AI for Island Business Owners: How AI can support the creativity and values of Island based businesses
AI for Island Business Owners: How AI can support the creativity and values of Island based businesses
Date: Wednesday 4 March 2026
Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Venue: Building 41, Northwood, Cowes, Isle of Wight
A one day summit for Island based small businesses exploring how AI can be used thoughtfully, creatively and responsibly.
The day combines inspiration, real-world examples and practical guidance you can apply straight away.
Programme
09.30 to 10.00 | Arrival and connection
Tea, coffee and informal networking.
10.00 to 10.10 | Welcome and framing
Gavin, Digital Islands
A brief introduction to the purpose of the day, the themes of creativity and values, and how the sessions connect.
10.10 to 11.15 | Opening session (interactive)
Jocelyn Burnham, AI for Culture
Creativity, identity and the human element in an AI world
An interactive session exploring:
how AI intersects with creativity and identity
emotional and human responses to intelligent tools
questions of authenticity, trust and judgement
short guided activities and group reflection
This session creates a shared foundation for the rest of the day.
Refreshments available throughout.
11.15 to 12.00 | Session with Ross Findon
Telling your story authentically with AI-supported communication
Exploring:
how AI can support communication without diluting the human voice
what authentic messaging looks like when AI is involved
practical examples of AI-assisted storytelling and brand expression
where AI helps and where people must still lead
12.00 to 12.30 | Case study: Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Dr Xiaohao Cai, University of Southampton
Stephen Tobitt, General Manager, Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
AI for identification, insight and welfare
Creative collaboration: How unlikely partners, Southampton University and the IW Donkey Sanctuary are using AI to improve animal welfare and create a stand-out visitor experience. Dr Cai and Stephen Tobitt will shares:
the real-world challenge
how the AI system works
lessons about data, design and trust
what small organisations and businesses can learn from this approach
A strong example of values-led, practical AI.
12.30 to 13.30 | Lunch and informal networking
13.30 to 14.00 | AI-led marketing automation examples
Gavin McWhirter, Digital Islands
Practical demonstrations for service and product businesses
A concise, practical session showing how AI-supported automation can improve marketing and customer communication.
Includes fictional but realistic demonstrations for:
a service-based business handling enquiries and follow-up
a product-based business managing interest, nurture and repeat purchase
The focus is on principles and possibilities rather than platforms.
14.00 to 15.45 | Practical AI prompting for productivity
Mary and Gareth Kemp, AI Potential
Using better prompts to save time and increase impact
An extended, hands-on session focused on:
how to structure effective prompts
improving clarity, reliability and usefulness of AI outputs
using AI to support everyday productivity
practical examples across writing, planning and communication
guided exercises where participants practise and refine prompts
Designed to build real confidence and deliver immediate value for busy business owners.
15.45 to 16.15 | Panel session
If we want AI to support our creativity and our values, where do we start?
Panel: Jocelyn Burnham, Dr Xiaohao Cai, Mary and Gareth Kemp, Ross Findon, Georgia Newman
Facilitator: Gavin
A practical and reflective discussion bringing together the day’s themes, focusing on:
sensible starting points
how to balance creativity, values and efficiency
what to do first, and what can wait
Audience questions encouraged.
16.15 to 16.30 | Closing reflections
Gavin and Georgia, Digital Islands / Isle of Wight Creative Network
A concise wrap-up of the key ideas from the day.