Questions, answered.

No. You do not need to be technical, know how to code, or understand AI before you arrive. The room will include people at many different stages, from first-timers to experienced builders. Patience and respect are essential: this is a place to help one another learn, not to interrupt, compete, or show off at someone else's expense.

A working project you built yourself: a recipe site, a photo organizer, a homework helper, whatever you choose, plus enough hands-on practice to keep going after the night ends. This isn't a talk you sit through; it's an evening of hands-on creating.

Have an idea? That's awesome. Don't? Don't sweat it. We'll have plenty of useful starter templates and ideas you can get real value from, with plain-language instructions and human help finding your first step.

Date, time, and venue are TBD in Huntsville, Alabama. Early RSVPs are open; we’ll share confirmed details and ask you to reconfirm that you can attend.

Attending is free, and pre-registration is required. To participate fully, you will need your own paid AI account, with provider costs and terms that vary. We can help you choose a service and get set up before the event or when you arrive.

That's a good sign. We'll keep a waitlist and notify you if seats or additional capacity become available. We'll also keep you posted about the next event, because a waitlist means we should do this again.

Please do. An attending adult reservation owner can add everyone in the group, and each person counts toward capacity. Attendees must be at least 13. For additional adults, we collect a name and age group and optional contact details. For ages 13–17, we store only “Minor Child,” the age category, and the attending parent or legal guardian’s name, not the teen’s actual name, email address, or phone number. The registered guardian stays with and supervises them throughout the event.

Your laptop (Linux, Mac, Windows, or Chromebook all work), a charger, and curiosity. An idea is optional: we've got plenty if you don't bring one. The only thing you can't bring is can't.

We don't have devices to loan, but this is an ideal opportunity to pair up with a friend or family member and build together. If that isn't an option, email us before the event. We may be able to connect you with another attendee who is open to pairing, though we can't guarantee a match.

Attendance is free, but free AI tiers may not support the full build-night experience. Plan to use your own entry-level paid plan, with provider costs and terms that vary. We cannot provide loaner laptops, AI accounts, or API keys. Choose the setup-guidance option when registering and we'll email directions before the event.

Yes. Teens ages 13–17 are welcome with a parent or guardian, with no STEM or technical background required. We are not set up for children under 13. Building together gives families a shared language for technology and creates confidence that can last long after the evening ends.

No. CGI Federal serves the U.S. federal government; we are not here to sell anything to the community. Giving back is part of our core ethos, and we believe a more tech-savvy community is one that will thrive. CGI Federal experts are here to help you build because we all benefit from that outcome.

Food and refreshments are TBD; we’ll share details before the event. Include dietary restrictions in the accommodations field when registering. We will do our best to accommodate them and, at minimum, clearly communicate any ingredient or cross-contact risks related to your request.

Not at all. People around you will probably be eager to see what you made, and we encourage everyone to connect, share, and learn from one another. But if you aren't in a sharing mood, that's perfectly okay. Show & Tell is optional, and what you build is yours to control.

You do. Everything you build stays on your own device, in your own accounts. No CGI equipment is provided, and nothing you make belongs to anyone but you.

The venue is TBD. We’ll share parking and arrival details once the Huntsville location is confirmed.

Venue accessibility details are TBD. If you have specific accommodation needs, email us ahead of time at events@builtthis.ai so we can plan.

This is a public event. Photography and videography may take place by attendees, hosts, or event sponsors and may be shared afterward. Opt-out requests will be respected; add the request to the accommodations field when registering so we can plan ahead.

CGI hosts Huntsville’s first friends and family AI build night and brings practical AI expertise. The nonprofit host and venue are TBD and will be announced soon.