.
Our panel featured leaders from across industries who are engaging with AI not just in theory, but in practice:
- Bryan Christensen from CHR Creative
- Carrie Hefner from Breakaway Bookkeeping & Advising
- Justin Coats from Neesh.AI
The conversation focused on practical realitiesâwhere AI is making an impact today, where the hype outweighs the benefit, and what it truly means to develop an AI strategy that enhances rather than replaces human capacity. The panelists shared candid insights about the challenges theyâve faced and the lessons theyâve learned, emphasizing that successful AI adoption is less about chasing trends and more about finding purposeful, incremental ways to improve efficiency and service delivery.

Audience Dialogue: Real Questions, Real Concerns
Audience participation was a highlight of the evening, with questions that cut to the heart of todayâs business challenges:
- How can small businesses realistically begin integrating AI?
- Whatâs the right pace for adoption in a rapidly changing technology landscape?
- How do we maintain customer trust and connection while introducing automation?
These conversations revealed a deep interest not just in what AI can doâbut in how to navigate its adoption with integrity, foresight, and a strong foundation in human-centered business practices.
Looking Ahead
One thing is clear: AI is no longer an emerging trendâitâs a defining force in how businesses operate, grow, and serve their customers. But with innovation comes complexity. Events like Techworks on Tap create space for open, honest dialogue and shared learning, helping our community build resilience through uncertainty.
Thank you to everyone who attended, and especially to our panelists for their thoughtful contributions. If you're looking to stay engaged with the Techworks community, join us for our next Rad Workday on August 21. It's a chance to connect, collaborate, and keep the conversation going.
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