AI, Creativity, and What It Means to Be Human

AI, Creativity, and What It Means to Be Human As artificial intelligence reshapes how we create, share, and experience art, design, music, and storytelling, the line between human and machine is blurring.

What happens to creativity when algorithms can generate images, words, and sounds that feel authentic? And how do we, as people and as businesses, decide what counts as 'real'?

In this session, Tom Stables will open with a short talk drawing on his recent work in visual generative AI before leading a Q&A conversation with Tom Crawley and the audience. Together we’ll explore how technology can amplify creativity, the challenges it raises for authenticity and trust, and what this evolving relationship between humans and machines means for the future of creativity.

Who should attend?
Tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and anyone curious about how digital technology is shaping the way we live and work.

About Tom Stables
Tom Stables is a Lecturer in Digital Marketing at the University of Lancashire whose research and teaching explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping creativity, communication, and business strategy. Tom focuses on the frontier where technology meets human creativity; his current projects blend AI, storytelling, and memory, sparking conversations about authenticity, trust, and the future of creativity in both culture and commerce.

About Preston Tech Connection
Preston Tech Connection is a group centred around an interest in digital technologies – our events and meet-ups are a place where tech enthusiasts can come together, exchange ideas, work on projects, and support one another. Preston Tech Connection is founded by Tom Crawley Neon Mountain and Catarina and Brendan King, Society1. We host monthly meet-ups. Our events cover topics like software, programming, hardware and emerging tech. We have a shared interest in the latest advancements in the digital realm. We host events with a social and collaborative aspect, workshops, guest speaker events, and networking. We are an inclusive group and open for anyone to attend.

You don’t need to work in tech. If you are interested in the topics or just want to come and be part of a friendly community of people exploring the digital and tech world, you are welcome. Getting there: Society1 is located on Cross Street, just off Winckley Square (PR1 3LT). It is easily accessible by bus and train. If you need to drive, public parking is available at Fishergate Shopping Centre or Avenham Public Car Park. The Avenham multi storey car park closes at 8pm, so as this event runs later we advise that you park in the open air one or on the streets around us.

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