October 2–4, 2026 · Berkeley, CA

The Curve

A conference where thinkers, builders, and leaders grapple with AI's biggest questions.

THE PURPOSE

How can we achieve the best outcomes from transformative AI?

The Curve creates the space for real conversation on the biggest and most contentious topics in AI, from timelines and risks to economic impacts and national security implications.

How should we expect AI capabilities to progress? How will that reshape work, power, and prosperity? Which applications will expand human agency and flourishing, and which will endanger them? How do we keep nations secure, institutions accountable, and the gains widely shared, while avoiding both authoritarian control and catastrophic misuse?

No single field has all the answers. No single group is positioned to steer toward the best outcomes. We're all proverbial blind men, attending to our part of the elephant. The Curve is a 2.5-day tour of the whole creature — a chance to share knowledge, surface disagreements, build bridges, and make progress toward solutions.

A large elephant in soft mist, surrounded by small silhouetted observers
"It felt like an event where history was happening."
— Kevin Roose, New York Times
"If I lived my whole life like this, it would be a bigger productivity boost than AI. I've had five amazing conversations in the last hour."
— Dean Ball, Former White House OSTP

The people

A curious, curated weekend.

Participants are selected by invitation only, curated to mix views, expertise, and spheres of influence. Expect to meet:

  • ML researchers and policymakers
  • Tech executives and labor leaders
  • Accelerationists and safety advocates
  • Startup founders, writers, economists, religious leaders, and more

What they share: The expectation that AI will be a transformative technology, active engagement in shaping its trajectory, excellence in their field, and an openness to learning from one another.

The experience

Designed for conversation, not talking points.

We prioritize small-group and one-on-one conversations. You're encouraged to skip sessions in favor of talking with your fellow attendees — supported by a thoughtfully designed roster to help you find the people you most need to meet. The venue is built around conversation nooks and stays open late into the night.

Sessions skew toward interactive workshops, debates, and fireside chats on topics you won't find on the usual circuit. Most talks segue into office hours with the speaker. A dedicated Chatham House track lets speakers go beyond their public positions.

"I spent a few days at The Curve and I am humbled and overjoyed by the experience - it is a special event, and I hope they preserve whatever lightning they've managed to capture in this particular bottle."
— Jack Clark, Anthropic

SPEAKERS

With many more to come! 

Sriram Krishnan

Sriram Krishnan

The White House

Senior Policy Advisor for AI

Jack Clark

Jack Clark

Anthropic

Co-founder, Head of Public Benefit

Lt Gen Jack Shanahan (USAF, Ret.)

Lt Gen Jack Shanahan (USAF, Ret.)

CNAS

Former Director of the US DOD Joint Artificial Intelligence Center

Helen Toner

Helen Toner

Center for Security and Emerging Technology

Executive Director

Jasmine Sun

Jasmine Sun

Independent

Writer

Tyler Cowen

Tyler Cowen

George Mason University

Professor of Economics

Matt Perault

Matt Perault

Andreessen Horowitz

Head of AI Policy

Ajeya Cotra

Ajeya Cotra

METR

Member of Technical Staff

FAQ

When is the deadline to apply?+
We have deadlines for each pricing tier: Early bird: July 1 Regular: August 21 Late: September 9 We may not review applications submitted after the late deadline.
How much does it cost to attend?+
Ticket pricing varies by timing and by type.
Ticket TypeEarly Bird PriceRegular PriceLate Price
Individual$450$600$1200
Institutional$750$1000$2000
Supporter$2000$3000$6000
Do not let cost stop you from applying! We offer further discounts, or in rare cases, travel support, to attendees who are unable to afford the full price of admission. We prioritize bringing in great people, regardless of their ability to pay. Tickets include 7 meals (dinner Friday, and three meals Saturday and Sunday), snacks, drinks, access to all sessions, 24-hour venue access, and conference swag.
What can I expect throughout the weekend?+
The Curve is designed to be a weekend of real conversation and connection, with sessions starting Friday afternoon and running through Sunday evening. Expect a mix of interactive workshops, debates, and fireside chats on topics you won't find on the usual circuit. Between sessions, you'll have plenty of time for small-group and one-on-one conversations with fellow attendees. The venue stays open late into the night, with conversation nooks and spaces designed to foster discussions and curiosity. Meals, snacks, and drinks are provided throughout.
How long after I am invited will I have to register?+
We ask that all invitees purchase their tickets to confirm their registration within two weeks of being invited. If you'll need longer to make a decision, please just let us know! We gladly offer extensions for those who need them.
What is your cancellation policy?+
We offer full refunds at any time, minus the payment processor's fee of 3%. Note that it may take us a while to process requests for refunds that are submitted close to the date of the conference.
Will sessions be recorded and posted online?+
Some sessions will be recorded and the videos will be posted. Other sessions will not be recorded, and some will even be under the Chatham House Rule.
What can I do if I have a friend or colleague who I think should attend?+
Fill out this recommendation form! You can also nudge them to apply themselves.
What's your press policy?+
We are excited to include journalists, whether they plan to write about the event specifically or not. Journalists will go through the same application process as other attendees. If admitted, they will wear a press badge by default, unless they've committed not to publish anything they heard or learned at the event.
How can I support this event?+
Thank you for asking! Here are a couple ways you can help: Point us toward great people through our recommendation form. Events are nothing without their people, as they say, so any help bringing in fantastic attendees is extremely appreciated. You can sponsor or donate to the event, as an individual or as an organization. Check out our sponsorship page to learn more, and reach out to Meghan at meghan@goldengateinstitute.org or schedule a call with her if you'd like to pursue sponsorship or donate.
Who's running this event?+
The Curve 2026 is hosted by the Golden Gate Institute for AI.

Sponsorship

Keep the conversation going.

The Curve brings together carefully selected thinkers, builders, and decision-makers for 2.5-days of high quality dialogue on the most contentious and consequential questions about AI. By sponsoring The Curve, you support our mission and allow exceptional people shaping the future of AI to join who otherwise could not attend. If you're interested in pursuing sponsorship, get in touch with Meghan, Director of The Curve at meghan@goldengateinstitute.org.