Building a community take time - Mercia Minds hits the road

Today was supposed to be something special. Mercia Minds — the community arm of Mercia AI — was hosting its first live, in-person event: a free Q&A session at Coventry Central Library. The aim? Simple — help people in the city I love understand AI, ask questions, and feel like it’s something for them.

Eleven people booked a ticket.

None of them turned up.

I won’t lie — I was surprised. I had posters printed, flyers dropped off, reminders sent out, chairs laid out, shirt kinda-ironed, water bottle packed. I even made an announcement over the library Tannoy (thanks, Central Library, for suggesting I do that). But no one came. Apologies if I disturbed anyone trying to read or study in the library at the time. At least I resisted the urge to say "Clean-up required in Aisle 4!"

But you know what? I’m glad I showed up.

I've never used a Tannoy before, so there was that.

Because Mercia Minds is about community. And real community doesn’t appear overnight. It takes time, trust, and conversations. And yes — sometimes it starts in an empty room.

That Mercia Minds poster sitting on the chair feels lonely.

So, what's next for Mercia Minds

I’m not giving up — far from it. I’ll be reshaping what Mercia Minds does next: smaller, sharper events. Possibly paid (even just a couple of pounds) to help with commitment. More focused topics. Better reminders. Maybe some 1-to-1 or invite-only sessions to build momentum again.

And, people of Coventry and Greater Mercia, I’d love your input:

• What kind of AI event would you come to?

• Would a weekday evening work better than a Saturday?

• Would you prefer something online?

• Would a hands-on demo help more than an open Q&A?

• And, most importantly - biscuits. Should I bring some and if so, what kind?

You can email me at contact@merciaai.com, or join the Mercia Minds Meetup group to help shape what comes next.

Today wasn’t the event I expected — but it’s still part of the journey.

And I’m still here.