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 afternoon 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; an entry-level plan is typically around $20 and is entirely yours to keep or cancel afterward. The event is designed around a focused project that should fit comfortably within a basic plan. If you decide to build something substantially larger or use AI very heavily, however, you could exhaust the plan’s included token or usage allowance and may choose to purchase additional usage or move to a higher tier. We can help you choose a service, right-size your idea, 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. Adults may attend on their own, teens remain welcome, and families may register children in Kindergarten and up. One adult reservation owner adds everyone in the group, and each person counts toward capacity. We collect each additional adult’s name and age group. For anyone under 18, we store only the placeholder name “Minor Child,” the selected age group, and the attending parent or legal guardian’s name. Children and teens under 18 must attend with that guardian, who remains with and supervises them throughout the event.

Your laptop (Linux, Mac, Windows, or Chromebook all work), a charger, and curiosity. Family teams may share one device. 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 may not support the full build-afternoon experience. Plan to use a provider-compliant entry-level paid plan, typically around $20 and cancelable at any time. In a family team, the guardian remains responsible for the account and provider compliance. Ages 13–17 may use an AI tool hands-on through that account when the provider permits it and required guardian permission is in place. For ages 5–12, the adult operates unless the provider expressly supports supervised child access. 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.

Adults may attend on their own. Children in Kindergarten and up and teens are welcome as part of a family team with a parent or legal guardian; no STEM or technical background is required. Younger children who are not yet in Kindergarten cannot register for this session.

Continuous, active supervision by the parent or legal guardian is required for the entire event, with no more than two minors per present adult. Ages 13–17 may use an AI tool hands-on when the provider permits it and required guardian permission is in place. For ages 5–12, hands-on use is allowed only through a provider experience and account configuration that expressly supports supervised child access; otherwise, the adult operates while the child helps choose the idea, contributes words and artwork, makes creative decisions, and tries the result. The guardian remains responsible for the account and for following each provider’s current terms, age restrictions, permission requirements, and privacy rules. This is a build-together experience, not childcare or a drop-off program.

No. Voice of Indian Head and USBTA are hosting a practical community learning event, not selling products or services. Helpers are here to build beside you because a more confident, tech-capable community benefits everyone.

Yes. Snacks and beverages are provided. 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 event equipment is provided, and nothing you make belongs to anyone but you.

On-site parking is available at the Maryland Technology Center, 4450 Indian Head Highway in Indian Head.

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

This is a public event. Photography and videography may take place and may be shared afterward. Organizers will manage event-team photography with special care to protect minors. If you prefer not to appear in organizer-managed photos, add that request to the accommodations field when registering so we can plan ahead. We will make reasonable efforts to honor it, but cannot control every attendee’s camera.

Voice of Indian Head and the United States Bomb Technician Association (USBTA) host the event together. It takes place at USBTA's Maryland Technology Center in Indian Head.