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Bend isn't just a mountain town anymore. It's quietly becoming home to serious founders, operators, advisors, functional leaders, and AI builders figuring out where AI actually creates value. This roundtable is proof.

This event brings together founders, operators, functional leaders, and advisors making real AI decisions across companies of all sizes. We're running a curated roundtable discussion — real problems, real experiments, and the practical lessons you won't find in a LinkedIn post.

This is an invite-only gathering of people in the Great Bend Area actively using, building, advising on, or making decisions about AI. If you’re trying to figure out where AI actually helps your business, team, customers, product, or workflow, this is your room.

We'll operate under Chatham House Rule: you can use the ideas, but you can't attribute comments to individuals. This exists so people can discuss real business issues openly.
We'll connect you with the people working on AI in Bend — who's here, what they're building, and where collaboration makes sense. $25 all in.

## What to Expect

Curated introductions before and after: We match you with the right people based on what you're working on and what you need. No awkward networking — just targeted conversations with founders, operators, and advisors who can actually help.

Curated roundtable discussion: No panels, no pitches, no performative AI takes. Just an open, honest conversation among people who are actually building, testing, and deciding with AI right now — what's working, what's not, and what they'd do differently.

Networking before and after with food, drinks, and the people shaping Bend's AI future.

Chatham House Rule: You can use the ideas, but you can't attribute comments to individuals. This exists so real business challenges — not sanitized versions — can be discussed openly.

## Why Attend

  • Practical perspective on what's actually working, failing, or overhyped
  • Candid input from people using AI across products, teams, workflows, and companies
  • Curated introductions to the people most relevant to what you're building or deciding
  • A stronger sense of where AI creates leverage, confusion, or risk
  • A high-signal room without the performative AI nonsense
  • Be part of putting Bend on the map as an emerging AI hub

## Who Should Apply

Anyone seriously working with AI, including founders, operators, product leaders, marketers, consultants, advisors, investors, and functional leaders.

You do not need to be a software engineer.

This is an invitation-only event with a simple application process. We're curating for diverse perspectives and genuine challenges, not just success stories.

Ready to share a hot seat topic or just help solve on? Fill out the form at https://forms.gle/ULfpxwmNuS9pjuQw7.

### Format

A 60-minute facilitated roundtable discussion starting at 430pm with curated introductions before and after.

### Tickets

$25

## Need a break on ticket price?

Whether you're between jobs, a student or have your own good reason, we've got you covered. Contact John McMahon at jpmcmahon@gmail.com to learn about our flex ticket program.

## Sponsors

Presented by… your company?

We're bringing on a founding partner for the AI Hot Seat series. Our sponsors don't buy ads. They become part of the community. If getting in a room with senior operators, founders, and advisors making real AI decisions sounds like your kind of thing, let's talk: [jpmcmahon@gmail.com](mailto:jpmcmahon@gmail.com).

## About What the Tech, Bend?

What the Tech, Bend? is Central Oregon's premier tech community — 900 members strong, with an average of 15+ years of professional experience. We host curated events that bring together the region's most experienced builders, operators, and advisors. Bend is the mountain town where serious work happens in an unserious setting.

Help put Bend on the map as a place where serious AI conversations actually happen. Space is intentionally limited.

Related topics

Events in Bend, OR

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