Tech Futures: A Creative Showcase Imagining How We Shape Science & Technology for Collective Benefit

For generations, we've molded society to fit the technologies of the day. This event explores visions for a world where technology is molded to fit the needs, dreams, and goals of people instead. About the Event: We'll explore cutting edge science and technology, and the efforts underway to ensure the next wave of innovation is shaped by the interests of the many, not the few. There will be a fireside chat, panel, community conversations, creative performances, and live music.Note: Programming is located on the rooftop–we recommend dressing in layers; blankets and heat lamps provided.Come and go as you please–and don't forget to make time for exploring our exhibitions. Schedule of Events: 3:00pm - 10:00pm – Exhibitions Open (Floors 1 & 2) 5:00 - 7:30pm | Living Things: What if technology were good for us? 5:00pm – Framing: Technology That's Shaped to Us + Reflection PromptStephanie Fine Sasse, Founder, The Plenary, Co.5:15pm – Poetry: Chris Weir5:35pm – Vision Talks: What technology shapes to human needs actually looks likeTim Olson, KQEDDe Kai, Empathetic AI Professor, HKUST (Hong Kong) & ICSI (Berkeley)Danielle Twum, Scientist, The Plenary, Co.6:00pm – Panel: Living Things6:30pm — Closing Prompt + Group DiscussionStephanie Fine Sasse, Founder, The Plenary, Co.6:45pm — Live Music: Khalia 7:30 - 10:00pm | Not Your Grandma's Cyborg: Biotechnology, Personalized Medicine & the Future of Human Health 7:30pm — Opening Remarks7:40pm — Performance: Telice Summerfield, Turf Dancer7:55pm — Fireside ConversationJacob Kimmel, Co-Founder, NewLimitNafisa Elghazali, UC Berkeley–UCSF8:30pm — Audience Discussion: Living Things Card Deck9:15pm — Live Music: ALCIAN What to Expect: Art Exhibits: Immersive installations featuring 100+ original works created by artists to turn real community visions – collected across our year-long Visions Tour – into future worlds you can feel.Live Music: Live sets and performances curated by Nothin But Hits to turn our rooftop lounge into a space for joy, culture, and connection.Speakers & Workshops: Intimate talks and hands-on sessions that explore the ideas, perspectives, and possibilities shaping what's next.Lounge areas: Cozy spaces with conversation prompts and reflection cards to spark conversation. Talking to strangers highly encouraged.Gift Shop: Festival prints, custom candles, and limited-edition keepsakes – take a little of the future home with you.Food & Drinks: Light snacks and local, non-alcoholic beverages.Bar opens at 5pm (drinks available for purchase) Planning Your Day: A Day in Dogpatch Think of Future of Us HQ as a pop-up civic third space. You are welcome to show up and stay a while, or come and go throughout the day. Enjoy the rooftop, hang out in the lounges, and make sure to put aside plenty of time to browse the stories and visions dreamed up by your neighbors across the country. New to Dogpatch? This neighborhood is a hybrid of the best of SF – art meets science, history meets the future, nature meets design. Eat, drink, play & shop at Building 12Check out beautiful Bayside Parks and Green SpacesLearn more about all the wonderful food, drink, and activities the neighborhood has to offer Parking & TransportationStreet parking is available but limited. We recommend rideshare or public transportation. The Pearl is easy to reach by Muni and a short walk from the T-Third line. Accessibility & ConsiderationsThe HQ is wheelchair accessible; the event spans three floors, including both stairs and elevators. The exhibits are largely visual, but written materials are currently only available in English. Accessibility is important to us – if you have specific accommodation requests, please reach out to future@theplenary.co to discuss what's possible. ⚡ About the Future of Us Festival Launching on America's 250th anniversary, the inaugural Future of Us festival is a 10-day celebration of civic imagination and possibility. We're turning community-sourced, expert-crafted visions…