What was once a modest conference for a tight-knit group of AI researchers has transformed into a high-profile spectacle drawing industry titans, venture capitalists, and tech celebrities. The event, once a quiet retreat for deep thinkers and code-writers, now features lavish yacht parties, celebrity appearances, and a palpable sense of excitement—and anxiety—about the future of artificial intelligence. This year’s gathering was no exception. Attendees included some of the most influential figures in AI: founders of major labs, leading academics, and executives from the world’s biggest tech companies. The atmosphere was electric, charged with both ambition and unease. As AI systems grow more powerful and capable, the stakes of the conversation have never been higher. The shift in tone reflects the rapid evolution of the field. Just a few years ago, AI research was largely confined to university labs and specialized conferences. Today, it’s a global race with billions in investment, national security implications, and profound ethical questions. The meeting’s transformation mirrors that journey—from quiet discussions about neural networks to urgent debates about control, alignment, and the long-term risks of superintelligent systems. Despite the glitz and glamour, the core mission remains. Scientists and engineers still gather to share breakthroughs, challenge assumptions, and grapple with the unknown. But now, their work is under constant public scrutiny, and every new model release sparks headlines, policy debates, and investor frenzy. Some attendees expressed concern that the growing spectacle risks overshadowing the science. “We’re losing focus on the fundamentals,” one researcher said. “The real work is still in the code, the data, the math—not the parties.” Still, the event continues to serve as a vital forum for collaboration and foresight. For all its excess, it remains one of the few places where the world’s top minds can come together—on a yacht or in a conference room—to ask the hard questions: How do we build systems that are safe, fair, and truly beneficial? And who gets to decide? As the year’s most powerful AI models go from lab to real-world use, the meeting has become more than a party. It’s a barometer of the field’s progress—and its growing responsibility.