The AI Conversation: What's Actually Working (And What Isn't)
Details
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 event is proof.
This event brings together founders, operators, functional leaders, and advisors making real AI decisions across companies of all sizes. We're running curated introductions and lightning talks — 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 Greater 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 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
Three to five lightning talks: insight-sharing from people in the room, up to 15 minutes each including Q&A.
Curated introductions before and after the talks, so you walk in knowing exactly who you should meet and why.
Food and drinks while the conversations keep going.
## The Curation is the Differentiator
We use a matching algorithm that ingests public and private attendee inputs to surface the three most valuable connections for each person in the room. Everyone walks in knowing who they should talk to and why. No awkward cold networking. Just tighter, more productive conversations with the right people.
## Pitch a Lightning Talk
Every slot is open to anyone in the room. Submit a topic here: https://forms.gle/ULfpxwmNuS9pjuQw7. These are insight-sharing, not sales — a real lesson, a shift you're seeing, a problem you've wrestled with. If you've got something worth spending fifteen minutes and this room's attention on, put it forward.
## 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 — across products, teams, workflows, and companies
- Connect with senior people actively building, deciding, and shipping with AI
- Walk away with three targeted introductions to the people most relevant to what you're working on
- 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.
Titles matter less than depth of experience, quality of perspective, and willingness to engage honestly. This room is designed for people doing real work and willing to share what's actually happening, not just what sounds good.
This is an invite-only event with a simple application process. We're curating for seniority, diversity of perspective, and genuine expertise.
### Format
A two-hour evening starting at 5:30 PM with curated introductions, lightning talks, and networking over food and drinks.
### Tickets
$25 (includes food and drinks)
## 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 Conversation 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.
## Apply Now
Space is intentionally limited. Apply here: https://forms.gle/ULfpxwmNuS9pjuQw7.
Help put Bend on the map as a place where serious AI conversations actually happen.