Shirt Lab announces the launch of the Shirt Lab AI Summit, taking place August 7𔃆, 2025, in Chicago, hosted by M&R.

This two-day interactive event is designed for shop owners, sales pros, and marketers.

“The future isn’t knocking. It’s kicking in the door,” said Shirt Lab co-founder Ali Banholzer in a press release. Banholzer will open the summit with a session designed specifically for attendees who are starting from zero. “I’m not a tech whiz. I’m a shop owner who figured out which AI tools truly move the needle. Each of us speaking at the summit wants others to see how AI can help them get unstuck, take action, and grow with confidence.”

The Shirt Lab AI Summit is a working session focused on real applications, clear direction, and the shared challenges of modern print shops and merch brands, according to the press release.

The event will be hosted at M&R’s facility. M&R will also provide on-site food options throughout the summit, including a Thursday evening happy hour with food trucks and Friday morning breakfast.

Shirt Lab AI Summit Speakers and Details

Attendees will learn from five decorated apparel people who already use AI tools to drive results inside real businesses:

Ali Banholzer (Wear Your Spirit Warehouse): AI for beginners — where to start, what to use, and how to get past the overwhelm.

Mark Coudray (Catalyst Plan): Developing a future-focused mindset that helps leaders adapt and thrive.

Brittany Long (Win With Systems): Building repeatable sales systems using AI without losing the human touch.

Lori Feldman (The Database Diva): Using AI to create marketing that connects, converts, and sounds like you.

Jon Ladd (Terminus Tees): Streamlining shop operations with automation, scheduling tools, and internal AI workflows.

What’s Included:

  • A tour of M&R, the Innovation Lab, and demos of new technology
  • Micro trade show with tech-forward solutions and tools
  • Guided AI sessions on sales, marketing, ops, ethics, and mindset
  • Panel discussion with all five presenters and a Q&A session
  • All meals, networking, and a closing celebration dinner

Capacity is limited to 80 attendees. Tickets are available now at $495, with a discounted rate of $295 for Shirt Lab Tribe members.

There is a virtual option to view the education sessions as well.

Visit shirtlabtribe.com/AiSummit or contact marshall@shirtlabpro.com for media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or to reserve your seat.

The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with Apparelist. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of Apparelist.