Vancouver AI Meetup #31 — July 2026

All photos from the event. Photos by Michael Caswell and Tristan Brand.

The full room gathers on stage for Meetup #31's closing group photo.

A pink "FREE STICKERS — Help Yourself" sign glows among tea lights and a wall of community stickers.

Rows of name badges wait under a yellow WELCOME REGISTRATION AND CHECK-IN sign.

Skewers char over open flames on the outdoor grill before the talks begin.

Attendees pack the outdoor patio for golden-hour networking ahead of Meetup #31.

The grill cook raises both arms in celebration as smoke and flames rise from the BBQ.

An Indigenous welcome performer holds a hand drum wide on the Vancouver AI Community stage.

From the seats, the stage glows purple and red with the full room watching the opening.

Welcome performers share the stage — one holding a traditional frame drum — under the meetup title slide.

Kris Krüg hosts from the mic in a black wrap jacket, tattoos visible under the stage lights.

Kris stands before the Community Announcements slide framed with peach illustrations.

Kris presents a Futureproof slide: "Vancouver — WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT AI," with salmon and city artwork.

A Futureproof Festival intro slide for Amber Case: Calm Technology in the Age of Loud Machines.

A Futureproof Festival intro slide for Gabe Zichermann: The Human Operating System.

A wide shot from the back of the room — silhouetted audience facing the lit stage and screen.

A community announcer in a black hoodie speaks into the mic during announcements.

A community member in a patterned sweater takes the mic for announcements.

A community announcer in a black tee addresses the room from center stage.

Dorothy Pang is introduced as Visual Artist, AI Filmmaker on a peach-and-blossom title slide.

Dorothy Pang smiles at the room, mic and notes in hand, under her title slide.

Dorothy Pang presents from mid-stage, patterned top catching the spotlight.

Dave Olson's intro slide — Community Builder, Creative Professional — fills the screen as the talk begins.

Dave Olson, in hat and yellow shirt, raises a hand mid-story from the stage armchair.

Dave Olson leans into the mic during the on-stage conversation, peacock feather in his hatband.

Meetup #31 gathers on and in front of the stage for a full-room group photo.

A volunteer tends the grill as skewers cook over open flame before the talks.

Guests share a laugh together outside before the program starts.

A volunteer works the grill as skewers char over the flames.

Guests gather on the lawn with the North Shore mountains and city skyline behind them.

Golden-hour light falls over the crowd, the mountains, and the reception tents.

Two guests catch up over drinks before doors open.

A guest talks with friends, plate in hand, at the barbecue.

An emcee speaks between segments as the program gets underway.

The audience settles in as the program continues.

Counselor Anthony Joseph of the Squamish Nation opens the night with hand drum and song.

Anthony Joseph brings the room onto one frequency before the program begins.

The audience listens close as the opening continues.

A community member takes the mic during announcements.

Host remarks: excited and scared at the same time that the tent still exists.

Kevin Friel embraces Dorothy Pang after introducing her to the stage.

Dorothy Pang on hybrid AI filmmaking — craft over "press go."

A guest raises a hand during the community runway.

Dave Olson is introduced to the stage, thirteen years after his last talk here.

Dave Olson keynotes: tools for the end of the world, from lighters and paper maps to friends who stick.

Dave Olson's Library of Alexandria parable plays out on the screen behind him.

A quiet moment backstage as the night winds down.

A young guest takes a break on the couch as the program closes.

Guests share a laugh on stage after the talks wrap.

A young guest pins on a Vancouver AI badge.

A guest smiles backstage as the night wraps up.

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Photo by Tristan Brand

Community stickers and tea lights cover the reception table before doors open.

Registration and check-in tables fill with name badges as guests arrive outdoors.

Registration and check-in tables fill with name badges as guests arrive outdoors — Wider angle.

Food cooks over the outdoor grill as the pre-show BBQ gets going.

Guests smile for the camera with plates of BBQ on the outdoor patio.

Guests smile for the camera with plates of BBQ on the outdoor patio — Wider angle.

Guests smile for the camera with plates of BBQ on the outdoor patio — From the aisle.

Guests smile for the camera with plates of BBQ on the outdoor patio — Stage-left view.

Crowds fill the courtyard for outdoor networking in the late-day light.

Crowds fill the courtyard for outdoor networking in the late-day light — Wider angle.

Crowds fill the courtyard for outdoor networking in the late-day light — From the aisle.

Crowds fill the courtyard for outdoor networking in the late-day light — Stage-left view.

Crowds fill the courtyard for outdoor networking in the late-day light — Stage-right view.

Crowds fill the courtyard for outdoor networking in the late-day light — Closer on the mic.

Crowds fill the courtyard for outdoor networking in the late-day light — Soft focus on the crowd edge.

Crowds fill the courtyard for outdoor networking in the late-day light — Screen bright in the background.

Crowds fill the courtyard for outdoor networking in the late-day light — Audience heads in the foreground.

Candid conversations spill across the outdoor mixer before the program starts.

Candid conversations spill across the outdoor mixer before the program starts — Wider angle.

Candid conversations spill across the outdoor mixer before the program starts — From the aisle.

Candid conversations spill across the outdoor mixer before the program starts — Stage-left view.

Candid conversations spill across the outdoor mixer before the program starts — Stage-right view.

Candid conversations spill across the outdoor mixer before the program starts — Closer on the mic.

Candid conversations spill across the outdoor mixer before the program starts — Soft focus on the crowd edge.

The grill cook works the flames while guests gather around the BBQ.

Opening performers take the stage under the Vancouver AI Community title slide.

A performer with a mohawk speaks into the mic against the red stage curtain.

Opening performers take the stage under the Vancouver AI Community title slide — Stage-left view.

Opening performers take the stage under the Vancouver AI Community title slide — Stage-right view.

Opening performers take the stage under the Vancouver AI Community title slide — Closer on the mic.

An Indigenous welcome unfolds on stage as the audience settles in.

An Indigenous welcome unfolds on stage as the audience settles in — Wider angle.

An Indigenous welcome unfolds on stage as the audience settles in — From the aisle.

An Indigenous welcome unfolds on stage as the audience settles in — Stage-left view.

An Indigenous welcome unfolds on stage as the audience settles in — Stage-right view.

An Indigenous welcome unfolds on stage as the audience settles in — Closer on the mic.

An Indigenous welcome unfolds on stage as the audience settles in — Soft focus on the crowd edge.

Welcome speakers stand together mid-stage during the opening.

An Indigenous welcome unfolds on stage as the audience settles in — Audience heads in the foreground.

An Indigenous welcome unfolds on stage as the audience settles in — A beat later in the same beat.

An Indigenous welcome unfolds on stage as the audience settles in — Tight frame.

An Indigenous welcome unfolds on stage as the audience settles in — Wider angle.

Welcome speakers share the stage — drum and mic catching the spotlight.

A vertical frame of the welcome pair sharing the spotlight.

Welcome speakers share the stage — drum and mic catching the spotlight — From the aisle.

Welcome speakers share the stage — drum and mic catching the spotlight — Stage-left view.

Kris Krüg addresses the room from the handheld mic.

Community Announcements open with Kris on stage beside the peach-framed slide.

Community Announcements open with Kris on stage beside the peach-framed slide — Wider angle.

Community Announcements open with Kris on stage beside the peach-framed slide — From the aisle.

Community Announcements open with Kris on stage beside the peach-framed slide — Stage-left view.

Community Announcements open with Kris on stage beside the peach-framed slide — Stage-right view.

Community Announcements open with Kris on stage beside the peach-framed slide — Closer on the mic.

Community Announcements open with Kris on stage beside the peach-framed slide — Soft focus on the crowd edge.

Kris walks through Futureproof messaging on a vivid illustrated slide.

Kris walks through Futureproof messaging on a vivid illustrated slide — Wider angle.

Kris walks through Futureproof messaging on a vivid illustrated slide — From the aisle.

Wide room view as Kris works through Futureproof slides.

The house watches Futureproof messaging from the darkened seats.

Kris walks through Futureproof messaging on a vivid illustrated slide — Closer on the mic.

A Call for Speakers & Sponsors slide lights up the Futureproof segment.

A Call for Speakers & Sponsors slide lights up the Futureproof segment — Wider angle.

Futureproof Festival introduces Amber Case and Calm Technology.

Futureproof Festival introduces Amber Case and Calm Technology — Wider angle.

Futureproof Festival introduces Amber Case and Calm Technology — From the aisle.

A Futureproof Festival slide introduces Sarah Downey and cultural futureproofing.

A Futureproof Festival slide introduces Sarah Downey and cultural futureproofing — Wider angle.

Futureproof Festival introduces Lynda Brown-Ganzert on the human side of health.

Futureproof Festival introduces Lynda Brown-Ganzert on the human side of health — Wider angle.

Futureproof Festival introduces Lynda Brown-Ganzert on the human side of health — From the aisle.

Futureproof Festival introduces Gabe Zichermann and The Human Operating System.

A Futureproof Festival slide introduces Sarah Downey and cultural futureproofing — From the aisle.

A Futureproof Festival slide introduces Sarah Downey and cultural futureproofing — Stage-left view.

A Futureproof Festival slide introduces Sarah Downey and cultural futureproofing — Stage-right view.

A Futureproof Festival slide introduces Sarah Downey and cultural futureproofing — Closer on the mic.

Kris points to Futureproof Festival calls-to-action and QR codes on screen.

Kris points to Futureproof Festival calls-to-action and QR codes on screen — Wider angle.

A Futureproof Festival QR code slide invites the room to plug in.

Kris points toward a Futureproof call-to-action on the big screen.

Kris points to Futureproof Festival calls-to-action and QR codes on screen — Stage-right view.

Community members take the mic for announcements under the peach slide.

Community members take the mic for announcements under the peach slide — Wider angle.

Community members take the mic for announcements under the peach slide — From the aisle.

Community members take the mic for announcements under the peach slide — Stage-left view.

Community members take the mic for announcements under the peach slide — Stage-right view.

A community announcer shares updates from center stage.

A community announcer shares updates from center stage — Wider angle.

A community announcer shares updates from center stage — From the aisle.

A community announcer shares updates from center stage — Stage-left view.

A community announcer shares updates from center stage — Stage-right view.

A community announcer shares updates from center stage — Closer on the mic.

More community announcements roll on — mic handoffs and short stage spots.

More community announcements roll on — mic handoffs and short stage spots — Wider angle.

More community announcements roll on — mic handoffs and short stage spots — From the aisle.

A community announcer in hat and shades takes a quick mic turn.

A "NATURALLY BORN SELLER" announcement slide fills the screen.

More community announcements roll on — mic handoffs and short stage spots — Closer on the mic.

More community announcements roll on — mic handoffs and short stage spots — Soft focus on the crowd edge.

More community announcements roll on — mic handoffs and short stage spots — Screen bright in the background.

More community announcements roll on — mic handoffs and short stage spots — Audience heads in the foreground.

More community announcements roll on — mic handoffs and short stage spots — A beat later in the same beat.

Dorothy Pang's title slide — Visual Artist, AI Filmmaker — fills the screen.

Dorothy Pang's title slide — Visual Artist, AI Filmmaker — fills the screen — Wider angle.

Dorothy Pang presents from the mic under her peach-illustrated intro slide.

Dorothy Pang presents from the mic under her peach-illustrated intro slide — Wider angle.

Dorothy Pang presents from the mic under her peach-illustrated intro slide — From the aisle.

Dorothy Pang holds notes and mic mid-presentation.

Dorothy Pang presents from the mic under her peach-illustrated intro slide — Stage-right view.

Dorothy Pang presents from the mic under her peach-illustrated intro slide — Closer on the mic.

Dorothy Pang presents from the mic under her peach-illustrated intro slide — Soft focus on the crowd edge.

Dorothy Pang presents from the mic under her peach-illustrated intro slide — Screen bright in the background.

Dorothy Pang joins a brief on-stage exchange as her segment winds down.

Dorothy Pang and a host share a brief exchange at the end of her talk.

A brief stage transition between featured talks.

Dave Olson's talk opens with archival images and story slides behind him.

Dave Olson's talk opens with archival images and story slides behind him — Wider angle.

Dave Olson's talk opens with archival images and story slides behind him — From the aisle.

Dave Olson's talk opens with archival images and story slides behind him — Stage-left view.

Dave Olson's talk opens with archival images and story slides behind him — Stage-right view.

Dave Olson's talk opens with archival images and story slides behind him — Closer on the mic.

Dave Olson's talk opens with archival images and story slides behind him — Soft focus on the crowd edge.

Dave Olson's talk opens with archival images and story slides behind him — Screen bright in the background.

Dave Olson speaks from the armchair, gesturing as slides cycle behind him.

Dave Olson speaks from the armchair, gesturing as slides cycle behind him — Wider angle.

Dave Olson speaks from the armchair, gesturing as slides cycle behind him — From the aisle.

Dave Olson speaks from the armchair, gesturing as slides cycle behind him — Stage-left view.

Dave Olson speaks from the armchair, gesturing as slides cycle behind him — Stage-right view.

Dave Olson speaks from the armchair, gesturing as slides cycle behind him — Closer on the mic.

Dave Olson speaks from the armchair, gesturing as slides cycle behind him — Soft focus on the crowd edge.

Dave Olson speaks from the armchair, gesturing as slides cycle behind him — Screen bright in the background.

Dave Olson speaks from the armchair, gesturing as slides cycle behind him — Audience heads in the foreground.

Dave Olson speaks from the armchair, gesturing as slides cycle behind him — A beat later in the same beat.

Dave Olson speaks from the armchair, gesturing as slides cycle behind him — Tight frame.

Dave Olson's slide shows a "HOW MAY I HELP YOU?" library staff sign.

Dave Olson's slides dig into library work, notebooks, and found objects — Wider angle.

Dave Olson's slides dig into library work, notebooks, and found objects — From the aisle.

Dave Olson's slides dig into library work, notebooks, and found objects — Stage-left view.

A handwritten notebook page fills Dave Olson's presentation screen.

Dave Olson's slides dig into library work, notebooks, and found objects — Closer on the mic.

A vintage boombox graphic lands in the middle of Dave Olson's talk.

Dave Olson's slides dig into library work, notebooks, and found objects — Screen bright in the background.

Dave Olson leans into storytelling — clippings, collages, and handwritten notes on screen.

Dave Olson leans into storytelling — clippings, collages, and handwritten notes on screen — Wider angle.

Dave Olson leans into storytelling — clippings, collages, and handwritten notes on screen — From the aisle.

Dave Olson leans into storytelling — clippings, collages, and handwritten notes on screen — Stage-left view.

Dave Olson leans into storytelling — clippings, collages, and handwritten notes on screen — Stage-right view.

Dave Olson leans into storytelling — clippings, collages, and handwritten notes on screen — Closer on the mic.

Dave Olson leans into storytelling — clippings, collages, and handwritten notes on screen — Soft focus on the crowd edge.

Dave Olson leans into storytelling — clippings, collages, and handwritten notes on screen — Screen bright in the background.

Dave Olson leans into storytelling — clippings, collages, and handwritten notes on screen — Audience heads in the foreground.

Dave Olson leans into storytelling — clippings, collages, and handwritten notes on screen — A beat later in the same beat.

Dave Olson leans into storytelling — clippings, collages, and handwritten notes on screen — Tight frame.

Dave Olson leans into storytelling — clippings, collages, and handwritten notes on screen — Wider angle.

A collage of faces fills the screen behind Dave Olson.

Dave Olson leans into storytelling — clippings, collages, and handwritten notes on screen — Stage-left view.

Dave Olson leans into storytelling — clippings, collages, and handwritten notes on screen — Stage-right view.

Dave Olson leans into storytelling — clippings, collages, and handwritten notes on screen — Closer on the mic.

Dave Olson continues from the armchair as denser text and photo slides roll.

Dave Olson continues from the armchair as denser text and photo slides roll — Wider angle.

Dave Olson continues from the armchair as denser text and photo slides roll — From the aisle.

Dave Olson continues from the armchair as denser text and photo slides roll — Stage-left view.

Dave Olson continues from the armchair as denser text and photo slides roll — Stage-right view.

Dave Olson continues from the armchair as denser text and photo slides roll — Closer on the mic.

Dave Olson continues from the armchair as denser text and photo slides roll — Soft focus on the crowd edge.

Dave Olson continues from the armchair as denser text and photo slides roll — Screen bright in the background.

Dave Olson continues from the armchair as denser text and photo slides roll — Audience heads in the foreground.

Dave Olson continues from the armchair as denser text and photo slides roll — A beat later in the same beat.

Dave Olson continues from the armchair as denser text and photo slides roll — Tight frame.

Dave Olson continues from the armchair as denser text and photo slides roll — Wider angle.

Dave Olson continues from the armchair as denser text and photo slides roll — From the aisle.

Dave Olson continues from the armchair as denser text and photo slides roll — Stage-left view.

An on-stage conversation with Dave Olson — two chairs, mic, and a listening room.

An on-stage conversation with Dave Olson — two chairs, mic, and a listening room — Wider angle.

An on-stage conversation with Dave Olson — two chairs, mic, and a listening room — From the aisle.

A "Life of a Poet" heart logo glows behind the on-stage conversation.

An on-stage conversation with Dave Olson — two chairs, mic, and a listening room — Stage-right view.

An on-stage conversation with Dave Olson — two chairs, mic, and a listening room — Closer on the mic.

An on-stage conversation with Dave Olson — two chairs, mic, and a listening room — Soft focus on the crowd edge.

An on-stage conversation with Dave Olson — two chairs, mic, and a listening room — Screen bright in the background.

An on-stage conversation with Dave Olson — two chairs, mic, and a listening room — Audience heads in the foreground.

An on-stage conversation with Dave Olson — two chairs, mic, and a listening room — A beat later in the same beat.

An on-stage conversation with Dave Olson — two chairs, mic, and a listening room — Tight frame.

Dave Olson shares the mic with a young guest on stage.

A tender on-stage moment as Dave Olson leans in toward a child at the mic.

Wide group photo attempt — the room piles onto the stage apron.

A second angle on the free-stickers table — pink Help Yourself sign, tea lights, and loose Vancouver.ai stickers.