Good food has a way of bringing people together, and on July 31, it brought Brazilian artificial intelligence professionals, curious locals, and even friends from Alabama into one lively room at the Pensacola MESS Hall. As part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), these AI innovators connected with Northwest Florida residents for an evening that blended conversation, hands-on exploration, and a shared table.
Our host for the evening, Dr. Megan Pratt, founder of the Pensacola MESS Hall, first collaborated with the Brazilian professionals when they arrived in the United States, exchanging ideas on how to engage the public in STEM and AI from their opening session at Meridian International Center. That early connection made this event a true two-way exchange, as several of the evening’s hands-on activities were inspired by their suggestions.
More than 70 guests exchanged ideas, experimented with AI tools, and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, thanks to support from the Marriott International Dinner Diplomacy grant. The event fostered meaningful conversations across cultures. For many, it was their first introduction to Gulf Coast Diplomacy and the MESS Hall.
We invite you to join us in creating these connections. Whether through our monthly Exchange Cafés, evening or weekend Dinner Diplomacy events, or hosting an international visitor for eight to twelve days, you can help bring the world to Northwest Florida. Just like the hors d’oeuvres at AI Night sparked conversation and laughter, your table could be the start of the next great connection.
