Infrastructure
A conference on governing ourselvesin the age of artificial intelligence.
Washington, D.C.
Purpose
Takeoff is a nonpartisan conference dedicated to establishing dialogue between public servants and those on the frontier of artificial intelligence. It will bring together AI lab staff, government officials, and other leading voices in a forum designed to encourage debate and exploration, with a focus on the governance questions that each finds most pressing.
Participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own perspectives and priorities, but among the questions one can expect to hear discussed are:
- What risks or market failures might warrant government action—and, if regulation is warranted, what should it look like?
- How should we educate our children in a world where they can tap into intelligence on demand?
- How might public servants use AI to build a government that is more capable and responsive?
- Should we build increasingly powerful AI—and who should have a say?
- How might AI capabilities develop, and how should policymakers prepare amid profound uncertainty?
Why Now
Powerful artificial intelligence is upon us. And with its arrival, we must now make a series of decisions about how to govern ourselves in this new era. But until now, the conversation around what decisions to choose has unfolded haphazardly—across online forums, private group chats, and AI labs—and centered almost exclusively on San Francisco.
Given that it is ultimately our elected representatives who will make many of these decisions, it is long past time for D.C. to have a forum of its own.
Speakers
More to come.
Participants and Format
Participants: Elected officials and their staff, public servants, AI researchers and frontier lab employees, academics, technologists, journalists, and civil-society leaders.
Format: Two and a half days of panels, debates, workshops, technical briefings, and informal discussion.
The conference provides a choice of discussions based on what attendees find most interesting, rather than one track for all. Everyone has the opportunity to engage and present. Attendees are encouraged to skip sessions when they find themselves in a particularly interesting small group or one-on-one discussion.
A Note on Neutrality
Takeoff takes no institutional position on any of the questions mentioned above or any others concerning policy. Takeoff is a neutral venue dedicated exclusively to encouraging discussion. If you believe powerful AI is coming and have something to say, we encourage you to join us.
Attend
Attendance is by invitation. Choose the route that matches your affiliation.
Private-sector and other attendees
Prospective attendees outside the public sector may apply for consideration. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; if accepted, you will receive a private registration link. Required fields take about two minutes.
Apply to attendGovernment officials and public-sector employees
Sparrow is developing the participant list for Takeoff. If the programming is relevant to your work and you would like more information, share your contact details. Providing this information is not an application for, or offer of, admission or complimentary attendance. Sparrow independently determines whom to invite.
This route includes Congress, federal civilian agencies, the uniformed services, state and local government, public universities, and other public bodies. Already invited? Follow the instructions in your invitation; no information form is needed.
Receive event informationSparrow independently selects and directly invites public-sector attendees. Complimentary attendance is subject to your office’s applicable review. See the government attendance FAQ and the WAG factsheet for ethics officials (PDF). Unsure which route fits? Contact the team.
FAQ
When is the deadline to apply?
We review applications on a rolling basis. Early Bird pricing applies through October 2, Regular pricing October 3–16, and Late pricing October 17–30. All pricing cutoffs are at 11:59 p.m. Eastern in 2026.
Pricing is based on when you apply. Applications close October 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. If invited, complete registration by November 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern so we can finalize attendance.
How much does it cost to attend?
Ticket pricing varies by timing and by type.
| Ticket type | Early birdThrough Oct 2 | RegularOct 3–16 | LateOct 17–30 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | $350 | $500 | $1,100 |
| Institutional | $650 | $900 | $2,000 |
| Public Sector | Complimentary | Complimentary | Complimentary |
Financial assistance is available. Request support in your application; ability to pay does not affect admission.
Tickets include all sessions; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday dinners; Friday and Saturday receptions; Saturday and Sunday lunches; and refreshments throughout. Travel and lodging are not included.
What can I expect throughout the weekend?
Takeoff is designed to be a weekend of real conversation and connection, with sessions starting Friday afternoon and running through Sunday evening. Expect a much more interactive format than most DC conferences, where you’ll be encouraged to participate in a mix of talks, live demos, debates, fireside chats, and hands-on workshops on AI and how we govern it.
You’ll have substantial time for small-group and one-on-one conversations with fellow attendees. The Friday and Saturday receptions offer more time to continue those conversations.
How long after I am invited will I have to register?
We ask that all invitees confirm their registration by the deadline in their invitation, no later than November 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. If you’ll need longer to make a decision or complete your office’s review, please just let us know so we can discuss an extension.
What is your cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available at least until October 30th. Refunds are less likely to be possible within two weeks of the event, as we need to lock in catering commitments. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel.
What are your terms and press policy?
Read our terms and press policy for recording, photography, attribution, conduct, and press access.
What can I do if I have a friend or colleague who I think should attend?
Recommend them using our short nomination form! A recommendation does not guarantee admission.
How can I support this event?
Thank you for asking! Point us toward great people who would add to the conversation, or share Takeoff with your friends and colleagues. Any help bringing in thoughtful attendees is greatly appreciated.
If you’d like to discuss other ways to support Takeoff, please get in touch with us through Sparrow Infrastructure.
Who’s running this event?
Takeoff is organized by Sparrow Infrastructure (a d/b/a of Atlas Computing Institute). Takeoff takes no institutional position on any policy question; it is a venue for discussion, not a party to it.
I work in government or at a public institution. Can I attend?
Yes. Sparrow independently selects and directly invites public-sector officials and employees, including attendees from Congress, federal civilian agencies, the uniformed services, state and local government, public universities, and other public bodies.
Sparrow is developing the participant list for Takeoff. If the programming is relevant to your work and you would like more information, use the public-sector information form to share your name, office or agency, and contact details. Providing this information is not an application for, or offer of, admission or complimentary attendance.
If complimentary attendance is not permissible under your office’s ethics requirements, you or your employing government entity may pay the applicable fair-market registration price.
Government participation does not imply endorsement of Sparrow, Takeoff, or any views expressed at the conference.
Receive event information →WAG factsheet for ethics officials (PDF) →Contact the team →
What should I wear?
Business casual. It is a working weekend, not a gala; wear something comfortable for sessions and conversation.