I attended a users group meeting for an AMS company this week, and you won't be surprised to hear that AI was the dominant topic. From the keynote speakers, to the breakout sessions, to the conversations in the halls and at lunch, it was "all-AI, all the time."

But I was struck by one fact: AI won't ever replace the learning that occurs when humans meet in person. From the serendipity of connecting association staff with a vendor they need to talk to, to hearing the stories (success and failure) of how different associations are addressing different challenges, something magical happens when humans meet.

I've always been a huge fan of user group meetings, in large part because the collective brain power is something that can't be replicated. Maybe in the age of AI, the collective brain power can be replicated. But the human connection can't be. That's one thing AI can't do.