An Intimate Conversation About AI: MWFA Quarterly Nuts & Brews Recap

On the evening of April 16, the Mid-West Fastener Association gathered at Crust Brewery in Rosemont for its latest Quarterly Nuts & Brews Networking Event — and this one delivered something a little different. With a cap of just 50 attendees, the evening was intentionally designed to be intimate, creating the kind of atmosphere where real conversations happen and questions actually get answered.

The evening featured two dynamic presenters with hands-on experience in the technology space: Cole Weiler, CEO of Boltwise, and Bernhard Hausleitner, CEO of SOFF. They guided the group through a thoughtful, grounded discussion on one of the most talked-about topics in business today: artificial intelligence. Starting with the basics — what AI actually is, how it functions, and a brief history of the technology — they made sure everyone in the room had the foundation they needed before diving deeper.

The group then paused for a well-earned dinner of pizza and drinks, giving everyone a chance to connect and compare notes before the conversation continued. The second half of the evening focused on AI as it exists today and how professionals in the manufacturing and fastener industries can put it to work. The message was clear and it resonated: AI isn't here to take jobs — it's here to take the easy stuff off people's plates, freeing humans to do what they do best. It's not something to fear; it's something to learn.

Attendees left with more than just a good meal and a couple of drink tickets. They walked away with practical knowledge they can put to use for years to come — and a much clearer picture of how to navigate the AI landscape with confidence.

The MWFA would like to thank its sponsors, members, and especially our speakers, Cole Weiler and Bernhard Hausleitner, for an amazing evening.