# Event Details - **Event Name**: ? LEE COUNTY | AI Beyond the Hype How AI Is Becoming the New “Business DNA” for Local Companies - **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 08 Jan, 2026 at 11:30 am - **Event Description**: ? The Above Board Chamber of Florida presents in LEE COUNTY | AI Beyond the Hype How AI Is Becoming the New “Business DNA” for Local Companies AI is no longer just a buzzword — it’s quickly becoming a competitive necessity. This practical, hands-on session will show Lee County business owners how to use AI safely and strategically to save time, strengthen marketing, and compete smarter in 2026. Attendees will learn why the traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO) playbook is evolving into Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) — where the goal is no longer just ranking as a link, but becoming the answer AI delivers to customers. The session will culminate in a live, hands-on demonstration of Google Pomelli, a breakthrough AI tool that extracts your brand’s unique “Business DNA” to automatically generate professional-grade social media and advertising content. You’ll walk away with a practical Pre-Pomelli audit checklist and a clear strategy to help your business stand out and compete effectively during the Winter 2025–2026 season. Led by: Heidi Cramer, Consultant, Florida SBDC at FGCU AI & Technology Integration Strategist | Business Growth Consultant Heidi Cramer is a seasoned technology strategist and business growth consultant with over 35 years of experience driving innovation for Fortune 10 companies, private equity firms, and high-growth ventures. Currently serving as a Consultant for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), Heidi specializes in helping Southwest Florida businesses navigate complex digital transformations to grow across channels. A doctoral student in education focusing on AI integration for workforce learning, Heidi bridges the gap between high-level theory and practical application. She is a certified technology presenter for organizations such as the American Bar Association of Florida and the Community Associations of Florida, known for her ability to demystify complex tech for diverse audiences. Originally from the Bloomington, Indiana area, Heidi now applies her expertise in go-to-market strategy and business turnarounds to empower the Lee County business community. Featured Expert: Craig Pisaris-Henderson is a seasoned technology executive and visionary leader with a proven track record of scaling high-growth tech companies. As a pioneer in the digital marketing and automation space, Craig has spent decades helping businesses leverage emerging technologies to gain a competitive edge. Known for his ability to bridge the gap between complex technical architecture and practical business application, Craig is a frequent speaker on the "Next Wave" of digital transformation. He and his team specialize in helping small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) implement enterprise-grade AI tools—to streamline operations, protect brand integrity, and maximize ROI.Craig’s focus for this session is hands-on empowerment: ensuring every attendee leaves not just with an idea, but with a functional automation that works for their business. Workshop agenda: Part I: The Strategy (45 Minutes) Mastering the "Business DNA" & The Shift to GEO The New SEO: Understand why traditional Search Engine Optimization is evolving into Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Learn how to ensure your business is the answer provided by AI, not just a link on page ten. Decoding the Tech: A plain-English breakdown of how AI "thinks" so you can prompt with precision. The Pre-Pomelli Audit: Receive a concrete checklist to audit your digital footprint, ensuring your "Business DNA" is ready for automation. Part II: The Workshop (30 Minutes) Live Build & Automation Lab Hands-on with Google Pomelli: Experience a breakthrough tool that extracts your brand’s unique voice and visuals to automate professional-grade social media and ad content. Expert Integration: Work directly with Craig Pisaris-Henderson and his technical team to begin building your first live automations. Winter 2025-2026 Strategy: Walk away with a customized plan to dominate the upcoming season by acting as your own 24/7 marketing agency. This meeting is being sponsored by Annette Warren, Merchant Consultant at Priority Business Solutions Lee County Thursday, January 8th 2026 75-minute interactive workshop starting at 11:30 - 1:15 DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at the Bell Tower shops ? RSVP – Lee County AI Workshop - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/pine-manor/lee-county-|-ai-beyond-the-hype-how-ai-is-becoming-the-new-business-dna-for-local-companies/200029405263038 - **Event Categories**: workshops, digital-marketing, business, meetups, art, theatre, sports - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 10 ## Ticket Details ## Event venue details - **city**: Pine Manor - **state**: FL - **country**: United States - **location**: DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at the Bell Tower Shops (Fort Myers, FL) - **lat**: 26.55132 - **long**: -81.86837 - **full address**: DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at the Bell Tower Shops (Fort Myers, FL), 13051 Bell Tower Drive,Pine Manor, Florida, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: ? LEE COUNTY | AI Beyond the Hype How AI Is Becoming the New “Business DNA” for Local Companies - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events9/banners/767268ea31a8427e8488807ec9956e5895b780a00e142c1e27059c0de92360fb-rimg-w613-h870-dc0f2a35-gmir?v=1767337397 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is ? LEE COUNTY | AI Beyond the Hype How AI Is Becoming the New “Business DNA” for Local Companies being held? - **A:** ? LEE COUNTY | AI Beyond the Hype How AI Is Becoming the New “Business DNA” for Local Companies takes place on Thu, 08 Jan, 2026 at 11:30 am to Thu, 08 Jan, 2026 at 11:30 am at DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at the Bell Tower Shops (Fort Myers, FL), 13051 Bell Tower Drive,Pine Manor, Florida, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing ? LEE COUNTY | AI Beyond the Hype How AI Is Becoming the New “Business DNA” for Local Companies? - **A:** ? LEE COUNTY | AI Beyond the Hype How AI Is Becoming the New “Business DNA” for Local Companies is organized by Above Board Chamber of Florida. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** ? LEE COUNTY | AI Beyond the Hype How AI Is Becoming the New “Business DNA” for Local Companies is ideal for learners, working professionals, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Pine Manor, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If ? LEE COUNTY | AI Beyond the Hype How AI Is Becoming the New “Business DNA” for Local Companies sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast. ## Structured Data (JSON-LD) ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Event", "name": "? 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