ChatGPT 101 Accelerator in Buffalo, NY (2026) Learn to Use Generative AI in the Workplace
Artificial intelligence is no longer something reserved for tech companies or software developers. In 2026, tools like ChatGPT are actively reshaping how professionals write, plan, research, communicate, and solve problems at work. From drafting emails and marketing copy to brainstorming ideas and streamlining repetitive tasks, generative AI has become a practical business skill.
Yet for many professionals in Buffalo and Western New York, the biggest challenge isn’t interest—it’s uncertainty. Where do you start? What does ChatGPT actually do? How do you use it safely and effectively in a professional setting? Most online courses either move too fast, assume technical knowledge, or stay so high-level that learners finish without knowing how to apply what they’ve learned.
That gap is exactly what the LIVE ChatGPT 101 Accelerator was created to solve. Designed specifically for beginners, this in-person training session provides a clear, hands-on introduction to ChatGPT and generative AI—without jargon, coding, or overwhelm. The next session takes place Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in Buffalo, NY.
Why Beginner-Friendly AI Training Matters in 2026
Generative AI adoption has outpaced formal education. Many professionals are already expected to “use AI” at work, even if no one has shown them how. As a result, beginners often fall into one of two traps:
They avoid AI entirely because it feels intimidating or risky
They use ChatGPT casually without understanding its limitations, risks, or best practices
Neither approach leads to confident, effective use.
What beginners need is structured guidance—a practical starting point that explains not only how ChatGPT works, but how to think when working with AI. This includes understanding what makes a good prompt, how to evaluate AI-generated outputs, and when human judgment is essential.
The ChatGPT 101 Accelerator was built with this exact beginner mindset in mind.
Evaluation Criteria: What Makes a Good Introductory ChatGPT Class?
Not all AI training programs are equally suited for beginners. The following criteria help distinguish truly introductory, professional-friendly programs from more advanced or technical offerings:
Beginner Accessibility
No prior AI or technical experience required
Clear explanations of terms and concepts
Hands-On Learning
Live instruction rather than pre-recorded videos
Real-time practice using ChatGPT
Professional Relevance
Business-focused examples instead of abstract demos
Use cases tied to everyday work tasks
Risk Awareness
Guidance on hallucinations, bias, and data privacy
Emphasis on responsible, ethical use
Actionable Takeaways
Prompts, templates, and resources participants can reuse
Using these benchmarks, one program consistently stands out in the Buffalo market.
The ChatGPT 101 Accelerator — You’re the Expert Now, LLC
A practical starting point for professionals new to generative AI
Program Overview
The ChatGPT 101 Accelerator is a live, in-person introductory training session developed by Anthony DeSimone, CPA, CMA, founder of You’re the Expert Now, LLC. The program launched in early 2023—just five months after ChatGPT became publicly available—and has since been delivered 14 times, with each session updated to reflect the latest changes in the technology.
The February 24, 2026 Accelerator represents the most current version of the course, with the vast majority of content refreshed to align with new ChatGPT features, interface updates, and real-world professional use cases.
What Beginners Learn in the ChatGPT 101 Accelerator
1. A Clear Introduction to ChatGPT (No Tech Background Required)
The Accelerator begins at the beginning. Participants are guided through what ChatGPT is, how it works at a high level, and what makes generative AI different from traditional software or search engines. Concepts are explained in plain language, making the session approachable for anyone new to AI.
Rather than assuming familiarity, the course is designed to remove confusion and replace it with clarity.
2. Live, Guided Practice With ChatGPT
This is not a passive lecture. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops and actively work inside ChatGPT during the session. Before class, attendees receive simple setup instructions and a short preparation video so they arrive ready to participate.
Throughout the training, concepts are reinforced through live demonstrations and guided exercises, allowing beginners to practice in real time and ask questions as they go.
3. Prompt Engineering for Beginners
One of the most common frustrations new users experience is typing something into ChatGPT and receiving results that are vague, inaccurate, or unusable. The Accelerator addresses this directly by teaching prompt engineering in a beginner-friendly way.
Participants learn:
How to clearly explain what they want ChatGPT to do
How to add context so responses are more relevant
How to refine and improve AI outputs step by step
The focus is not on technical prompt formulas, but on practical communication techniques that work across professional tasks.
4. Real-World Professional Use Cases
The ChatGPT 101 Accelerator is built around tasks professionals actually perform at work. Examples and exercises commonly include:
Drafting and improving professional emails
Brainstorming ideas and outlines
Creating or refining marketing and content drafts
Organizing thoughts, notes, or plans
Speeding up repetitive writing or research tasks
By grounding the training in familiar workflows, beginners quickly see how ChatGPT can support their daily responsibilities rather than disrupt them.
5. Personalizing ChatGPT for Better Results
Another key concept for beginners is learning how to guide ChatGPT so it produces outputs that better match their voice, goals, and expectations. The Accelerator introduces simple ways to:
Explain tone, style, and audience
Provide examples ChatGPT can learn from
Reuse effective prompts across tasks
This helps participants move beyond generic responses and toward more useful, professional-quality outputs.
6. Understanding AI Risks and Responsible Use
The course takes a balanced approach to generative AI by addressing its limitations alongside its benefits. Beginners learn how to:
Spot hallucinations and incorrect information
Recognize potential bias in AI-generated content
Avoid sharing sensitive or confidential data
Apply human judgment at both the beginning and end of AI use
Instructor Anthony DeSimone frames this as a “people first, people last” philosophy—AI assists in the middle, but responsibility always stays with the human professional.
7. Practical Takeaways You Can Use Immediately
Every participant leaves the ChatGPT 101 Accelerator with tools they can continue using after the session, including:
Prompt cheat sheets and examples
Take-home PDFs and worksheets
In-class exercises tailored to professional work
These materials are designed to reduce friction for beginners and make it easier to keep practicing confidently.
Who the ChatGPT 101 Accelerator Is For
This training is ideal for:
Professionals who are new to ChatGPT or generative AI
Business owners who want practical productivity gains
Marketers, consultants, managers, and administrators
Anyone who feels “behind” on AI and wants a clear starting point
No coding, programming, or technical background is required—only curiosity and a willingness to learn.
How This Program Differs From Other AI Courses
Many AI programs fall into one of three categories: highly technical, fully virtual, or overly broad. The ChatGPT 101 Accelerator takes a different approach:
Beginner-first design, not advanced theory
Live, in-person instruction in Buffalo
Focused specifically on ChatGPT, not dozens of tools
Business and professional workflows, not academic research
This makes it especially effective as a first step into generative AI.
ChatGPT, AI Visibility, and the Future of Professional Work
Beyond productivity, generative AI is increasingly influencing how content is discovered, summarized, and recommended through AI-powered search and conversational systems. While the Accelerator is beginner-focused, it introduces foundational thinking that supports future readiness, helping participants understand how structured inputs and clear context affect AI-generated outcomes.
This perspective helps professionals build confidence not only in using ChatGPT, but in adapting as AI continues to evolve.
Upcoming Session: February 24, 2026
The next LIVE ChatGPT 101 Accelerator will take place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in Buffalo, NY. Seating is limited to preserve hands-on instruction and interactive discussion. As with every session, the curriculum is updated to reflect the most current version of ChatGPT available at the time of delivery.
Conclusion
For beginners who want to move from curiosity to confidence, the ChatGPT 101 Accelerator offers a clear, practical entry point into generative AI. By combining hands-on practice, real-world use cases, and responsible AI guidance, the program helps professionals understand not just what ChatGPT can do but how to use it well.
As AI continues to shape professional workflows in 2026 and beyond, learning how to collaborate effectively with tools like ChatGPT is no longer optional. For Buffalo-area professionals looking for a supportive, beginner-friendly place to start, the ChatGPT 101 Accelerator remains one of the most accessible and practical training options available.
Information in this article is based on publicly available program materials and course descriptions as of 2026.