Co-founder of Europe's first AI creative agency to headline PreparationTech AI Tech Skills Day

PreparationTech is kicking off its 2026 event series by highlighting how AI is transforming creativity and how professionals are using AI to do their jobs.

Approximately 70 high school students from groups under-represented in technology (females, racial and ethnic minorities, low income students) and their teachers will explore the theme of 'Human Talent, AI Tools' during this event on Friday, October 2nd at the University of Amsterdam's Science Park Campus. The event is a collaboration between PreparationTech, the University of Amsterdam, and Techkwadraat Amsterdam, a regional collaboration to strengthen technology education.

This event is designed to show students how AI is transforming study and careers while giving them direct access to role models who have found their way into tech-related careers, many of whom come from similar backgrounds as the students themselves. The event will include:

• a keynote talk by Chrissie Cremers, Co-founder and Executive Creative Director of Aigency Amsterdam, one of the first AI creative agencies in Europe. Founded in 2023, the company now works with major international brands and a team of more than 45 AI creatives
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• a panel/demo session during which professionals show how they use AI tools in their day to work featuring:
  
  • Michelle Ivankovic, industrial designer, patent holder of "Food Huggers" silicon lids, Red Dot award winner
  • Yasmin Brown, veterinary surgeon turned AI Engineer, Just Eat Takeaway
  • Amalia Stuger, AI Consultant and AI, Robotics and Programming Instructor at TUMO Amsterdam
  • Busayo Babalola, Senior Payment Risk Operations Analyst, Adyen
  • Ilja Heitlager, Chief Innovation Officer, Schuberg Philis
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• a speed dating session between students and professionals working with AI tools and workflows

• AI workshops exploring to machine learning, robotics and vibe coding

About Chrissie Cremers, Keynote Speaker

Chrissie is the co-founder and Executive Creative Director of Aigency Amsterdam, one of the first AI creative agencies in Europe. Founded in 2023, the company now works with major international brands and a team of more than 45 AI creatives.

Aigency was not Chrissie’s first attempt at entrepreneurship. Two earlier startups failed, and much of what she now knows about building a company came from those experiences.

The idea for Aigency also came at a very personal moment. Chrissie’s physically disabled daughter wanted to move into regular schooling, which meant Chrissie needed a more flexible way of working and more control over her time. Her Indo-Chinese family background and first-hand experience with inequality also shapes the way she thinks about opportunity, persistence and building one's own path. Aigency grew from that mix of necessity, curiosity and determination.

"Entrepreneurship has never been about getting everything right from the start. It is about learning fast, staying open, and continuing long enough for the right idea to find its moment."

Chrissie will discuss creativity in the age of AI and how AI workflows are transforming the creative process. She'll also talk about the specific AI knowledge and skills which will help young people who want to work in the creative industries.

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