The theme of the Artificiality Summit 2026 is Unknowing. We start with five speakers—David Wolpert, Caleb Scharf, Wakanyi Macharia-Hoffman, Gašper Beguš, and Nina Beguš—whose work converges on a single finding: the uncertainty surrounding AI is permanent, not a phase.
On October 23-25, we will host our second annual Summit in Bend, Oregon. We are moving to a new venue and adding another full day of programming. We are increasing capacity but keeping it small enough to maintain the intimate nature which was so popular in 2024.
Our 2025 Summit will focus on the human experience of “The Artificiality”: the emerging paradigm where the boundaries between organic and synthetic systems blur, driven by the fundamental role of information and computation in complex systems. The Artificiality challenges traditional distinctions between biological and artificial. It encompasses the reshaping of human consciousness, identity, and experience through our increasing symbiosis with digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and information networks.
The 2025 Summit will explore five key domains where AI is transforming human experience:
Intimacy: How AI reshapes human relationships and connections
Spatiality: The impact of AI on our experience of physical and digital spaces
Knowledge: Evolution of learning and discovery in an AI-augmented world
Consciousness: Shifting understanding of human and machine awareness
Minds: The emergence of hybrid human-AI cognitive systems
For those who didn't make it in 2024, here are some of the reactions we received:
"Thank you, Helen Edwards and Dave Edwards for the engaging, diverse group you have put together. This is not your everyday conference, and especially not the everyday AI conference." Don Norman
“I will remember the Artificiality Summit, well…forever. It was more intellectually compelling than anything I can remember participating in.” John Pasmore
“The Artificiality Summit struck the perfect balance of rigor and playfulness, formality and informality. It was a dazzling event and an impeccably curated roster of speakers.” Jamer Hunt
"Still glowing from the conference, so much intelligence, but also kindness, safety and warmth. A humane and vital discussion of technology as a part of humanity and humanity as part of something much bigger." Whit Morriss
"From the beginning to end, it was a perfectly curated weekend of building connections, sharing ideas and having genuine conversations across science, design, art and the innovations that are expanding our future and imagining what can be next in AI." Abigail Snodgrass
"That was one of the best tech experiences I have ever had. I have been to all sorts of screwball conferences and big-name experiences. I even built a few. But yours was something different. It was intimate, humble, and curious. A little feisty, a little nervous, but completely authentic. On Sunday afternoon, I looked around and thought, 'THIS is my tribe.'" Dave Merwin
Read about and see photos from our 2024 Summit here.
Details
Even though we are doubling in size, our 2025 Summit will be space-limited and invite-only. If you'd like to join us, please submit the form below (or simply send us an email).
Dave Edwards is a Co-Founder of Artificiality. He previously co-founded Intelligentsia.ai (acquired by Atlantic Media) and worked at Apple, CRV, Macromedia, Morgan Stanley, Quartz, and ThinkEquity.
Helen Edwards is a Co-Founder of Artificiality. She previously co-founded Intelligentsia.ai (acquired by Atlantic Media) and worked at Meridian Energy, Pacific Gas & Electric, Quartz, and Transpower.
