Events

The Austin Forum hosts three types of events each month, an in-person presentation + networking event, an online discussion event, and an in-person meetup. Anyone can join these events to interact, share ideas, and collaborate with speakers and fellow attendees.

Filtering by: “2025”
Unlocking Generative AI's Potential: A Prompt Engineering Workshop
Apr
23

Unlocking Generative AI's Potential: A Prompt Engineering Workshop

Event Summary

In this hands-on workshop, led by renowned AI expert Numa Dhamani, you'll learn the art and science of prompt engineering, a crucial skill for harnessing the power of generative AI tools.

We'll dive into the latest, most powerful features of these tools, exploring how to craft effective prompts that:

  • Generate high-quality outputs: Learn to guide AI models toward the exact results you desire, whether it's creative content, code, or data analysis.

  • Control output format and style: Master techniques to influence the tone, style, and structure of the generated content.

  • Improve efficiency and productivity: Discover how to streamline your workflows and automate tasks using generative AI.

This workshop is perfect for:

  • Professionals seeking to enhance their skills in AI and data science.

  • Business leaders looking to leverage AI for competitive advantage.

  • Anyone interested in understanding and utilizing the transformative power of generative AI.

Attendees should bring their own laptops (fully charged) to participate in interactive exercises.


Attendance Instructions

All participants must register for this event via Eventbrite. This will be an in-person event held at Capital Factory in the Antone Room, 16th Floor.

Parking information can be found here.

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Discussion of "Artificial Integrity" by Hamilton Mann
Apr
23

Discussion of "Artificial Integrity" by Hamilton Mann

Agenda

​7:15 - 8:30 p.m. Discussion

Event Summary

Join the Austin Forum for an engaging online discussion of "Artificial Integrity: The Paths to Leading AI Toward a Human-Centered Future" with the author himself, Hamilton Mann! In this thought-provoking book, Mann introduces the transformative concept of "Artificial Integrity," a framework that emphasizes the importance of ethical and human-centered AI development.

This interactive session will delve into the book's key themes, including:

  • The limitations of traditional ethical frameworks in addressing the complexities of AI.

  • The importance of aligning AI with human values and societal norms.

  • Practical strategies for designing, implementing, and continuously aligning AI development to responsibly advance human and artificial co-intelligence.

Hamilton Mann will moderate the discussion, offering his unique insights and answering audience questions. Don't miss this opportunity to explore a critical issue surrounding AI—Integrity over Intelligence—and learn how to shape a future where AI enhances, rather than replaces, human capabilities.

Attendance Instructions

Online via Google Meet
Once you register via Eventbrite, you will receive the direct link in your confirmation email. You will also receive the link in a reminder email one day before the event.

Moderator

Hamilton Mann

Hamilton Mann is a Tech Executive, Digital and AI for Good Pioneer, Keynote Speaker, and the originator of the concept of Artificial Integrity. He serves as Group Vice President at Thales, where he co-leads the AI initiative and Digital Transformation while also overseeing global Digital Marketing activities. He also serves as a Senior Lecturer at INSEAD and HEC Paris as well as a mentor at the MIT Priscilla King Gray (PKG) Center. He is a doctoral researcher in AI at École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées - Institut Polytechnique de Paris. He writes regularly for Forbes as an AI columnist and has published articles about AI and its technological and societal implications in prominent academic, business, and policy outlets such as Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR), Knowledge at Wharton, Leader to Leader (Wiley), Dialogue Duke Corporate Education, INSEAD Knowledge, the Harvard Business Review France and the European Business Review. He hosts The Hamilton Mann Conversation, a podcast on Digital and AI for Good, ranked in the Top 10 for technology thought leadership by Technology Magazine. He was inducted into the Thinkers50 Radar as one of the 30 most prominent rising business thinkers globally.

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Boost Your Coding Productivity: An Introduction to AI-Powered Development Workshop
Apr
29

Boost Your Coding Productivity: An Introduction to AI-Powered Development Workshop

Event Summary

Code generation tools can give one developer the power of five. While software engineers still need to design the algorithms, AI can now do 90% of the boilerplate, copy-and-paste style coding that eats up so much time. In this workshop, Edward Cates and Nathan Mandi, two Senior Machine Learning Engineers at KUNGFU.AI, will show you how to build beautiful websites with alarming speed through the use of Windsurf, an open-source AI-powered development environment (similar to Cursor AI). If you're a developer who hasn't yet tried adding AI to your workflow, this session is first and foremost for you!

What You'll Experience:

  • Lightning-Fast UI Generation: See a professional-quality front-end user interface generated in mere minutes.

  • Automated Backend API Creation: Watch as a functional backend API is created for real-world data utilization.

Ready to participate? Please come prepared by installing either Windsurf (free) or Cursor AI (paid with a free tier) on your system. Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your coding efficiency!

Moderators

Edwards Cates, KUNGFU.AI

Edward Cates was a Software Engineer for many years before getting a Masters in Machine Learning from Georgia Tech. He and three friends operated a freelance web app business while he got his degree in Electrical and Computer Engineer at UT Austin. Before joining KUNGFU.AI, Edward was the technical Co-founder of Grocery TV, which has advertising displays in over 5,000 stores across the country. Now, he’s fully focused on AI & ML, coupling his exhaustive software and deployment experience with the latest advances in deep learning.


Nathan Mandi, KUNGFU.AI

Nathan Mandi studied Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UC Berkeley before joining the autonomous vehicle company, Cruise Automation, where he spent three years building core prediction algorithms, designing evaluation metrics, and training models. After a stint as an independent AI consultant, Nathan joined KUNGFU.AI, where he has worked across a wide range of machine learning domains and industries. He’s been especially focused on RAG and practical LLM tool development—well before the current wave of agentic AI hype. Nathan is also interested in climate tech, and AI for education.


Attendance Instructions

Online via Google Meet

Once you register via Eventbrite, you will receive the direct link in your confirmation email. You will also receive the link in a reminder email one day before the event.

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Black Mirror & AI: Reality Check - A Special Austin Forum Screening & Panel
Apr
30

Black Mirror & AI: Reality Check - A Special Austin Forum Screening & Panel

Event Summary

Join the Austin Forum for a thought-provoking evening exploring the chilling realities and potential futures depicted in the hit series "Black Mirror," specifically focusing on the episodes "Be Right Back" and "Jane Is Awful."

We'll screen these two captivating episodes that delve into the complex relationship between humans and AI, raising profound questions about grief, identity, and the ethical implications of rapidly advancing technology.

Following the screenings, we'll host a dynamic panel discussion featuring leading AI professionals who will unpack the depictions of AI presented in the episodes. We'll explore:

  • What is or might be possible soon? Separating science fiction from near-future reality.

  • Do these episodes represent valid concerns about the future of AI? Discussing the ethical and societal implications raised.

  • The potential impact of AI on our lives: Examining the broader themes presented in the episodes and their relevance to our present and future.

  • And more! Audience Q&A will be a key part of the panel discussion.

This special event provides a unique opportunity to engage with complex questions surrounding AI in a relaxed and engaging setting. Whether you're a "Black Mirror" fan, an AI enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of technology, this event will leave you with much to ponder.

Moderators

Numa Dhamani, Head of Machine Learning, iVerify

Numa Dhamani is the Head of Machine Learning at iVerify and the co-author of Introduction to Generative AI (Manning Publications). She is a natural language processing expert with domain expertise in trust, safety, and security. Numa has developed machine learning systems for Fortune 500 companies and social media platforms, as well as for start-ups and nonprofits. She has advised industry leaders and organizations, served as the Principal Investigator on the United States Department of Defense’s research programs, and contributed to multiple international peer-reviewed journals. She is also deeply engaged in the technology policy space, supporting think tanks and nonprofits with data and AI governance efforts. In addition to her industry and research contributions, she has taught AI courses as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin and Georgetown University. Numa is passionate about working toward a safer digital ecosystem, building responsible artificial intelligence, and advocating for transparency and accountability in technology. She holds degrees in Physics and Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin.


Adam Ghetti, Adapter

As an entrepreneur, investor, and creator, Adam has been involved in numerous ventures over the years. As the Founder of Ionic Security,​ he has been recognized by Forbes as a 30-under-30 thought leader in technology and by the World Economic Forum as a Technology Pioneer. Additionally, he served on the inaugural Global Future Council on Cybersecurity on behalf of the World Economic Forum.


Steve Kramer, KUNGFU.AI

Dr. Steve Kramer, Chief Scientist of KUNGFU.AI, is a computational physicist and data science entrepreneur with 32 years of post-Ph.D. experience in AI, data science, research, software, and business management. He earned a Ph.D. in physics in the Center for Nonlinear Dynamics at The University of Texas at Austin. Steve has extensive research experience spanning data mining, machine learning, anomaly detection, bot/cyborg detection, clustering, network graph analysis, deep learning, spatiotemporal forecasting, predictive analytics, social media analytics, and pattern discovery/recognition. In 2014, he patented a robust method for dynamic anomaly detection based on chaos theory. Steve spoke at Data Day Texas in 2014 and 2018 and at Data Day Seattle in 2016. Since 2011, he has served as a program committee member and reviewer for the ACM KDD and IEEE Security and Intelligence Informatics conferences. He recently acted as the Principal Investigator on multiple subcontracts for DARPA's Information Innovation Office and on multiple prototype contracts for the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). He is proud to serve on the Board of the Austin Forum on Technology and Society and as a member of Board of Technical Advisors for data.world.

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Grow Your Spheres of Influence—and Your Career, Organization, and Impact
May
13

Grow Your Spheres of Influence—and Your Career, Organization, and Impact

Event Summary

Join us for this free, one-hour interactive workshop to improve your professional relationships; your "spheres of influence"—led by author, long-time technology consultant, Chief Information Officer, and Austin Forum Champion, Brad Englert.

Who Should Attend? People looking to strengthen collaboration skills and exert one's positive influence in the workplace.

Transcend superficial and transactional networking: this workshop dives into how to forge meaningful connections that fuel career and business growth over years and even decades. Learn how to positively influence those closest to you—your boss, direct reports, executive leaders, and all staff; as well as those in your wider sphere of influence—customers, peers and influencers, and strategic vendor partners. Through storytelling, humor, and crunchy real-world examples applicable to all organizations, you'll gain pragmatic insights as how to strengthen your business relationships. 

Key Takeaways

Learn how to build business relationships with purpose, discover how to move beyond "me first" small talk towards strategic and intentional conversations, communicate clearly and often to set and align expectations, and earn trust by delivering value and following through. 

Teamwork, collaboration, partnerships, and professional relationships are crucial for maximizing success through innovation, execution, and building your career. As disruptive technologies, such as AI, are rapidly transforming the nature of work and our roles as humans in the workplace evolve, it is even more important than ever to focus on how to create and nurture authentic business relationships.

Host

Brad Englert is the founder of Brad Englert Advisory and an author, advisor, and technologist. Brad worked for Accenture for 22 years, including 10 years as a partner. He then served The University of Texas at Austin for eight years, including seven years as the chief information officer (CIO).  During Brad’s career with Accenture, a global management consulting and technology services firm, he worked in a variety of information technology leadership and operational roles for large, complex institutions of higher education, state governments (Texas, California, Minnesota, Montana), and commercial organizations (Best Buy, Caterpillar, Whirlpool, Bell South, Deutsche Bank, and Wyeth). When Brad retired as a senior partner in 2006, he had a proven track record in information technology operations, large-scale information systems implementations, and strategic planning.


Attendance Instructions

All participants must register for this event via Eventbrite. This will be an in-person event held at Capital Factory.

Parking information can be found here.

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Discussion of "Superagency" by Reid Hoffman and Gene Beato
May
29

Discussion of "Superagency" by Reid Hoffman and Gene Beato

Agenda

​7:15 - 8:30 p.m. Discussion

Event Summary

Superagency explores how today’s largest tech companies—like Google, Microsoft, and Meta—have reached a scale where their decisions profoundly shape society, granting them unprecedented power and influence. Reid Hoffman and Gene Beato argue that with this “superagency” comes a responsibility to act ethically, transparently, and with deep consideration for societal impact. The book challenges the notion that technology is neutral and calls for a new kind of leadership that prioritizes trust, fairness, and long-term societal well-being. Ultimately, Superagency is a hopeful call to action, urging tech leaders—and all of us—to harness innovation not just for profit, but for the greater good.

Join the Austin Forum on Technology & Society for an engaging and thought-provoking online discussion of Superagency. Executive Director Jay Boisseau will moderate this community conversation as we explore the key ideas and implications presented in the book, and what they mean for technology’s role in society.

Reading the book in advance is strongly encouraged to ensure a high-quality, effective conversation—but all are welcome to participate.

Space is limited, so please register only if you’re confident you can attend—and kindly cancel your registration if your plans change so we can open your spot to another participant.

Attendance Instructions

Online via Google Meet
Once you register via Ticketbud, you will receive the direct link in your confirmation email. You will also receive the link in a reminder email one day before the event.

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Best LLM & GenAI Pro Tips, Tricks, and Hacks
Apr
8

Best LLM & GenAI Pro Tips, Tricks, and Hacks

Event Summary

Show us your skills! Share your knowledge with others!

Chatbots, LLMs, and generative AI (GenAI) tools in general are adding features rapidly and have become powerful tools capable of teaching, translating, summarizing, analyzing, and even reasoning. LLMs in 2025 are more than party tricks—these are tools that can change your life if you learn how to use them powerfully. Join us for a meetup to share your expertise, demos, and tips to help others increase their effective usage of LLMs and/or watch and listen to others share their pro tips! Bring your devices to show how to get the most out of these tools and try new things out. You’ll become a powerful (or, more powerful) LLM user by 8 pm!

Host

Jay Boisseau, Executive Director, Austin Forum on Technology & Society and CEO, Vizias

Jay Boisseau is an experienced, recognized leader and strategist in advanced computing technologies, with over 25 years in the field. Jay is the executive director and founder of The Austin Forum on Technology & Society, which he created in 2006 and is the leading monthly technology outreach and engagement event in Austin--and now attracts national and international attendees online. The Austin Forum is one of the pillars of the Austin tech scene, providing connections to information, ideas, collaborations, and community overall. In addition, Jay is CEO, co-founder (June 2014), and a partner in Vizias, a small team of passionate professionals with expertise in high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), technology community building, and technology outreach & event planning. Vizias staff lead, execute, and support the Austin Forum through Vizias Research, Education, and Outreach, a non-profit dedicated to using technology for positive social impact. Jay has held previous leadership positions at Dell Technologies, the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at The University of Texas at Austin, the San Diego Supercomputer Center and the Arctic Region Supercomputing Center. He received his doctorate in astronomy from UT Austin, and his undergraduate degree in astronomy and physics from the University of Virginia. For Jay's full professional bio, visit here.


Attendance Instructions

All participants must register for this event via Eventbrite. This will be an in-person event held at Capital Factory in the ACL Room, 16th Floor.

Parking information can be found here.

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Discussion of "The Last Human Job" by Allison Pugh
Mar
27

Discussion of "The Last Human Job" by Allison Pugh

Agenda

​7:15 - 8:30 p.m. Discussion

Event Summary

The Austin Forum on Technology & Society invites you to a virtual discussion of "The Last Human Job: The Work of Connecting in a Disconnected World" by Allison Pugh. In her book, Pugh examines the evolving landscape of work and argues that human connection remains an irreplaceable skill in a world increasingly reliant on technology. While machines may excel at an increasing number of tasks, the uniquely human ability to connect with others will be crucial in the future.

Moderated by Dr. Maninder "Mini" Kahlon, this engaging conversation will delve into the critical questions surrounding the future of work in an age of increasing AI and automation, including the essential skills for the future (human) workforce and how individuals and communities should prepare for the changing nature of work.

Join us for a conversation that is sure to be thought-provoking, informative, and perhaps career-changing. As always, we encourage attendees to read the book in advance and contribute to the conversation but welcome anyone who wants to speak up or just listen.

Attendance Instructions

Online via Google Meet
Once you register via Ticketbud, you will receive the direct link in your confirmation email. You will also receive the link in a reminder email one day before the event.

Moderator

Dr. Maninder “Mini” Kahlon, Founder, Beheld

Dr. Maninder “Mini” Kahlon is a systems and behavioral neuroscientist, technology innovator, and medical research leader. She is the founder of beheld, a company translating the science of empathy into tech-enabled, human-centered services for improving health outcomes, with initial focuses on maternal health and diabetes management. Previously, she was the founding Vice Dean of Dell Medical School, where she established a biomedical translational hub and developed the school’s focus on population health. In her research at Dell Med, she led community-based clinical trials exploring innovative interventions for better disease management. Dr. Kahlon earned her PhD in Neuroscience at UCSF and has held leadership roles in large-scale translational science initiatives, software development, and health innovation.

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SXSW 2025: Austin Forum Recap - Insights & Innovations
Mar
18

SXSW 2025: Austin Forum Recap - Insights & Innovations

Event Summary

Join us for an exclusive, insider's look at the most exciting and impactful moments from SXSW 2025!

SXSW President Hugh Forrest will moderate a dynamic session where Austin Forum community members share their key takeaways, top highlights, and actionable recommendations gleaned from the diverse range of panels, presentations, and events. Attendees will deliver concise, engaging presentations summarizing the most innovative ideas, emerging trends, and thought-provoking discussions they experienced at SXSW. Following the presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to network, ask questions, and delve deeper into the topics covered, maximizing the value and impact of the SXSW experience for everyone. Don't miss this chance to connect with fellow SXSW attendees, gain valuable insights, and explore the future of technology and innovation!

Host

Hugh Forrest, President, SXSW

Hugh Forrest oversees content for the SXSW Conference, as well as the Music Festival, Film Festival and EDU aspects of the program. Hugh was named “Austinite of the Year” in 2012 by the Austin Chamber of Commerce and in 2014, he and other SXSW Directors were named Austin Entrepreneurs of the Year by Ernst & Young. He recently received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Kenyon College, his alma mater.

Beyond SXSW, he has served on the National Advisory Board for the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is part of the Board of Directors for Austin Habitat for Humanity and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Austin-based accessibility company Knowbility. Before joining the SXSW team, he founded The Austin Challenger and wrote for several other newspapers and publications.


Attendance Instructions

All participants must register for this event via Eventbrite. This will be an in-person event held at Capital Factory in the Captain America room.

Parking information can be found here.

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Discussion of "The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to make faster, smarter decisions"
Feb
25

Discussion of "The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to make faster, smarter decisions"

Agenda

​7:15 - 8:30 p.m. Discussion

Event Summary

Join us for an insightful online discussion of "The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions" with the author himself, Geoff Woods! In this timely and relevant book, Woods explores how forward-thinking leaders can leverage the power of artificial intelligence to transform decision-making, boost performance, and drive success in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. This interactive session will delve into the book's key concepts, including practical strategies for integrating AI into leadership practices, overcoming common challenges, and unlocking the full potential of AI-driven insights. Geoff Woods will moderate the discussion, offering his unique perspective and answering audience questions. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the future of leadership and discover how AI can empower you to become a more effective and impactful leader.

Attendance Instructions

Online via Google Meet
Once you register via Ticketbud, you will receive the direct link in your confirmation email. You will also receive the link in a reminder email one day before the event.

Moderator

Geoff Woods, author of “The AI-Driven Leader” and founder of AI Leadership

Geoff Woods is the #1 international bestselling author of The AI-Driven Leader, host of the AI-Driven Leader podcast and the Founder of AI Leadership where he empowers leaders to harness AI, escape operational overwhelm, and think strategically to accelerate growth. As the former Chief Growth Officer of Jindal Steel & Power, his guidance helped their market cap grow from $750 million to over $12 billion in four years. He also co-founded the training and consulting company behind The ONE Thing, where he coached and advised companies with annual revenues from $10 million to $60 billion.

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Immersive Tech Meetup—and Demos!
Jan
30

Immersive Tech Meetup—and Demos!

Event Summary

Immersive technologies are reshaping how we communicate, create, and solve problems, leveraging the full power of human sensory and spatial reasoning. Advances in display technology, AI, UX, and human-computer interaction (HCI) are converging to put augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of things (IoT) into the hands of many. These tools will soon revolutionize not only entertainment but also industries like education, design, training, and simulation.

Join us at Texas Immersive Institute to explore how emerging immersive technologies are not just enhancing our sensory experiences, but also unlocking new ways to engage audiences, tell stories, and design innovative solutions. Led by Professor Erin Reilly, the Texas Immersive team will guide you through hands-on demos of cutting-edge technologies that merge the physical and digital worlds, creating interactive, experiential environments. Talk about the possibilities for new immersive technologies presented by these technologies and what innovations are now possible in different fields. And, maybe, come up with an idea that Texas Immersive can help you translate into a great new research, business, or social impact application using these technologies!

Attendance Instructions

Join us in-person at the Texas Immersive Institute at the University of Texas at Austin. Location details below.

2504 Whitis Ave, Austin, TX 78705
Jesse H. Jones Communication Center
Building A - 5th floor (CMA 5.102)

Street parking available on Dean Keeton and Guadalupe St. or the San Antonio Garage at 2420 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78705

Moderator

Erin Reilly, Professor of Practice, Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations, Texas Immersive Institute

Erin Reilly is a creator, educator, and strategist. Her career spans more than 20 years, during which she has invented new approaches, products, services, and experiences for storytelling and audience engagement through immersive technology. Erin currently serves as professor of practice in the Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations, as well as founding director of Texas Immersive Institute, the interactive and immersive media hub at the University of Texas at Austin, focused on research, projects, and learning the future of media. Erin is a frequent lecturer at universities and industry conferences throughout the world, including TedX and South by Southwest. She is an executive committee board member of the Infinity Festival, a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Interactive Media Peer Group, previously served as the board president of National Association for Media Literacy Education, and serves on advisory boards such as SXSW Pitch and PBS children's shows “Hero Elementary” and Emmy-award winning, “Sci Girls.” 


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Discussion of "The Path to Singularity: How Technology Will Challenge the Future of Humanity”
Jan
23

Discussion of "The Path to Singularity: How Technology Will Challenge the Future of Humanity”

Agenda

​7:15 - 8:30 p.m. Discussion

Event Summary

In a rapidly changing world, are we on the brink of creating technology that outpaces our ability to control it?

Join us for an engaging online discussion with renowned astrophysicist and author J. Craig Wheeler as he explores the key themes of his latest book, "The Path to Singularity: How Technology Will Challenge the Future of Humanity." Wheeler takes a critical look at groundbreaking technologies—AI, genetic engineering, automation—and the profound ethical dilemmas they pose.

In this conversation, Wheeler will address the impact of automation on jobs, AI's potential to shape human decision-making, the future of individuality in a connected world, and the societal implications of extending human life or migrating to space. Don’t miss this chance to hear from the author himself, a regular attendee of Austin Forum events, as he discusses the future of humanity and how we can shape our technological destiny.

Key topics include:

  • The future of jobs in an age of automation
- The role of AI in shaping human decisions and actions

  • The ethical implications of genetic engineering

  • The possibility of a collective consciousness and the future of individuality

  • Resource depletion, population control, and the prospect of space migration

  • The societal impact of breakthroughs in aging and perpetual youth

Attendance Instructions

Online via Google Meet
Once you register via Ticketbud, you will receive the direct link in your confirmation email. You will also receive the link in a reminder email one day before the event.

Moderator

J. Craig Wheeler, Samuel T. and Fern Yanagisawa Regents Professor of Astronomy, Emeritus, The University of Texas at Austin

J. Craig Wheeler is the Samuel T. and Fern Yanagisawa Regents Professor of Astronomy, Emeritus, and Distinguished Teaching Professor, Emeritus, at the University of Texas at Austin and was past Chair of the Department. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and a Legacy Fellow of the American Astronomical Society. He has published nearly 400 refereed scientific papers, as many meeting proceedings, a professional-level book on supernovae (Supernova Explosions), a popular book on supernovae, gamma-ray bursts and related topics (Cosmic Catastrophes), and two novels (The Krone Experiment and Krone Ascending). Wheeler has received many awards for his teaching, including the Regents Award of the University of Texas System. He was a visiting fellow at the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA), the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, the Cerro Tololo Interamerican Observatory, and a Fulbright Fellow in Italy. He has served on many advisory committees, including those for the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the National Research Council. He has held many positions in the American Astronomical Society and was President of the Society from 2006 to 2008. His research interests include supernovae, black holes, astrobiology, and the technological future of humanity. He is writing a book currently entitled Wild Ride Ahead: A Primer on our Technological Future.

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Discussion of "What's Next Is Now: How to Live Future Ready"
Jan
2

Discussion of "What's Next Is Now: How to Live Future Ready"

Agenda

​7:15 - 8:30 p.m. Discussion

Event Summary

Join us for an insightful online discussion of "What's Next Is Now: How to Live Future Ready," an essential guide to thriving in an era of rapid change. This book offers a roadmap for individuals and organizations seeking to navigate the accelerating pace of technological and societal transformation--a timely read as we all ponder our plans for 2025! With practical advice on how to stay ahead of trends, build resilience, and embrace change, What’s Next Is Now emphasizes the need for adaptability and foresight in a constantly evolving world.

The author challenges us to rethink how we approach innovation, urging readers to not just react to change but to actively prepare for it. The book covers a wide range of future-shaping forces—technology, economics, and culture—and provides actionable insights on how to remain “future-ready” in both personal and professional spheres.

This discussion will explore how to anticipate future trends and make proactive choices to succeed in a fast-changing landscape. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a business leader, or simply curious about the future, this conversation will equip you with the tools to thrive in an uncertain world. We look forward to the great conversation to end the programming year for the Austin Forum, and we hope you will participate in this discussion!

Key Topics:

  • Building resilience and adaptability in a fast-changing world

  • Anticipating and preparing for future trends

  • Practical strategies for both personal and organizational success

Attendance Instructions

Online via Google Meet
Once you register via Ticketbud, you will receive the direct link in your confirmation email. You will also receive the link in a reminder email one day before the event.

Moderator

Jay Boisseau, Executive Director, ​Austin Forum on Technology & Society and CEO, Vizias

Jay is the executive director and founder of The Austin Forum on Technology & Society, which he started in 2006 and is now the leading monthly technology outreach and engagement event in Austin--and starting to attract national and even international attendees online. The Austin Forum is one of the pillars of the Austin tech scene, providing connections to information, ideas, collaborations, and community overall. Through Vizias, Jay also founded the Austin Smart City Alliance (July 2015, formerly Austin CityUP Consortium) and currently serves as the Executive Director, with a vision of creating an integrated smart city fabric throughout Austin—leveraging mobile devices and IoT data collectors, as well as supercomputers and AI for predictive analytics and scenario simulation—in the years ahead to address city issues, empower city planning, and improve city life in general.

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