Questions, answered.

No. You do not need to be technical, know how to code, or understand AI before you arrive. The room will include people at many different stages, from first-timers to experienced builders. Patience and respect are essential: this is a place to help one another learn, not to interrupt, compete, or show off at someone else's expense.

A working project you built yourself: a recipe site, a photo organizer, a homework helper, whatever you choose, plus enough hands-on practice to keep going after the night ends. This isn't a talk you sit through; it's three hours of hands-on creating.

Have an idea? That's awesome. Don't? Don't sweat it. We'll have plenty of useful starter templates and ideas you can get real value from, with plain-language instructions and human help finding your first step.

Attending is free, and pre-registration is required. To participate fully, you will need your own paid AI account, typically around $20 and entirely yours to keep or cancel afterward. We can help you choose a service and get set up before the event or when you arrive.

That's a good sign. We'll keep a waitlist and notify you if seats or additional capacity become available. We'll also keep you posted about the next event, because a waitlist means we should do this again.

Please do. One reservation owner can add everyone in the group, and each person counts toward capacity. Attendees must be at least 13. For every additional attendee, we require a name and age group; a guardian name is also required for ages 13–17. Their email and phone number are optional.

Your laptop (Linux, Mac, Windows, or Chromebook all work), a charger, and curiosity. An idea is optional: we've got plenty if you don't bring one. The only thing you can't bring is can't.

We don't have devices to loan, but this is an ideal opportunity to pair up with a friend or family member and build together. If that isn't an option, email us before the event. We may be able to connect you with another attendee who is open to pairing, though we can't guarantee a match.

Attendance is free, but free AI tiers will not support the full build-night experience. Plan to use your own entry-level paid plan, typically around $20 and cancelable at any time. We cannot provide loaner laptops, AI accounts, or API keys. Choose the setup-guidance option when registering and we'll email directions before the event.

Yes. Teens ages 13–17 are welcome with a parent or guardian, with no STEM or technical background required. We are not set up for children under 13. Building together gives families a shared language for technology and creates confidence that can last long after the evening ends.

No. CGI Federal serves the U.S. federal government; we are not here to sell anything to the community. Giving back is part of our core ethos, and we believe a more tech-savvy community is one that will thrive. CGI Federal experts are here to help you build because we all benefit from that outcome.

Yes: pizza arrives around 5:30 PM. Include dietary restrictions in the accommodations field when registering. We will do our best to accommodate them and, at minimum, clearly communicate any ingredient or cross-contact risks related to your request.

Not at all. People around you will probably be eager to see what you made, and we encourage everyone to connect, share, and learn from one another. But if you aren't in a sharing mood, that's perfectly okay. Show & Tell is optional, and what you build is yours to control.

You do. Everything you build stays on your own device, in your own accounts. No CGI equipment is provided, and nothing you make belongs to anyone but you.

Free on-site parking is available in the Abingdon Town Centre, with easy access from I-81 (Exit 19).

Yes, the venue is accessible. If you have specific accommodation needs, email us ahead of time at events@appalachiabuiltthis.com and we'll make sure you're set up.

This is a public event. Photography and videography may take place by attendees, hosts, or event sponsors and may be shared afterward. Opt-out requests will be respected; add the request to the accommodations field when registering so we can plan ahead.

CGI Federal brings the AI expertise and hosts the build, in partnership with EO, which researches, pilots, and scales solutions for communities across Southwest Virginia. It's hosted at EO in Abingdon, Virginia.