Question 1

What is Boston AI Week?

Accepted Answer

Boston AI Week is a statewide festival of AI events across Massachusetts. It's a decentralized "unconference": hundreds of independently hosted events — meetups, workshops, demo nights, panels, hackathons, mixers, and conferences — run by companies, universities, community groups, and individuals, all gathered into one official calendar. The 2026 theme is "AI in Business and in Life." Boston AI Week is operated by SmartCurrent Inc. as an independent community festival.

Question 2

What are the dates for Boston AI Week 2026?

Accepted Answer

Boston AI Week 2026 runs September 24 – October 2, 2026 — a nine-day core week. The Opening Party is Friday, September 25 and the Closing Party is Friday, October 2, both at Island Creek in the Seaport. Official events also run in the days before, during, and after the core week.

Question 3

Where does Boston AI Week take place?

Accepted Answer

Across Massachusetts. The festival is statewide — from the Berkshires to the coast — with Boston's Seaport as the center of gravity. Expect activity in Cambridge/Kendall Square, Back Bay and Downtown Boston, Somerville, Worcester, Lowell, the Pioneer Valley/Amherst, and Springfield. Events can be in person (anywhere in MA), virtual, or hybrid.

Question 4

What's the theme for 2026?

Accepted Answer

"AI in Business and in Life." We welcome events exploring how AI is reshaping work and industry as well as how it's showing up in everyday life — but the theme is a lens, not a limit. If it's about AI and delivers real value to attendees, we want it on the calendar.

Question 5

Who organizes Boston AI Week?

Accepted Answer

Boston AI Week is an independent community festival operated by SmartCurrent Inc. It was founded by Judah Phillips (Founder & Board Chair), with Paul Baier of GAI Insights as an Advisor, and is guided by a volunteer board of Massachusetts AI community leaders. Meet the board at aiweek.boston/board.

Question 6

When will the schedule of events be released?

Accepted Answer

The official schedule launches in the weeks leading up to the festival — typically a few weeks out — and keeps growing as new events are approved. The schedule launch is the single biggest moment for attendee sign-ups, so hosts should submit early to be included. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn for the announcement.

Question 7

How can my company sponsor Boston AI Week?

Accepted Answer

We'd love to talk. Boston AI Week offers a range of sponsorship and partnership options — from title and presenting sponsorships to community and in-kind partnerships. See the overview at aiweek.boston/sponsors, review the prospectus at aiweek.boston/sponsors/prospectus, or email info@aiweek.boston to start a conversation.

Question 8

Are there speaking opportunities at Boston AI Week?

Accepted Answer

There's no central speaker program — the best way to put your speakers in front of the community is to host or co-host your own event, which you fully control. Several anchor programs (like GAI World) run their own calls for speakers, so it's also worth reaching out to those organizers directly. Browse aiweek.boston/schedule to find programs that fit.

Question 9

Is there a media or press pass?

Accepted Answer

We don't run a central media or press program. Individual hosts often welcome press at their own events, so reach out to hosts directly for access. For festival-level media inquiries, email info@aiweek.boston.

Question 10

We'd like to partner with the Boston AI Week team on an initiative — who do we contact?

Accepted Answer

Send a short proposal to info@aiweek.boston and the team will follow up.

Question 11

I have feedback for Boston AI Week.

Accepted Answer

We want to hear it. Send any feedback to info@aiweek.boston and we'll factor it into how we run the festival.

Question 12

I'm having a technical issue or can't access the website.

Accepted Answer

Sorry about that. Email info@aiweek.boston with a description of the issue (and a screenshot if you can) and we'll resolve it as quickly as possible.

Question 13

What does it cost to host an event?

Accepted Answer

It's free to list an approved event on the official Boston AI Week calendar. You're responsible for the costs of running your own event — venue, food and beverage, A/V, staffing, and so on. There's no fee to participate beyond your own event costs.

Question 14

What kinds of events are you looking for? How should I choose what to host?

Accepted Answer

We welcome every format, so choose the type that fits your goals. Formats that consistently land well: Panels & fireside chats with notable speakers — founders, executives, researchers, and builders. Demo nights & product showcases — including launches and newsworthy moments. Founder- and builder-focused activations — hackathons, demo days, office hours, fundraising events. Workshops & masterclasses — hands-on sessions with practical, take-home insight. Experiential meetups — happy hours, dinners, runs, anything that brings the AI community together. The more creative, the better. The best events are substantive: they give attendees something real to learn, build, or take away.

Question 15

Which event platform should I use?

Accepted Answer

Whichever you like. Unlike some event weeks, Boston AI Week does not require a specific RSVP platform. Use Luma, Eventbrite, Partiful, RSVPify, your own website — whatever you already use to manage registration. When you submit your event, just include the public registration or info link and we'll point the official calendar to it.

Question 16

Can I use Eventbrite, Luma, Partiful, or another platform?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any reputable registration platform works. Pick the one that's easiest for you to manage your guest list and communications, and share that link in your submission.

Question 17

How do I submit my event? What's the submission process?

Accepted Answer

Submit through the form at aiweek.boston/host-event. You'll provide your event title and description, format, date and time, location (or virtual link), capacity, host details, and a logo. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the team follows up by email with any questions or missing details. Don't worry if every detail isn't finalized — we only need the high-level information to approve and list your event.

Question 18

Is there a submission deadline? Can I still submit if it's late?

Accepted Answer

There's no hard deadline — events are reviewed and added on a rolling basis right up to and through the festival. That said, the official schedule launch (a few weeks before the festival) is the biggest driver of sign-ups, so submit early to be included in that launch. Later submissions are still welcome and will be added as they're approved.

Question 19

Can I host more than one event?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — many hosts run several. Please submit a separate form for each event so each gets its own listing and registration link, even if it's the same event repeated on different days. Quality matters more than quantity, so focus on events you can fill and run well.

Question 20

Can I host a virtual or hybrid event?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In-person, virtual, and hybrid events are all welcome. To get the most out of the festival we encourage in-person gatherings, but virtual events broaden access across the state and beyond. In-person events must take place in Massachusetts. Submit a separate form for each event.

Question 21

Can I host my event before or after the official dates?

Accepted Answer

The core week is September 24 – October 2, and the festival footprint extends into the days just before and after. Events inside the core window are ideal and get the most visibility. If your event falls just outside those dates, submit it anyway and note the date — we'll let you know whether we can include it.

Question 22

What day and time should I choose?

Accepted Answer

Pick what works best for you and your audience. For a celebratory close-out event, Fridays tend to outperform Sundays. For panels, workshops, mixers, and most other formats, any day of the week can work — choose the slot you can fill and staff comfortably.

Question 23

Can you help me find a venue?

Accepted Answer

Hosts source their own venues; Boston AI Week does not provide or book spaces. That said, Massachusetts has a deep bench of AI-friendly venues — coworking spaces, university and innovation centers, company offices, and event rooms across Boston, Cambridge, and beyond. If you need help, email info@aiweek.boston and we'll share guidance and any current venue partners. A co-host with space is often the fastest path to a venue — see below.

Question 24

Can you connect me with a co-host or partner?

Accepted Answer

Co-hosting is one of the best ways to share the work, fill the room, and secure a venue. A few ways to find a partner: Start with your network — make a short list and reach out 1:1 with a quick pitch. Post publicly — share on LinkedIn or X from your personal account with a clear ask ("DM me if you'd like to co-host a Boston AI Week event on _"). Tap the community — our 6,200+ member Boston Generative AI Meetup is full of potential collaborators. If you're looking, email info@aiweek.boston and we'll help where we can.

Question 25

Where can I find Boston AI Week logos and brand assets?

Accepted Answer

Approved hosts get access to the Boston AI Week logo and brand assets to promote their events. You'll find them in our host resources (linked from aiweek.boston/host-event); if you can't locate what you need, email info@aiweek.boston and we'll send them over.

Question 26

What happens after I submit my event form?

Accepted Answer

Our team reviews your submission and emails you with any missing requirements or questions. Once everything's set, we confirm your event is approved and add it to the official calendar (which goes live closer to the festival). The sooner you submit, the sooner you're approved and ready for the schedule launch.

Question 27

When will I know if my event is approved?

Accepted Answer

Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis. You'll usually hear back within 24–48 hours; during peak periods it can take up to a week. If you haven't heard from us in that window, check your spam folder and then email info@aiweek.boston.

Question 28

How do I edit or fix my event listing?

Accepted Answer

Email info@aiweek.boston with the change you need — title, date, time, description, link, or capacity — and we'll update your official listing. If your registration page lives on your own platform, update it there too so the details match.

Question 29

How do I cancel my event or take down my listing?

Accepted Answer

Plans change — just email info@aiweek.boston and we'll remove or update your listing. If you've opened registration on your own platform, notify your registrants directly so they're not left wondering.

Question 30

What level of attrition (no-shows) should I plan for?

Accepted Answer

Plan for significant attrition. Because most events are free and draw people from well beyond your immediate network, no-show rates of 50–70%+ are normal — so invite well past your venue capacity. How much to over-invite depends on your location, the weather, your speakers, and how much you've promoted and communicated with registrants. When in doubt, over-invite and keep reminding people.

Question 31

How do I manage my waitlist and registrations?

Accepted Answer

Manage your guest list actively — it's the single biggest lever on turnout. The most common mistake is leaving people pending too long; they lose interest or commit to another event. Aim to approve or decline applicants within about 7 days. If you run a waitlist, message those guests periodically so they know they're still pending and not yet confirmed. Your registration platform's tools make this easy — another reason to pick one you're comfortable with.

Question 32

My event is over capacity — how do I politely decline registrants?

Accepted Answer

Communicate early and kindly. Let people know they weren't able to get a spot, and why, as soon as you can. A nice touch: point them to another Boston AI Week event — online or in person — they could attend instead. That turns a "no" into a helpful redirect.

Question 33

How often should I communicate with registrants before the event?

Accepted Answer

Often and clearly — with hundreds of events competing for attention, reminders drive attendance. A good cadence: weekly reminders in the weeks leading up, then daily reminders in the last 2–3 days. Remind guests that spots are limited and ask anyone who can't make it to update their RSVP, so your headcount stays accurate.

Question 34

How does Boston AI Week help promote my event?

Accepted Answer

Once approved, your event is: Listed on the official schedule that thousands of attendees browse. Promoted through our festival channels — our newsletter, our 6,200+ member Boston Generative AI Meetup community, and our social channels — in the run-up to the festival. Eligible for social resharing by our accounts. You'll still lead your own marketing, but these channels connect you to an engaged statewide AI audience.

Question 35

How do you recommend I promote my event?

Accepted Answer

Lead your own promotion — the best-attended events have hosts who hustle. Share your registration link early and often across LinkedIn, X, and your email lists; tag #BostonAIWeek so we can find and amplify you; lean on your co-host's network; and post live during your event, since real-time content performs best. Personal accounts and direct 1:1 invites consistently outperform generic broadcasts.

Question 36

Can you reshare our social posts?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we love amplifying the community. Tag #BostonAIWeek and mention Boston AI Week on LinkedIn (and your other channels), and send standout posts to info@aiweek.boston so we can consider them for resharing.

Question 37

I need to flag an issue with an attendee.

Accepted Answer

Thanks for flagging it. For anything urgent or safety-related at your event, contact venue security or call 911 first. For everything else, email info@aiweek.boston with the details and we'll help. All participants are expected to follow our Code of Conduct.

Question 38

How do I attend? How do I get tickets?

Accepted Answer

Boston AI Week is a decentralized festival — every event is hosted independently, and you register for each one separately. When the official schedule launches (a few weeks before the festival), you'll find each event with its own registration link at aiweek.boston/schedule. Spots fill quickly, so register early. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn so you don't miss the launch.

Question 39

How much does it cost to attend?

Accepted Answer

Boston AI Week itself is free to attend. Individual events are run by their hosts and most are free, though some may charge their own admission or ticket fee — check each event's listing.

Question 40

When will the schedule be released?

Accepted Answer

The official schedule launches in the weeks leading up to the festival and keeps growing as events are approved. Subscribe to the newsletter and follow along on LinkedIn for the announcement.

Question 41

How do I choose which events to attend?

Accepted Answer

With hundreds of events, there's something for everyone — whether you're a student, founder, engineer, researcher, investor, operator, or simply AI-curious. Use the filters and search on aiweek.boston/schedule to sort by topic, format, date, and location, and don't miss the signature programs: the Opening and Closing Parties, RoboBoston, GAI World, the AI in Massachusetts Workforce & Career Fair, the Boston Generative AI Meetup, and the AI Blueprint summit. Register early — popular events fill fast.

Question 42

How do I get into "invite only" events?

Accepted Answer

Because events are independently hosted, access to invite-only events is up to each host. Find the event on the schedule and reach out to the host directly to ask about an invitation or to be considered.

Question 43

I applied to an event but haven't heard back.

Accepted Answer

Each event is managed by its own host, so contact the host directly for an update on your registration. Boston AI Week doesn't manage individual event guest lists.

Question 44

Where should I stay? Which neighborhoods do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

It depends on which events you're attending, since the festival is statewide. The Seaport is the festival's center of gravity and home to the Opening and Closing Parties; Cambridge/Kendall Square, Back Bay, and Downtown Boston are all well-connected by the T and close to many venues. If your week is anchored around a specific program — say, GAI World at the Hynes in Back Bay — book nearby and use public transit to reach events elsewhere.

Question 45

Can I volunteer for Boston AI Week?

Accepted Answer

We're always glad to hear from people who want to get involved. Email info@aiweek.boston and tell us a bit about your interests and skills, and we'll be in touch about ways to help.

Question 46

I'd like to flag an issue with a host or event.

Accepted Answer

Thank you — this matters to us. Email info@aiweek.boston with the details and we'll look into it. All hosts and events are expected to follow our Code of Conduct. In an emergency, always call 911 first.

How can we help?

About Boston AI Week

Hosting — Planning & Submitting

Hosting — After You Submit & Running Your Event

Attending Boston AI Week

Still have questions?