Microsoft Copilot & AI LAB

Learn, Apply, and Build Your AI Adoption Strategy
There are two levels of the AI LAB Program - choose which one is right for you!

AI LAB: Level I – Foundations
Acquire skills. Build confidence. Gain momentum.

Level I is your starting point for understanding and applying generative AI in a practical, meaningful way. Designed for professionals who are new to AI or experimenting casually, this hands‑on workshop helps participants unlock immediate productivity gains and explore how AI can streamline work across association operations.

✏️ Why This Course? 

Through guided exercises and real‑time experimentation in your own Microsoft Copilot environment, you’ll learn the fundamentals of prompting, compare leading AI tools, and discover opportunities to improve efficiency, creativity, and member service.

📚 Learning Outcomes

You’ll leave with practical, repeatable skills you can apply immediately in your daily work—quick wins that increase productivity and help you feel confident using AI. By the end of the course, you will have knowledge in:

  • AI Essentials: What generative AI is, and the landscape of today’s most popular tools
  • Copilot Basics: How to navigate Microsoft Copilot and apply it to your role
  • Prompting Fundamentals: Methods for improving consistency and quality of AI outputs
  • Security Awareness: Core principles for safe and responsible AI use
  • Hands‑On Exercises: General use cases and cross‑tool comparisons

👥Who should attend

  • New or casual AI users
  • Those curious about how AI can support their daily work
  • Participants who experience inconsistent results with prompting
  • Professionals whose organizations have not yet established AI guidelines or policies


TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

A laptop with Office365 + Copilot installed (required) so you can experiment hands‑on during the session.


AI LAB: Level II – Advanced
Lead transformation. Create strategies. Shape the future.

Level II is designed for professionals who are already comfortable using AI and want to move beyond personal productivity into strategic, organizational impact. This advanced workshop focuses on high‑level capabilities, cross‑platform AI strategy, and role‑specific applications that help leaders shape how AI is adopted across their teams or organizations.

✏️ Why This Course? 

Building on the foundation of Level I, this course dives deeper into advanced prompting, Copilot optimization, multi‑tool ecosystems, governance, and emerging technologies—including AI agents and workflow automation.

📚 Learning Outcomes

Participants will leave with a clear roadmap for AI implementation—complete with governance frameworks, team‑level strategies, and advanced workflows that drive real organizational transformation. By the end of the course, you will have knowledge in:

  • Advanced Prompt Engineering: Techniques for precision, automation, and scaled use
  • Copilot Deep Dive: Optimization strategies, integrations, and cross‑platform tactics
  • Organizational AI Strategy: How to lead AI adoption and change management
  • Governance & Policy Development: Moving from awareness to implementation
  • Emerging Tools: Exploration of agents, workflows, and automation

👥Who should attend

  • AI users with weekly or more frequent usage
  • Those who already get consistent results from prompting and want to optimize
  • Leaders who influence or make AI adoption decisions
  • Professionals tasked with developing or enforcing policies
  • Participants who want deeper, role‑based instruction (Data, Marketing, Executive tracks)
  • People that are familiarity with your organization’s AI or data‑handling policies 


    TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

    A laptop with Office365 + Copilot installed (required); additional GenAI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.) recommended for cross‑platform exercises.


    🎤 Speakers

    Carlos Cardenas

    Carlos Cardenas, Senior Strategic Consultant, DelCor Technology Solutions

    As Senior Strategic Consultant at DelCor, Carlos helps associations and nonprofits align technology and data strategy to strengthen mission impact. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Certified Association Executive (CAE), he brings extensive experience in systems modernization, infrastructure, and team leadership. Known for driving innovation and contributing through volunteer service in the association community, Carlos pairs technical expertise with a proven ability to guide organizations through complex digital challenges.
     
    Ron Moen

    Ron Moen, Vice President, DelCor Technology Solutions

    As VP at DelCor, Ron serves at the intersection of people, process, and technology—ensuring clients’ digital resources are aligned with organization mission and business goals. He encourages new ideas, creative solutions, and collaborative approaches across the entire enterprise. For 30+ years, Ron has been learning from and adding value for professional societies, trade associations, healthcare organizations, and software companies.

    Level I

    Thursday, February 12, 2026
    9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CT
    Association Forum Office
    10 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 800
    Chicago, IL

    REGISTER NOW

    Level II

    Thursday, February, 19, 2026
    9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CT
    Association Forum Office
    10 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 800
    Chicago, IL

    REGISTER NOW

    What participants are saying...

    Allison Summers

    "The new imperative is to hire people who are comfortable with AI tools before those who are not. This is why we must all level up and become 'AI competent.'"

    Allison Summers, CAE, AAiP
    Executive Director, Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON)

    READ THE ARTICLE

    Pricing

    Member Early (through Mon 2/2): $180
    Nonmember Early (through Mon 2/2): $230
    Member Regular (Tues 2/3 or after): $215
    Nonmember Regular (Tues 2/3 or after): $300

    Note: Receive a 10% discount when five or more members register together!

    To receive an invoice and pay via check/ACH, please contact education@associationforum.org.

    CAE Credits

    This program is approved for (2.25) CAE hours toward the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE's) Certified Association Executive (CAE) certification.