Transforming the Upstate with Practical AI
Bringing Enterprise-Level AI Knowledge Directly to Small Business Owners in the Upstate
Why This summit Exists
To empower small business owners with the clarity, confidence, and tools they need to use AI in real, meaningful ways—without the jargon, hype, or complexity.
We focus on:
Practical automation that saves hours every week
Real workflows and templates you can use the same day
Tools that increase revenue and reduce operational costs
AI safety and responsible use
Clear, step‑by‑step guidance for beginners and non‑technical users
Our goal is simple: help you work smarter, not harder.
Meet Your Hosts
Justin Myrick — AI Practitioner & Co‑Founder, Justin Myrick MediaJustin brings hands‑on experience from the front lines of artificial intelligence. He has worked with OpenAI, Meta AI, and Microsoft, giving him a rare insider perspective on how modern AI systems are built and how businesses can use them effectively.
He is Harvard‑certified in AI, a VFX artist featured in AdAge for his work on the Nike World Cup campaign, and a co‑founder of Justin Myrick Media, where he builds advanced AI agents, automations, and business systems.
Justin specializes in turning complex AI capabilities into simple, powerful tools that small businesses can use immediately.
Lisa Lopez — Chief Marketing & AI Officer, Justin Myrick MediaLisa is a 20‑year instructor of computer technology at USC Upstate and Spartanburg Community College combined, a former U.S. Army Captain, and a respected AI consultant helping small businesses adopt automation with confidence. As Chief Marketing & AI Officer, she leads the strategy behind AI adoption for local businesses—bridging the gap between technology and real‑world business needs. Known for her clear, practical teaching style, Lisa has helped thousands of students and professionals understand technology in a way that feels simple and empowering. Together, Lisa and Justin bring a powerful combination of education, real‑world AI experience, and small‑business strategy to the Upstate.
Lisa Lopez — Chief Marketing & AI Officer, Justin Myrick MediaLisa is a 20‑year instructor of computer technology at USC Upstate and Spartanburg Community College combined, a former U.S. Army Captain, and a respected AI consultant helping small businesses adopt automation with confidence. As Chief Marketing & AI Officer, she leads the strategy behind AI adoption for local businesses—bridging the gap between technology and real‑world business needs. Known for her clear, practical teaching style, Lisa has helped thousands of students and professionals understand technology in a way that feels simple and empowering. Together, Lisa and Justin bring a powerful combination of education, real‑world AI experience, and small‑business strategy to the Upstate.
What Makes This Summit Different
Our Vision for the Upstate
Reserve your seat for September 10th.
This is your moment to lead, not follow.
Most AI events are built for tech people.
This one is built for you.
The Elite AI Summit stands apart because:
Your hosts have real experience with OpenAI, Meta, and Microsoft
Every session is designed for non‑technical business owners
You get live demos, not theory
You leave with templates, workflows, and tools you can use immediately
Everything is tailored to local industries in the Upstate
You get a clear, actionable plan for implementing AI in your business
This is not a lecture.
It’s a transformation.
We believe the Upstate can become a leader in small‑business AI adoption.
Our vision is to:
Build an AI‑ready business community
Help local companies stay competitive with national brands
Create a hub for innovation and education in Spartanburg
Equip entrepreneurs with the tools to thrive in the new economy
When small businesses grow, the entire community grows with them.