Getting Productive with Artificial Intelligence, Wednesday, Apr 1, 2026

Introduction to Zapier and AI-powered automation

Ali introduced Zapier as an automation tool that uses Microsoft Copilot integration to build automated workflows called “Zaps.”

• Details
  • Ali: Explained that Zapier allows users to automate tasks across various applications including Google Docs, Gmail, Zoom, and Discord
  • Ali: Noted that the tool only works on desktop computers, not mobile devices
  • Siena(She/Her): Highlighted that Zapier can automate workflows in social media and Google Workspace applications
• Conclusion
  • Zapier is a desktop-only tool that connects multiple applications for workflow automation
  • The Copilot integration allows users to describe desired automation in natural language

Building a Zap with Copilot integration

Ali demonstrated creating an automated workflow using Zapier’s Copilot feature to send email reminders for calendar events.

• Details
  • Ali: Attempted to create a Zap with Google Calendar as the trigger, set to activate 24 hours before events
  • Ali: Instructed Copilot to filter events containing “the Ali and Macara show” and send Gmail notifications to event attendees
  • Ali: Encountered repeated error messages stating “Copilot isn’t responding right now” and “Tool results are missing”
  • Ali: Noted this was the first time experiencing such errors with the platform
• Conclusion
  • The demonstration encountered technical difficulties with the Copilot integration
  • Ali planned to contact Zapier support with screenshots of the errors
  • Despite the errors, the concept of using natural language to build automation workflows was demonstrated

Real-world applications of Zapier automation

Discussion of how Zapier automation is currently being used for the Books Panel and Techstravaganza events.

• Details
  • Ali: Explained that the Books Panel uses Zapier to automatically send reminder emails 24 hours and 1 hour before events
  • Ali: Emphasized that automation eliminates time-consuming repetitive tasks
  • Siena(She/Her): Shared that scheduled email reminders allow her to be away from the computer while reminders are sent automatically
  • Ali: Mentioned being at an event on March 26th without worrying about sending reminders manually
• Conclusion
  • Automation significantly reduces manual workload for event management
  • Scheduled tasks can run without requiring the user to be present at the computer

ChatGPT for document and card creation

Siena demonstrated using ChatGPT to generate printable documents including invitations and birthday cards.

• Details
  • Siena(She/Her): Created a Good Friday dinner invitation by providing specific details including date, time, location, and RSVP information
  • Siena(She/Her): Requested a religious theme and RSVP line, which ChatGPT incorporated with a Bible verse from Isaiah 53:5
  • Siena(She/Her): Had ChatGPT format the invitation as a decorative printable card and generate a PDF version
  • Siena(She/Her): Created an 85th birthday card for Zia Lucia with specific decorations, custom messages, and a generated poem
  • Siena(She/Her): Verified that generated PDFs remained accessible and readable with screen readers
• Conclusion
  • ChatGPT can generate professional-looking printable documents without requiring design skills
  • Users can be as vague or specific as desired in their prompts
  • Generated PDFs maintain accessibility for screen reader users
  • The free version of ChatGPT has message limits for advanced features but resets after several hours

ChatGPT limitations and usage restrictions

Discussion of the limitations encountered when using ChatGPT’s free tier.

• Details
  • Siena(She/Her): Encountered a message stating “You’re out of messages with the most advanced free model”
  • Siena(She/Her): Explained that the free plan provides approximately 10-15 messages using the advanced model before switching to a less powerful model
  • Siena(She/Her): Noted the advanced model would reset at 7:05 PM, allowing continued use after waiting
• Conclusion
  • Free ChatGPT accounts have daily limits on advanced model usage
  • Users can wait for the reset or upgrade to ChatGPT Plus for unlimited access
  • For occasional use, waiting for the reset is a viable option

Customization capabilities of AI-generated content

Hans raised questions about the level of customization possible with AI-generated visual content.

• Details
  • Hans: Asked whether users can specify colors, patterns, and arrangements for elements like candles and balloons
  • Siena(She/Her): Confirmed that users can specify colors, designs, and patterns in their prompts
  • Hans: Inquired about language customization, such as creating content in German or Italian
  • Siena(She/Her): Confirmed that users can write custom messages in different languages and ChatGPT will incorporate them
• Conclusion
  • AI tools allow extensive customization of visual elements through detailed prompts
  • Users can create content in multiple languages with custom messages
  • Blind users can specify visual preferences even without seeing the final result

AI capabilities for audio and voice content

Hans inquired about AI’s ability to create audio content beyond text and images.

• Details
  • Hans: Asked whether AI could create promotional content with voices and sound effects
  • Hans: Mentioned Suno for song creation and wondered about creating radio promos
  • Siena(She/Her): Suggested Eleven Labs as an AI voice generator tool
  • Hans: Raised concerns about voice cloning technology being used by scammers
  • Siena(She/Her): Acknowledged the concerning aspect that only 3 seconds of voice recording is needed for cloning
• Conclusion
  • AI voice generation tools like Eleven Labs exist for creating audio content
  • Voice cloning technology raises security concerns due to potential misuse
  • Most advanced voice generation tools require paid subscriptions beyond trial periods

Comparison of different AI tools and their strengths

Discussion of how different AI platforms excel in different areas.

• Details
  • Siena(She/Her): Noted that ChatGPT shines in content creation tasks
  • Siena(She/Her): Mentioned that Perplexity excels more in research-oriented tasks
  • Siena(She/Her): Emphasized that AI tools can be mixed and matched based on specific needs
• Conclusion
  • Different AI platforms have different strengths and optimal use cases
  • Users should select AI tools based on their specific task requirements
  • Combining multiple AI tools can create a more effective workflow

Personal perspectives on AI adoption

Participants shared their experiences and hesitations regarding AI technology.

• Details
  • Hans: Expressed hesitation about trying AI, feeling it’s different from traditional computer interactions
  • Hans: Noted that AI represents a shift from one-word searches to conversational interactions
  • Siena(She/Her): Shared that she was initially hesitant due to concerns about AI replacing jobs
  • Siena(She/Her): Concluded that AI is valuable when used to complement and enhance workflow rather than replace human work
• Conclusion
  • AI represents a significant shift in how users interact with technology
  • Initial hesitation about AI adoption is common among users
  • AI is most beneficial when viewed as a tool to enhance productivity rather than a replacement for human work

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Updated as of Mar 10, 2026, What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza

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