Unlock AI Potential for Your Business

Transform Your Small Business with AI

Join us for an exclusive masterclass designed to revolutionize your business operations and marketing through the power of artificial intelligence.

Reserve Your Spot

AI Masterclass Event Details
Date

February 27, 2025

Time

9:00am – 1:30pm

Location

UPDATED:
106 W J St, Benicia 94510

On February 27, 2025, the historic Clock Tower in Benicia, California, will transform into a hub of innovation as it hosts the AI Masterclass—an event designed to empower small businesses with the tools and knowledge to streamline their operations and boost their advertising strategies using artificial intelligence (AI).

Presented by Benicia Magazine and David Perry & Associates, Inc., in association with the Benicia Chamber.

Event Overview

This masterclass is tailored to help small business owners and entrepreneurs understand how AI can optimize workflows, target the right audiences, and drive growth. However, the event welcomes anyone curious about how AI is revolutionizing the way we work and advertise. Participants will dive into interactive sessions that cover:

  • AI for Small Businesses:
    Learn how AI can simplify repetitive tasks, improve customer service, and create smarter workflows.
  • Advertising with AI:
    Discover how AI can help you design targeted ad campaigns, analyze data, and increase ROI.
  • Real-World Applications:
    Explore inspiring case studies showing how small businesses are already leveraging AI to succeed.
  • Ethics and AI:
    Understand the importance of ethical AI practices and how to responsibly use AI in your business.

 

Who Should Attend?

While the masterclass focuses on small business applications, it is open to everyone, including:

Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs: Gain practical insights to stay competitive in a tech-driven marketplace.
Professionals & Freelancers: Learn how AI can help you achieve more in less time.
Students & AI Enthusiasts: Get an introduction to the growing world of AI.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM PST
Location: 106 W J St, Benicia 94510 (Strange Media Studio).

Registration

Tickets are available now on Eventbrite. Early registration is encouraged as seating is limited. Reserve your spot today by visiting the event page here.

Why Attend?

The AI Masterclass will not only provide valuable knowledge but also actionable strategies for implementing AI in your business. Whether you’re looking to save time, improve productivity, or create more impactful advertising campaigns, this event will equip you with the tools you need to thrive.

Tickets Include

– Morning Coffee & Refreshments: Start the day energized with complimentary coffee.
– Lunch: Enjoy a delicious lunch during the midday break.
– A Full Day of Learning: Take advantage of expert-led sessions packed with value.

About the Venue

The Clock Tower in Benicia, known for its historic charm, offers an inspiring and vibrant setting for this cutting-edge event. It’s the perfect location to learn how to blend innovation with tradition.
Join the AI Revolution

Don’t miss this opportunity to take your business to the next level with AI. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, professionals, and tech enthusiasts to discover how AI can transform your work.

Stay updated and join the conversation:

Instagram: ai_masterclass_benicia

Whether you’re a small business owner eager to optimize operations or simply curious about AI’s impact, this masterclass is your gateway to smarter strategies and success.

Meet Our Expert Speakers

David Perry

Creative Communications. International Connections
David Perry is the founder/CEO of David Perry & Associates, Inc. a full service Marketing/PR, Crisis Communications, Government Affairs & Business Development firm with international reach based in San Francisco and Palm Springs. Over the years, Perry has represented a number of high profile clients including George Lucas / The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, the Port of San Francisco, Kilroy Real Estate, Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction, the Hotel Council of San Francisco, the International Ocean Film Festival, America’s Cup, the Super Bowl 50 Committee, the Make A Wish Foundation and worked with seven San Francisco Mayors.
David is a member of the board of directors and executive committee of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, serving as its marketing chair. David is a frequent lecturer on the ethics of public relations and how technology is changing and expanding traditional communications. David travels extensively and has visited more than 70 countries on six continents.
As a journalist, David has written over one hundred articles, and contributed to several national publications. Perry’s debut novel “Upon This Rock” was awarded a prestigious Ben Franklin Silver Medal Award from the Independent Book Publishers Association and top prize from the San Francisco Book Festival. It is currently in development as a screenplay. Praised by “Tales of the City” author Armistead Maupin as “an elegant, twisty thriller” and by best-selling writer and Guggenheim fellow Fenton Johnson as “The gay ‘DaVinci Code’ but a whole lot better”, it is the best selling book ever for Pace Press. Perry and his husband / business partner, Alfredo Casuso, celebrate 27 years together in 2025.

Alfredo Casuso

Vice President at David Perry & Associates
For the last 20 years, Alfredo Casuso, has created dozens of signature websites, social media campaigns and design brands for projects including the Olympic Torch run in San Francisco (2008) and multiple projects for high profile clients such as the San Francisco Mayor’s Office and the San Francisco Travel Association. In June 2010, Casuso traveled to China where he produced the marketing and official videos for the 30th Anniversary San Francisco/Shanghai Sister City Delegation led by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and former Mayors Willie L. Brown, Jr. and Frank Jordan.
Since 1986, Casuso has been involved in the technology world, working for several software and telecommunications multinationals including several years with worldwide responsibilities for Ericsson AB. It was through this job that Casuso left his home in Spain, to live in Sweden and Austria for almost three years. In 1995, Alfredo moved to the United States, where he cofounded the fashion industry business, Charmelle, Inc.
Through his current work as a digital and web designer, videographer/editor and Internet strategist, Casuso keeps himself updated on the latest trends in the industry. An avid computer gamer, he is constantly in touch with online communities around the world, an experience he finds not only enjoyable, but incredibly enriching culturally and socially.
Widely traveled, Casuso is fluent in English, Spanish, and Swedish and conversant in Portuguese, Italian, German and Mandarin.

Andres Acosta

Design Leader & Creative Technologist
Andres Acosta is a design strategist focused on the intersection of AI, sustainable innovation, and user-centered product development. Drawing on years of experience—from Shazam to advising mission-driven startups—he blends rapid prototyping with a sharp strategic lens to create real-world impact. He’s passionate about building brands and tools that transcend cultural and economic barriers, a mindset honed through work with nonprofits, B-corps, and civic organizations. An advocate for tight feedback loops and inclusive collaboration, Andres thrives in environments where tough questions are encouraged and big ideas are tested quickly. He’s currently exploring AI infrastructure and responsible tech, aiming to shape experiences that benefit communities and future generations alike.

Brian Burkett

Founder & Chief Growth Officer of We Are Scallywag
Sir Lord Brian Frank Burkett is the founder and chief growth officer of We Are Scallywag, an AI-powered growth studio of that specializes in scaling businesses strategically through innovative technology combined with proven growth strategies. With over 20+ years of experience in design, development, and growth hacking, Brian has worked with businesses from bootstrapped startups to Silicon Valley unicorns. As a key player in a UK-based furniture startup, Brian contributed to its remarkable success, scaling from £3 million to £30 million in annual revenue within a single year.
With a career defined by innovation and impact, Brian continues to empower businesses and communities to unlock the transformative power of AI, driving progress and meaningful change worldwide.

Forrest McBride

Partner, Growth Science Ventures

Forrest McBride is a Partner at Growth Science Ventures, a venture capital firm that creates bespoke funds for investors with unique strategic needs. Specializing in Seed to Series A stages, he leverages Quannix®, Growth Science Venture’s AI platform, to identify disruptive startups and guide innovation. With over ten years of C-level leadership experience, he transforms complex machine learning algorithms into strategic investment decisions that shape the future of innovation.

Thomas Thurston

Chief Technologist @ Ducera Partners | Investment Banking, AI, Venture Capital
Thomas Thurston is Chief Technologist at Ducera Partners, an AI-driven investment bank with over $800 billion in deal volume since its launch less than a decade ago. Formerly, he was CTO at WR Hambrecht +Co, launched a high-performance computing business that was acquired, and worked at Harvard alongside Professor Clayton Christensen to develop quantitative predictive models for disruptive innovation.

Julianne Averill

AI & Digital Transformation Leader
Julianne Averill is a dynamic healthcare AI executive & board leader with 20+ years leading transformative business initiatives at organizations like Deloitte, Alveo Technologies, & Blackthorn Therapeutics. Currently a Managing Director & CFO at Danforth Advisors, she leads growth for the San Francisco region, advising life science companies on funding strategies and leading successful product launches. This expertise has enabled $11B+ in fundraising and M&A, as well as led to the global adoption of several AI-enabled health solutions.
Julianne holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from C.S.U. Fresno, a Business Analytics certificate from Harvard University, and is certified as a CPA, SHRM-CP, and NACD.DC. In her spare time, she serves as an advisor to a venture fund & trains for half marathons with her Siberian Husky, Callie.

Silas Valentino

Travel Editor, SFGATE
Silas Valentino is SFGATE’s travel editor. He was born in Bakersfield and raised in Marin County. Outside of reading, writing and storytelling, Silas values his family (including 11 nieces and nephews) and exploring the state. He lives with his wife above a wine shop in Cole Valley. You can contact him at silas.valentino@sfgate.com.

Secure Your Spot Today!

Don’t miss this opportunity to revolutionize your business with AI. Join us at the historic Clock Tower in Benicia for a transformative experience. Register now to ensure your place at the AI Masterclass!

Register Now

Questions? Email us at:

editor@beniciamagazine.com