AI & The Future of Freedom (Day 1)
A gathering of policy leaders, technologists, and institutional thinkers exploring what AI means for the future of democratic governance and human freedom.
As we wrestle with the uncertainty surrounding AI and the polarization amplified by social media, it is more important than ever to return to First Principles and the timeless golden threads that have helped sustain a free society.
As America marks its 250th anniversary, the delta between intelligence and wisdom is growing by the day. AI is making intelligence increasingly abundant. Wisdom, by contrast, may become increasingly scarce—and increasingly valuable.
We should celebrate the innovation, curiosity, and sense of wonder driving the AI revolution. We need people willing to grapple candidly with the difficult questions of technological stewardship, human agency, and freedom. That's the community we began assembling in Dallas and will bring together again in Utah.
Expect candid panel discussions, fireside conversations, and an emphasis on what comes next: new partnerships, policy ideas, and practical tools.
October 21st, 2026 Schedule
9:00 to 9:50 – WELCOME | P(DOOM) vs. SURVIVABLE AI
John Hart and Paul Allen – Welcome
Alex Lightman and Brian Bourgerie – AI & Safety panel
10:00 to 10:50 – AI & OUR DEBT CRISIS | AI, DATA CENTERS, and ENERGY
David Walker and John Hart – Debt Crisis fireside chat
Nick Loris, Ryan Condron, and Brian Bourgerie – Data Centers and Energy
11:00 to 11:50 – STEWARDING AI | DEMOCRATIZING AI
Margarett Busse and Trina Limpert – Fireside chat, part 1
Travis Oliphant and Brian Bourgerie – Fireside chat, part 2
NOON to 1:00 – BREAK FOR LUNCH
1:00 to 1:50 – AI & HUMAN FLOURISHING
Matthew Brogdon – First principles of American freedom
Barclay Burns – Faith, Humanity, and Technology panel
2:00 to 3:00 – AI & GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY AND DATA RIGHTS | AI & THE CIVIC RENAISSANCE
Tina Cannon, Marlo Oaks, Dan Elliot, and John Hart – Transparency and Datar Rights panel
Nick Mastronardi, Aubrey Ottenstein, Paul Allen, and John Hart – Civic Renaissance panel
3:00 to 3:15 – CLOSING
John Hart, Paul Allen, Scott Paul
Hosted by the Center for Constitutional Studies at Utah Valley University.
Host Committee: John Hart, Paul Allen, Scott Paul, and Brian Bourgerie
Presenters Include:
David Walker, former Comptroller General of the United States
Margaret Busse, Commissioner of Utah Department of Commerce
Paul Allen, Founder of Ancestry and Founder and CEO of Soar.com
Trina Limpert, Founder and CEO of RizeNext and Co-founder of Tech-Moms.org
Barclay Burns, UVU Chief AI Officer, Cambridge University Fellow, and Learning.com founder
John Hart, CEO of OpentheBooks.com
Dan Elliott, Indiana State Treasurer
Marlo Oaks, Utah State Treasurer
Also, join us on Thursday October 22nd for Freedom Tech Demo Day where we'll dive deeper into some of the technologies mentioned at the event as well as get live demos of other sovereignty supporting tech and innovations!
UVU has secured hotel discounts are for those flying in:
Provo Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
101 West 100 No.
Provo, UT
DISCOUNT CODE: ZGD w/verification that you are traveling for UVU business.
Price: $144 plus taxes
Parking: $15 per night
Courtyard by Marriott in Orem
750 E. Park Ave.
Orem, UT
DISCOUNT CODE: ZGD w/verification that you are traveling for UVU business.
Price: $144 plus taxes
Parking: FREE
Hampton Inn & Suites
851 West 1250 So.
Orem, UT
DISCOUNT BOOKING LINK: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=PVUORHX&groupCode=CHHAIF&arrivaldate=2026-10-21&departuredate=2026-10-23&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT
Price: $129 plus taxes
Parking: FREE