Private NeurIPS Event with Basis Set x Sakana AI
- Date
- 2024-12-12
- Location
- Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Host
- Basis Set
About this event
If you care about where AI is heading next, this is the kind of room you want to be in. Private NeurIPS Event with Basis Set x Sakana AI brings together people thinking seriously about AI, autonomy, and what it takes to build, research, and deploy ambitious systems. Timed alongside NeurIPS in Vancouver, this is an in-person evening meetup designed for real conversation. Expect a focused, high-signal crowd, strong technical curiosity, and the kind of networking that feels useful because everyone is there for a reason. About the Event This is a private, in-person gathering in Vancouver for people working in and around AI. With Basis Set and Sakana AI hosting, the event is positioned for attendees who want thoughtful discussion and meaningful connection rather than a generic conference side event. The format is built around community and interaction. That means less distance between attendees and more opportunities to meet peers, exchange ideas, compare approaches, and talk openly about the current state of the field. Because it takes place during NeurIPS week, the event sits at a particularly interesting moment: people arrive with fresh research, active questions, and strong opinions about where AI is moving. That makes for a sharper, more energizing room than a typical meetup. Whether your interest is research, applied AI, autonomous systems, or simply meeting others who are deeply engaged in the space, this event is designed to create the conditions for substantive conversations. What to Expect Expect an evening centered on high-quality networking and discussion. The event starts at Wednesday, December 11 at 6:30 PM PST, making it a natural after-hours gathering for people already in Vancouver for NeurIPS and related meetings. The focus is likely to be a mix of: Conversations around AI and autonomy Meeting other researchers, builders, and operators in the ecosystem Informal discussion about current ideas, emerging directions, and practical challenges A more curated, intentional atmosphere than an open public meetup This is the kind of event where the value comes from the room itself. You should come ready to introduce yourself clearly, talk about what you are working on, and ask smart questions of other attendees. Because it is private, the event may feel more selective and more conversational than a large conference gathering. That usually means better interactions: less noise, more signal, and a higher chance of meeting someone you will actually want to follow up with afterward. Why Attend If you are spending time at NeurIPS, your calendar is probably full. This event is worth making space for because it offers something different from formal talks and crowded expo-style receptions: proximity to people who are actively shaping the AI landscape. You are not just showing up to passively listen. You are showing up to build relationships, test ideas, and get a clearer read on what others in the field are paying attention to right now. That can be useful whether you are hiring, fundraising, researching, building products, or exploring your next move. A strong AI meetup can sharpen your thinking simply by exposing you to the right conversations. In one evening, you may leave with: New peers in the AI and autonomy community Better context on what others are building and prioritizing A few memorable conversations that continue after NeurIPS A stronger sense of where your own work fits into the broader ecosystem For many attendees, the real takeaway will be momentum. Meeting the right people in person changes the quality of future collaboration, whether that means research exchange, partnership, recruiting, or staying close to the frontier of the field. Practical Details The event is in person in Vancouver, Canada, and begins at 6:30 PM PST on Wednesday, December 11. As a private event, attendees should expect a more intentionally assembled group than a fully open public meetup. If you are attending NeurIPS or are already in Vancouver that week, this is an easy way to make the most of your time in the city. Evening timing makes it well suited for continuing conversations after the day’s conference schedule wraps. A few useful ways to prepare: Plan to arrive on time so you can settle in and meet people early Be ready with a concise introduction to your work or interests Think about the questions you want to ask others about AI, autonomy, and current research or product directions Leave space in your schedule afterward for follow-ups; these events often create the best conversations of the week If you value strong rooms, serious AI discussion, and meeting people you are genuinely glad to know, this is the kind of event that can easily justify the evening.
Who should attend
This event is for people who want sharper AI conversations and a more intentional room than a typical conference mixer. - You work in **AI research, engineering, product, or applied ML** and want to meet others building and thinking at a high level. - You are in Vancouver for **NeurIPS** and want to spend an evening with a more curated group than the usual large side-event crowd. - You care about **autonomy** and want to talk with people exploring where autonomous systems, agents, and next-generation AI are actually heading. - You are a **founder, investor, operator, or technical leader** looking to build relationships in the AI ecosystem that could lead to collaboration, hiring, or future opportunities. - You prefer events where the value comes from the **quality of the people in the room**, not a packed agenda or passive listening. - You have something real to contribute, whether that is research perspective, product insight, technical depth, or thoughtful questions, and you want to meet others operating at a similar level.