About HoCo AI

Our Mission

HoCo AI exists to build a welcoming, in-person community where people in Howard County can explore artificial intelligence together. We believe AI is for everyone — not just engineers or researchers — and that the best learning happens face-to-face.

Our goal is simple: bring together curious, motivated people once a month for great talks, real conversations, and genuine connections. No gatekeeping, no jargon walls, no experience required.

Who It's For

If you're curious about AI, you belong here. Our members include:

• Software developers exploring AI/ML
• Data scientists and analysts
• Business professionals evaluating AI tools
• Students and career changers
• Entrepreneurs building AI products
• IT professionals adopting AI solutions

Inspired by CMAP

HoCo AI is modeled after CMAP (Central Maryland Association of .NET Professionals), a developer user group that ran successfully for years in Columbia, MD. CMAP proved that a welcoming venue, good food, and expert speakers could build a thriving local tech community.

We're taking that same formula — free membership, consistent format, sponsor-supported meetings — and applying it to the most transformative technology of our time: artificial intelligence.

The Organizer