Big Technology AI Summit: Greg Brockman, Aravind Srinivas, Aaron Levie, More — June 18, 2026 - Big Technology Podcast

Summary3 min read

Big Technology Podcast: Big Technology AI Summit Announcement

Host: Alex Kantrowitz
Episode Date: May 6, 2026
Episode Topic: Launching the Big Technology AI Summit, San Francisco – June 18, 2026

Episode Overview

In this special announcement episode, host Alex Kantrowitz introduces the first-ever Big Technology AI Summit, sharing details about the event’s lineup, purpose, format, and unique value. Unlike traditional trade shows, this summit is designed to create an intimate environment for in-depth conversations with top AI leaders and meaningful networking among attendees.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Big Technology AI Summit: What to Expect

Event Purpose:
- Not a large-scale trade show, but an intimate gathering for rich, direct conversation and networking.
- Aimed at those looking to deeply understand the changing landscape of AI from the inside.
Schedule & Format:
- Date/Time: June 18, 2026, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm
- Location: The Commonwealth Club, San Francisco
- Attendance cap: 200–250 participants for a close-knit atmosphere
- Post-event: Rooftop wine reception with views of the Bay and Bay Bridge.

Headlining Guests

Confirmed Speakers:
- Greg Brockman (President and Co-Founder, OpenAI)
- Aravind Srinivas (CEO, Perplexity)
- Aaron Levie (CEO, Box)
- Lauren Goode (Senior Correspondent, Wired)
“And a number of new names as well. … more details on that coming soon.” (00:26–00:30)

The Summit Experience

Unique Approach:
- Rather than panel upon panel, the summit will feature “a series of live conversations between me and our guests." (01:17)
- Attendees can “feel present in our conversations and with your fellow audience members.” (00:20)
Accessibility:
- Priced “reasonably” to promote inclusivity:
  
  “All right. This is not going to the $700 ticket. I want to make sure that it's accessible. I want to make sure that it's memorable and fun…” (00:56–01:03)
Community Building:
- Networking emphasized as a core feature.
- “Great opportunity for networking, great opportunity to learn where the AI world is heading.” (00:18)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Alex Kantrowitz on the Summit’s Atmosphere:

“Let me emphasize, this is not a trade show. There’s not going to be thousands of people there. I want to make it intimate, to feel like it does when we have these conversations on the show.” (00:10)
On the Vision for Future Summits:

“And then over time, the plan is basically, if this goes well, to do it every year. So be part of the first one, grab a ticket and please meet me and our special guests at the Commonwealth Club...” (01:09)
On Making the Summit Special:

“I want to make sure that it’s accessible. I want to make sure that it’s memorable and fun and that we’re going to have a really special first event.” (01:00–01:03)

Important Timestamps

00:06–00:26: Introduction to the Summit and confirmed guest speakers
00:10: “Let me emphasize, this is not a trade show…” – Alex describes the summit’s unique, intimate approach
00:18: “Great opportunity for networking, great opportunity to learn where the AI world is heading.”
00:56–01:03: Discussion of accessibility and pricing
01:09: Vision for the summit as an annual tradition
01:17: Format: “just going to be a series of live conversations between me and our guests...”
01:26: Call to action for sign-ups and website details

Final Takeaway

Big Technology AI Summit promises a rare chance for direct engagement with some of the world’s leading AI thinkers in an up-close, convivial setting. Kantrowitz’s enthusiasm and commitment to accessibility, community, and meaty conversation shine through. If you’re passionate about the future of AI, this is positioned as a can’t-miss event.

For more info and tickets:

Website: summit.bigtechnology.com
Sign-up link is available in the podcast show notes

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Transcript1 lines

[00:00]
A
Hey everyone, Alex Cantreots here and I am coming to you with some rather big news. We are going to be hosting Big Technology's first ever Big Technology AI Summit in San Francisco on June 18th. And I really hope that we're going to see you there. We're going to have OpenAI President and Co founder Greg Brockman there. We're going to have Perplexity CEO Arvin Srinivas there. We're going to have Box CEO Aaron Levy there. We're going to have Wired Senior correspondent Lauren Good there. We are about to announce a number of new names as well. And let me emphasize, this is not a trade show. There's not going to be thousands of people there. I want to make it intimate to feel like it does when we have these conversations on the show. It's going to be at the Commonwealth Club. The cap on the room is 200 to 250, so you'll really get a chance to feel present in our conversations and with your fellow audience members. Great opportunity for networking, great opportunity to learn where the AI world is heading. And at the end of the day, we're going to have a wine reception on the roof. So here's how it's going to work. 1 to 5pm on June 18, we're going to have 30 to 45 minute sessions with the leaders that I referenced along with a few others I'm really excited about and more details on that coming soon. And then afterwards we'll all hang out on the rooftop. There's a beautiful view of the bay and the Bay Bridge on top there. And I think it's going to be really, really special. So again, first time we're ever doing anything like this. I'm pretty sure we're going to sell the room out. So if you have interest in it, definitely go get your ticket in the show notes. We're going to price it reasonably. All right. This is not going to the $700 ticket. I want to make sure that it's accessible. I want to make sure that it's memorable and fun and that we're going to have a really special first event. And then over time, the plan is basically, if this goes well, to do it every year. So be part of the first one, grab a ticket and please meet me and our special guests at the Commonwealth Club on June 18, 2026. Again, it's just going to be a series of live conversations between me and our guests and we're going to announce even more guests as the day gets closer. So don't miss your chance. Go check it out. Our website is summit bigtechnology.com. easy enough. And the link to sign up is in the show notes. Don't miss it. Big technology AI Summit. I couldn't be more excited and I hope to see you there.