With AVATALK, professionals can practice feedback conversations, support conversations, customer interaction, or crisis situations, allowing them to experiment, receive feedback, and strengthen their skills. On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the closing event will take place at Howest in Kortrijk, where the AVATALK tools can be discovered and tested.
During the closing event, researchers will provide insight into the developed building blocks, including text-based and voice-based tools, virtual avatars, a case creator, a persona tuner, and rubrics for feedback. It will be explained how these components can support organizations. Visitors will have the opportunity to test the tools themselves and provide feedback.
Jonathan Maes from the Howest Business Innovation Lab will discuss key considerations for AI applications, such as the European AI Act, privacy, labor law, and economic aspects. A practical checklist for organizations will also be provided.
AVATALK aims to provide a safe and accessible practice environment for training difficult conversations with AI avatars. The tool allows users to try different approaches, repeat conversations, and practice at their own pace, making it relevant for students, professionals, and personal development.
The technology makes conversation training more flexible and personalized, enabling practice at any time and location. AI can adapt to various conversational scenarios, contributing to personalized learning paths and making progress in communication skills more visible and measurable.
AVATALK integrates various AI building blocks: spoken input processing, language models for appropriate responses, digital conversation partners with natural Flemish voices and emotions, a case creator, a persona tuner, and metahuman technology for realism. Automatic, substantiated feedback is also being developed.
The closing event will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Howest campus Kortrijk, building The Penta, Sint-Martens-Latemlaan 1B, 8500 Kortrijk, room 3.007.
