How to Build the Future

Saturday, June 22, 2024
Austin, TX

We welcome builders, hackers, scholars, researchers, and lifelong learners to join us for a one-day conference in Austin to share their theses on how to build the future. We believe that many of the hurdles blocking technological progress are failures of will and imagination a la J. Storrs Hall and wish to gather folks from different fields to share their answers to the following question: How do we unblock innovation to create a future with greater prosperity, freedom, creativity, and adventure?

Potential approaches to this question could include but are not limited to:

  • exploring ways cities can increase building speed

  • presenting interesting ML/AI research

  • close reading music, literature, or films that envision the future

  • accelerating the feedback loop for biological or pharmaceutical experiments

  • engineering solutions to AI challenges

  • sharing insights from builders throughout history

  • or any other thoughtful work relevant to building the future

If you are interested in delivering a presentation at this conference, please submit your 100-300 word proposal that offers your answer to the question How do we unblock innovation to create a future with greater prosperity, freedom, creativity, and adventure? via the Submit proposal button below. The deadline is May 15, 2024. This date is flexible, so if you have a great idea and missed the deadline, still submit your proposal our way and we’ll gladly consider it.

For those who wish to attend the conference as a guest rather than a presenter, we welcome you to join us in creating a lively day of discussion and connections. Register for the conference using the button below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the conference?

Austin, Texas. The exact venue will be announced in the coming weeks.

Is this conference right for me?

If you've made it this far reading the website, the answer is yes! We are seeking to create an intimate gathering of curious minds just like yours. Come join us as either a presenter or guest.

I have never presented at a conference before. Can I still submit a proposal?

Absolutely. Works in progress are welcome, and you will be able to share your ideas in a warm and friendly conference environment :)

Is this an academic conference?

No. How to Build the Future is structured like an academic conference with panels covering different themes, but this conference is open to academics and nonacademics alike. Credentials are not required to submit a proposal or attend the conference. Proposals will be assessed based on their own merit.

Is there an option to present or attend remotely?

No. This is an in-person conference.

If my proposal is selected, what kind of presentation should I prepare?

Plan to deliver a 10-minute oral presentation followed by a Q&A discussion. Formats might include slide decks, demos, or presentations of written papers. Since presenters and guests will come from different fields, strive to communicate your ideas in a way that can be understood by those outside your area of expertise.

What is the cost to attend or present at the conference?

All conference attendees, whether presenting or not, will pay $30 upon registering. You can pay when you register online using the Register to attend button above. This button redirects to our registration page at https://lu.ma/buildthefuture

Do you offer discounts for students?

Yes. Use the discount code FUTUREBUILDER for $20 off your ticket when you register on Luma.

Do I need to register for the conference in order to submit a proposal?

No. Just click the Submit proposal button above. It will redirect you to a Google Form.

Do I have to register in order to attend the conference?

Yes. Registering before the conference gives us a more accurate head count for planning.

How do I register?

Click the Register to attend button above. It will redirect you to the conference Luma page where you can fill out your registration form.

I submitted my conference proposal. When will I hear back?

Expect an email response of our decision within a few days.

I missed the conference proposal deadline! Can I still submit one?

Yes.

I have an idea but I'm not sure if it works for the conference.

Share what you're thinking with us over email at buildthefuture2024@gmail.com, and we'll quickly send you back our thoughts.

I still have questions.

Email us at buildthefuture2024@gmail.com.