Still riding high from Center for Democracy & Technology's #TechProm, which brought together 1,000 leaders from government, industry and civil society for an incredible evening in Washington DC last week. It came at an uncertain and important time, and showed how ready people were to come together.
Our Artists Exhibition, curated by CDT's Timothy Hoagland, highlighted talented artists using technology to explore and reimagine the human experience -- Sophia Brueckner, Curry J. Hackett, and Creative Theory Agency, who partnered with students from Morgan State University using genAI to reenvision iconic ads.
Our Tech Timeline invited guests to mark major moments (and so many memes!) in the past three decades of tech policy, as CDT approaches our 30th anniversary. From Supreme Court cases, to the crypto wars, to smartphones, grumpy cats and more... McKayla Maroney was in fact impressed.
On the big stage and in small conversations, we talked about the work ahead. As I said in my remarks, we're in a destabilizing time -- with seismic changes in government, as well as unprecedented advances in technology that risk deepening economic and social divides. But CDT's values remain unchanged.
Simply put, we believe that technology should be a force for making people’s lives better. We believe in standing up for people’s rights when they’re in danger, in safeguarding Constitutional values, and in advancing an affirmative vision where technology strengthens the fabric of our society and our democracy.
That vision isn't partisan, and it shouldn't be controversial. But it does take work, clear-eyed commitment, and partnership -- with civil society, with industry, and with state, federal, and international policymakers when there's room for productive work. In an uncertain time, that's our path ahead.
We're so grateful for the sponsors, allies & supporters who made Tech Prom possible and who support CDT's work throughout the year. CDT's Elizabeth Remy ?? , O'Donavan Johnson and Timothy Hoagland, TaylorMade Experience LLC, Syzygy Events, Spilled Milk Catering, the Anthem crew and 'Round Midnight were the exceptional talent powering the event.
More photos coming later at cdt.org/techprom, but here's a taste of a special night. If you missed it, join us next year!