What I Know About Local Language Models

​What I Know About Local Language Models is Evan Hahn's practical guide to running AI locally. Starting with a quick introduction to how cloud-based LLMs work, Evan explores what local models can and cannot do through live demonstrations and real-world examples. Along the way, he'll unpack the trade-offs between local and cloud AI, including their implications for privacy, environmental impact, performance, and user experience.

About the speaker

​Evan Hahn is a software engineer with a passion for building technology that serves people and communities. He is currently a Staff Engineer at Ghost, where he helps create tools for independent publishers. Previously, he worked at Awana Digital, developing peer-to-peer software for Indigenous communities, and at Signal, helping protect the privacy and security of millions of users. Evan lives in Chicago, USA.