About What Machines Can’t Mean: An Honest Conversation on AI & Creativity
An honest discussion about what role AI should, and can, play in creative fields. How do we stop defining human worth creatively as whatever's left and start defining it as what will always be?
What separates humanity from intelligence?
The creative world keeps defining human worth as whatever AI can't yet do — a line that only ever moves in one direction. This is a conversation about refusing that game, and about meaning: the subjective, lived, irreducibly human act that no machine can perform.
Join us July 28th at Forge Virtual Studios for a panel of creative industry professionals and veterans for an honest conversation on the role of AI in creative spaces.
Bites: Enjoy food and refreshments before our main event and desserts after in our studio space.
Networking: Mingle and connect with fellow members of the Chicago film community over food and beverages before and after the main event.
Panel Discussion: Enjoy a panel discussion with Industry leaders and veterans on the role of AI in our fields.
6:30PM
Networking and Bites
Canteen A
Start the evening with some light fare and conversation before the main event.
7:15PM
Panel Discussion
Studio A
Join us in our flagship studio for the main event – a panel discussion about the role AI can and should play in creative fields.
8:00PM
Dessert and Networking
Canteen A
Stick around after the panel for dessert and continued conversations before heading home.
Who's Speaking:
Drew English
Co-Founder & CEO | Forge Virtual Studios
Drew English, Co-Founder and CEO of Forge Virtual Studios, is a filmmaker-turned-entrepreneur driven by a passion for storytelling using craftsmanship, innovation, and technology. He is dedicated to empowering thousands of creatives by developing innovative educational resources, creating new work opportunities, and fostering collaborative communities—all with the vision of Forge making a lasting positive impact on the creative industry.
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Jason Knade
Creative Director | Charter
Jason Knade, Creative Director, is a filmmaker and creative leader dedicated to keeping storytelling human in tech-driven productions. His desire is for Forge to be a creative think tank where the boldest ideas can find their home, powered by cutting-edge technology and a spirit of community and play. Always a creative ally, he brings expertise, his signature good energy, and a curiosity that occasionally gets him into trouble.
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Whitney Cusack
Executive Producer | 64 Pack Creative
Whitney Cusack is an Executive Producer and creative leader with more than 15 years of experience producing award-winning campaigns and content for global brands. As the founder of 64 Pack Creative, she's expanding that work into original IP, creative education, and resources that empower storytellers to create with excellence, purpose, and longevity.
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Hua Conry
Creative Director | Design Collective
Hua Conry is a creative leader with nearly 20 years of experience leading in-house teams for Fortune 500 and global brands, including Kohl's, Ace Hardware, Gildan, American Apparel, and Cintas. Passionate about the intersection of creativity, business, and technology, she believes the best work comes from pairing strategic thinking with the uniquely human qualities of intuition, empathy, and storytelling.
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Gavin Buckland
Creative Director | Co-Founder of Voke Studios
Gavin Buckland is a director, editor, and motion designer. He heads Voke Studios, a post-production and animation studio, where he oversees projects from the initial idea through final delivery. Voke’s work has reached brands like NASCAR, Apple Music, the NBA, Sony, Marvel, Instagram, Adidas, Epic Games, and FIFA.
He takes the craft seriously — but himself less so. Gavin loves to bring a healthy dose of humor to the process to make creative work a lot more fun along the way.
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Discover Other Upcoming Event Experiences.
Every event at Forge is built to connect, educate, and empower creators. Want to see what else is happening? Browse all upcoming events here:
