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Portland AI Networking: Explore Meetup Groups in Artificial Intelligence

  • Asad Butt
  • Sep 5
  • 2 min read

Find the right AI networking group for you.
Find the right AI networking group for you.

Like everywhere else in the country, Portland's AI scene is bursting. Seems like every week I'm learning about a new meetup, event or conference dealing with artificial intelligence, forging opportunities for connection, learning, and innovation across disciplines and experience levels.


It's been hard for me to keep track of it all, so here is my first stab at a list of some of the AI communities shaping the scene in Portland right now.


Each has its own flavor, focus, and entry point—so you’ll likely find one (or more!) that aligns with what you’re seeking.


AI Meetup Groups in Portland:

  1. AI Portland (AI PDX)Website: aipdx.info A welcoming, inclusive community for enthusiasts, professionals, and the AI-curious alike, AI Portland hosts a diverse array of curated events—from workshops and podcast tie-ins (“(Super)charged by AI”) to art-infused showcases and networking mixers. Events include discussions with industry insiders, film showcases, hack days, and more.

  2. Portland AI Engineers Meetup: Portland AI Engineers

    A highly technical gathering of software developers exploring generative AI through hands-on experimentation. Whether building apps using frontier APIs, on-device solutions, or LLMs, participants range from hobbyists to enterprise professionals. Recent meetups have included presentations from folks at Netflix and discussions on data protection in AI systems.

  3. Portland / SW Washington AAIA Chapter: aaiaglobal.com/portland The Applied AI Association’s regional branch covers Portland and Southwest Washington. It ties local AI enthusiasm to broader industry trends, innovation ecosystems, and educational opportunities within the vibrant Pacific Northwest tech landscape.

  4. Portland AI/ML/Data Developer Group: AI/ML/Data Developer Group With almost 2,000 members, this meetup embraces hands-on learning through “study jams,” tech talks, code labs, and workshops. It brings together developers exploring AI, machine learning, deep learning, and data science—often featuring tech leaders and innovators from local startups.

  5. AI Tinkerers – Portland Meetup: AI Tinkerers Portland A playful and energetic space where local tech folk share demos, lightning talks, and AI projects in a casual “tinkering” format. Great for builders hungry for creative exploration—and for sharing your latest AI innovation with a peer audience.

  6. Portland Generative AI Meetup: Portland Generative AI Focused specifically on generative AI, this group offers discussion around prompts, API integration, prompt engineering, and emerging generative technologies. It leans into understanding and practical use of creative AI tools.

  7. AI Collective – Portland Chapter: aicollective.com/chapters/portland Part of a global, nonprofit community of over 70,000 founders, researchers, and operators, the Portland Chapter features intimate living-room meetups, demo nights, thoughtful conversation, and connection across the AI field’s frontier.

  8. Tech Oregon – AI & Data Community (TAO): techoregon.org/communities/ai-and-data This community is a branch of the broader tech advocate Tech Oregon (TAO), weaving AI and data innovation into the region’s technology ecosystem. Members gain access to signature events, networking, industry dialogue, and collaboration opportunities across sectors and disciplines.


Know of another AI meetup or community happening in Portland? Email us if you’d like your group to be added to this list.

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