About The Chapter
A Room Where Hampton Roads Learns AI By Building With It
Everyone running this chapter uses AI at work every day. We started this chapter so students, career changers, small-business owners and engineers in the 757 could learn from people who've shipped real things with it.
Who We Are
The AI Collective Hampton Roads is the local chapter of The AI Collective, a global community of 1.3 million members across 233 chapters. Our chapter has more than 5,000 members on Meetup.
In 2025 we ran 49 events at Old Dominion University, Norfolk State, ECPI, Assembly, The Hive and ISSA Hampton Roads. Attendees rated them 4.7 out of 5 across 129 reviews.
We are a volunteer-run community chapter. Our events are free and open to people across Hampton Roads, including students, career changers, business owners, and experienced builders.
Who Runs It
Andrew Stafford
Chapter Lead · 26 Years In Technology, 13 In AI And Machine Learning
Andrew builds the chapter workshop curriculum and teaches hands-on sessions, from Claude Code setup to agent workflows.
Ted Patterson
Chapter co-lead · 20+ years in tech, product, and design · Ex-opera singer
Ted shares practical AI knowledge through chapter talks and workshops. He also mentors beginners, founders, and operators one-on-one in the 757 and beyond.
Erin Marie
Chapter Co-Lead And Project Management Lead
With a background in data analytics and systems engineering and experience leading technology initiatives at Microsoft, she brings a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, innovation, and community impact. Passionate about making artificial intelligence accessible to everyone, Erin focuses on building partnerships, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities for people to engage with emerging technologies.
Pratik
Founding Member & Director Of Partnerships · Founder And CEO Of TechArk
Pratik builds partnerships with companies, universities, and organizations to grow the chapter’s reach and long-term sustainability. He also leads TechArk, an award-winning web design and software agency with 11+ years of client work.
A Volunteer-Run Chapter Built To Connect People
Our chapter is a volunteer-run organization with one priority: connecting people across Hampton Roads who want to learn, build, and share practical AI.
We partner with amazing schools, businesses, nonprofits, and community groups throughout the region, and our local volunteers and fellows help welcome newcomers, run events, and keep the community moving.
Sign Up To Volunteer and help us connect more people across the 757.