Techstravaganza

Getting Productive with Artificial Intelligence, Wednesday, Apr 1, 2026

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Introduction to Zapier and AI-powered automation

Ali introduced Zapier as an automation tool that uses Microsoft Copilot integration to build automated workflows called “Zaps.”

  • Details
    • Ali: Explained that Zapier allows users to automate tasks across various applications including Google Docs, Gmail, Zoom, and Discord
    • Ali: Noted that the tool only works on desktop computers, not mobile devices
    • Siena(She/Her): Highlighted that Zapier can automate workflows in social media and Google Workspace applications
    • Conclusion
      • Zapier is a desktop-only tool that connects multiple applications for workflow automation
      • The Copilot integration allows users to describe desired automation in natural language
        • Building a Zap with Copilot integration

        Ali demonstrated creating an automated workflow using Zapier’s Copilot feature to send email reminders for calendar events.

        • Details
          • Ali: Attempted to create a Zap with Google Calendar as the trigger, set to activate 24 hours before events
          • Ali: Instructed Copilot to filter events containing “the Ali and Macara show” and send Gmail notifications to event attendees
          • Ali: Encountered repeated error messages stating “Copilot isn’t responding right now” and “Tool results are missing”
          • Ali: Noted this was the first time experiencing such errors with the platform
          • Conclusion
            • The demonstration encountered technical difficulties with the Copilot integration
            • Ali planned to contact Zapier support with screenshots of the errors
            • Despite the errors, the concept of using natural language to build automation workflows was demonstrated
              • Real-world applications of Zapier automation

              Discussion of how Zapier automation is currently being used for the Books Panel and Techstravaganza events.

              • Details
                • Ali: Explained that the Books Panel uses Zapier to automatically send reminder emails 24 hours and 1 hour before events
                • Ali: Emphasized that automation eliminates time-consuming repetitive tasks
                • Siena(She/Her): Shared that scheduled email reminders allow her to be away from the computer while reminders are sent automatically
                • Ali: Mentioned being at an event on March 26th without worrying about sending reminders manually
                • Conclusion
                  • Automation significantly reduces manual workload for event management
                  • Scheduled tasks can run without requiring the user to be present at the computer
                    • ChatGPT for document and card creation

                    Siena demonstrated using ChatGPT to generate printable documents including invitations and birthday cards.

                    • Details
                      • Siena(She/Her): Created a Good Friday dinner invitation by providing specific details including date, time, location, and RSVP information
                      • Siena(She/Her): Requested a religious theme and RSVP line, which ChatGPT incorporated with a Bible verse from Isaiah 53:5
                      • Siena(She/Her): Had ChatGPT format the invitation as a decorative printable card and generate a PDF version
                      • Siena(She/Her): Created an 85th birthday card for Zia Lucia with specific decorations, custom messages, and a generated poem
                      • Siena(She/Her): Verified that generated PDFs remained accessible and readable with screen readers
                      • Conclusion
                        • ChatGPT can generate professional-looking printable documents without requiring design skills
                        • Users can be as vague or specific as desired in their prompts
                        • Generated PDFs maintain accessibility for screen reader users
                        • The free version of ChatGPT has message limits for advanced features but resets after several hours
                          • ChatGPT limitations and usage restrictions

                          Discussion of the limitations encountered when using ChatGPT’s free tier.

                          • Details
                            • Siena(She/Her): Encountered a message stating “You’re out of messages with the most advanced free model”
                            • Siena(She/Her): Explained that the free plan provides approximately 10-15 messages using the advanced model before switching to a less powerful model
                            • Siena(She/Her): Noted the advanced model would reset at 7:05 PM, allowing continued use after waiting
                            • Conclusion
                              • Free ChatGPT accounts have daily limits on advanced model usage
                              • Users can wait for the reset or upgrade to ChatGPT Plus for unlimited access
                              • For occasional use, waiting for the reset is a viable option
                                • Customization capabilities of AI-generated content

                                Hans raised questions about the level of customization possible with AI-generated visual content.

                                • Details
                                  • Hans: Asked whether users can specify colors, patterns, and arrangements for elements like candles and balloons
                                  • Siena(She/Her): Confirmed that users can specify colors, designs, and patterns in their prompts
                                  • Hans: Inquired about language customization, such as creating content in German or Italian
                                  • Siena(She/Her): Confirmed that users can write custom messages in different languages and ChatGPT will incorporate them
                                  • Conclusion
                                    • AI tools allow extensive customization of visual elements through detailed prompts
                                    • Users can create content in multiple languages with custom messages
                                    • Blind users can specify visual preferences even without seeing the final result
                                      • AI capabilities for audio and voice content

                                      Hans inquired about AI’s ability to create audio content beyond text and images.

                                      • Details
                                        • Hans: Asked whether AI could create promotional content with voices and sound effects
                                        • Hans: Mentioned Suno for song creation and wondered about creating radio promos
                                        • Siena(She/Her): Suggested Eleven Labs as an AI voice generator tool
                                        • Hans: Raised concerns about voice cloning technology being used by scammers
                                        • Siena(She/Her): Acknowledged the concerning aspect that only 3 seconds of voice recording is needed for cloning
                                        • Conclusion
                                          • AI voice generation tools like Eleven Labs exist for creating audio content
                                          • Voice cloning technology raises security concerns due to potential misuse
                                          • Most advanced voice generation tools require paid subscriptions beyond trial periods
                                            • Comparison of different AI tools and their strengths

                                            Discussion of how different AI platforms excel in different areas.

                                            • Details
                                              • Siena(She/Her): Noted that ChatGPT shines in content creation tasks
                                              • Siena(She/Her): Mentioned that Perplexity excels more in research-oriented tasks
                                              • Siena(She/Her): Emphasized that AI tools can be mixed and matched based on specific needs
                                              • Conclusion
                                                • Different AI platforms have different strengths and optimal use cases
                                                • Users should select AI tools based on their specific task requirements
                                                • Combining multiple AI tools can create a more effective workflow
                                                  • Personal perspectives on AI adoption

                                                  Participants shared their experiences and hesitations regarding AI technology.

                                                  • Details
                                                    • Hans: Expressed hesitation about trying AI, feeling it’s different from traditional computer interactions
                                                    • Hans: Noted that AI represents a shift from one-word searches to conversational interactions
                                                    • Siena(She/Her): Shared that she was initially hesitant due to concerns about AI replacing jobs
                                                    • Siena(She/Her): Concluded that AI is valuable when used to complement and enhance workflow rather than replace human work
                                                    • Conclusion
                                                      • AI represents a significant shift in how users interact with technology
                                                      • Initial hesitation about AI adoption is common among users
                                                      • AI is most beneficial when viewed as a tool to enhance productivity rather than a replacement for human work
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                                                        Updated as of Mar 10, 2026, What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza

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                                                        TechstravaganzaBy Ali Moosa, Macara Slobodian, and Siena Trigiani