The Great Progression Kickoff Event
We’re not just witnessing the end of an era—we’re building the beginning of the next one
As the systems of the 20th century break down, a wave of world-changing technologies—from artificial intelligence to clean energy to synthetic biology—are giving rise to a new chapter in human progress.
We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape what comes next and build a much better world. So we’re assembling top innovators at ground zero in San Francisco for an ongoing conversation about how to pull this off.
We’re on the verge of The Great Progression: 2025 to 2050
The big idea behind our new live event series is that we actually could make the most of this historic juncture and reinvent America for the 21st century but we must first figure out a new grand narrative about how this could be done.
Curated by the veteran tech expert and thought leader on the future Peter Leyden in partnership with Freethink, these exclusive events will convene some of the most innovative thought leaders of the San Francisco Bay Area to help rough out the new way forward.
Join Steven Johnson, Adam Cheyer, & other world-class thought leaders for this important conversation
At this inaugural event we will frame this ambitious project and drive an important conversation with some key players who can help us understand what’s now possible in the next 25 years, such as:
Steven Johnson, the Editorial Director of Google Labs, one of the cornerstones of Google’s AI Division, and the bestselling author of more than a dozen books on innovation.
Adam Cheyer, the pioneer in AI human interfaces, co-founder of Siri, and current VP of AI Experience at Airbnb, as well as a founding member of Change.org, the world’s largest petition platform.
Come for the vision. Stay for the party and the people.
This is an invite-only event held in the Ferry Building at Shack15 in the heart of San Francisco. Everyone who comes to this event will be an innovator with something to contribute to the larger conversation in their own right.
We're gathering the best of the tech builder class — the founders, technologists, creatives, and thinkers shaping the 21st century — and the second half of this gathering will be more like a party to cross-connect and have some fun too.
Note: We expect strong interest and may hit capacity, so early registration is recommended. RSVPs will be reviewed to ensure a diverse mix of attendees from a variety of industries. You’ll only be charged if your registration is approved.
Together, we will figure out a new way forward. Join us.
ABOUT FREETHINK
Freethink is a media company built for people passionate about progress and innovation. Our audience includes builders, tech enthusiasts, and future-focused business leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We speak to individuals who are curious about the world, eager to understand how emerging technologies are shaping society, and committed to building a better future.
Whether you're an engineer, a startup founder, or simply a tech-curious reader, Freethink offers the depth and inspiration you need to turn your ideas into action.
ABOUT PETER LEYDEN
Peter Leyden is a longtime tech expert and thought leader on the future. He came to San Francisco to work with the founders of WIRED magazine at the beginning of the digital revolution and has followed the front edge of technological change every step since—including into the AI revolution today.
Leyden is the creator of the new written series The Great Progression: 2025 to 2050 on Substack and Freethink, and a host and curator of this new event series.