Relating to AI, Relating to Ourselves: A Weekend of Workshops & Conversations @ Portal
Portal is a space for exploring how we think, feel and act in a world being reshaped by new technology, global events and changing human needs. We are bringing together workshops, discussions and practices on how we may relate to all this wisely.
The following is an invitation to engage in a deeper inquiry into the future of human-AI interaction. Over two days, we will navigate critical topics related to the complexities of LLM anthropomorphism and the growing challenge of integrating AI into our lives with wisdom and foresight.
The agenda is structured as a collaborative exploration, blending technical and philosophical perspectives. We will work through practical design challenges, apply principles of rationality, and collectively explore the open questions that have a bearing on our collective timelines. In the spirit of community and shared inquiry, we have made space for unstructured discussion, lightning talks, and optional circling for those who wish to extend the conversation beyond the formal sessions.
🗓️ Updated Schedule
Day 1 (Saturday, 27 Sept)
10:00 – Meditation, welcome, agenda setting
10:30 – 12:30 — Designing better AI interfaces (part 1) - Aditya
12:30 – 1:30 — Lunch together
1:30 – 3:30 — Anthropomorphic AI, LLM sycophancy & Systematic risks - Chin
3:30 – 4:00 — Tea break
4:00 – 5:00 — Group discussion on Human-AI interaction
5:00 – 5:30 — Lightning talks (everyone invited, half-baked ideas very welcome!)
5:30 – 6:00 — Reflections + Sunday’s agenda
6:00 onward — Hangout time & optional Circling with Vatsal
Day 2 (Sunday, 28 Sept)
10:00 – 10:30 — Meditation & check-in
10:30 – 12:30 — Designing better AI interfaces (Part 2) - Aditya
12:30 – 1:30 — Lunch together
1:30 – 3:30 — Rationality Workshop: Noticing Confusion - by Vatsal
3:30 – 4:00 — Tea break
4:00 – 5:30 — Group discussion + Lightning talks
5:30 – 6:00 — Closing circle & next steps
6:00 onward — Social time & optional Circling with Vatsal
What to Expect
A small, cozy group (15–25 people) - no prior expertise needed.
Sessions are interactive and playful, not lectures. You’ll get to try things out, reflect and share if you’d like.
You can step back whenever you need - listening quietly is welcome.
Evenings end with optional circling (a relational practice) and relaxed hangouts.
🍲 Food & Contribution
Attending the event itself is free - you are welcome to join all the sessions without cost.
If you’d like to share meals with the group (simple vegan lunch + chai/coffee/snacks):
₹600 for the full weekend
₹300 for one day
This helps us plan food smoothly and create a sense of gathering around the table.
👉 Please leave us a note when you RSVP to let us know whether you’ll be eating with us or managing your own food.
FAQs
Do I need to attend both days?
We encourage you to join for the whole weekend, since the sessions connect with each other and the group energy builds over time. But if you can only make it for one day (or a specific session), please leave us a note when you RSVP. Let us know which parts you’ll attend and how long you plan to stay - this helps us plan food, snacks and seating. In case we get too many signups, preference will be given to those signing up for both days.
What’s the cost?
The event is free to attend. If you’d like to eat with us, the contribution is ₹600 for the weekend or ₹300 for one day (covers vegan lunch + tea/coffee/snacks). When you RSVP, please let us know if you’ll be joining for meals so we can plan accordingly.
Do I need prior experience with AI or rationality?
Nope. All sessions are designed to be approachable. Curiosity is enough.
What should I bring?
Just yourself. You’re welcome to carry a notebook, water bottle, or any half-baked idea you’d like to share in the lightning talks.