The Event

• Why is Fathom hosting The Ashby Workshops?

  Fathom is an independent 501(c)(3) dedicated to finding, building, and scaling the solutions needed for our transition to a world with AI.

  We believe AI is the defining technology of our lifetime — but the pace and complexity of AI demand a different approach from traditional regulation alone. They require cross-sector collaboration, new governance models, and creative solutions that reflect the nuance and complexity of the technology’s impacts.

  We are hosting The Ashby Workshops to generate, incubate, and realize solutions to the challenges uniquely posed by AI and to create a trusted environment where leaders can shape and test bold ideas together.

  This invite-only convening brings together influential leaders from government, tech, academia, industry, civil society, and philanthropy to design bold, implementable solutions. We approach this challenge and opportunity with humility and a shared commitment to moving beyond surface-level debates toward tangible policy and technical outcomes.

  We hope Ashby acts as a catalyst for long-term partnerships, uniting leaders who share a commitment to ensuring AI is developed and deployed in ways that uphold democratic values, strengthen public trust, and secure a thriving, innovative future.

• Why is it called The Ashby Workshops?

  W. Ross Ashby pioneered the field of cybernetics, the study of communication and automatic control systems in living organisms and machines. He posited the Law of Requisite Variety, which is as simple and straightforward as it is profound in its implications: The greater the complexity of a system, the greater the need for nuance and variety in its controls.

  AI in society is precisely such a system — deeply complex, fast-moving, and impossible to manage with a one-size-fits-all approach. The Ashby Workshops embodies this principle, convening diverse stakeholder voices to develop governance solutions that are thoughtful, nuanced, innovative, and — most importantly — effective in bringing about a better AI future.

• What is the goal of Ashby?

  The Ashby Workshops are designed to turn high-level conversations about AI into concrete solutions and partnerships that can be realized in the real world. Our goal is to give influential leaders the time, space, and trust needed to tackle specific technical, policy, and societal challenges—and to leave with a shared path forward.

  Through expert-led sessions, scenario planning, and collaborative workshops, participants work side-by-side to identify critical gaps, test new ideas, and refine proposals that can shape how AI is developed and governed.

  Ashby aims to seed ongoing collaborations, policy models, and initiatives that continue long after the event.

• How is Ashby different from other AI conferences?

  The Ashby Workshops isn't merely an event—it's a platform for meaningful action, a catalyst for enduring relationships, and an incubator for breakthrough solutions that define the next chapter of AI.

  Participants will tackle pressing questions raised by AI — the future of education, youth safety, job disruption, and the new AI economy, humanity in the time of AI, US leadership, and more, with a focus on practical, implementable outcomes. Our goal is not merely to discuss, but to actively drive forward initiatives that ensure the development of AI aligns with shared values and public trust.

• Who will be there?

  The Ashby Workshops is an invite-only gathering that brings together influential leaders with the expertise and authority to shape AI’s future. Attendees include prominent voices from government, tech, academia, civil society, and philanthropy, as well as sector experts in areas such as education, healthcare, finance, and national security etc.

  Rather than simply bring together a mix of titles and sectors, our focus is on bringing the right people into the room—those who can work collaboratively to design and implement real solutions. Past participants have included Yoshua Bengio, Founder and Scientific Director of Mila - Quebec AI Institute; Former Congressman Patrick McHenry, Senior Advisor at Lazard; President Tino Cuéllar, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; Former U.S. Chief Technology Officer Megan Smith, CEO and Founder of shift7; Professor Lawrence Lessig of Harvard Law School; President and CEO Jason Matheny of the RAND Corporation; Cofounder Jack Clark of Anthropic; and Former Congressman and Administration official Mick Mulvaney, Senior Advisor at McLarty Associates.

  We will share a selection of confirmed speakers and workshop facilitators closer to the event.

• When and where is the event?

  The Ashby Workshops is a two-day event that will take place from February 2-4, 2026, at the renowned Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg, VA.

• Why the Salamander?

  The Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg, Virginia, is a Forbes Five-Star resort known for combining luxury with a serene countryside ambiance just an hour outside Washington, D.C. The Salamander Resort was founded by Sheila C. Johnson, co-founder of BET, in 2013. It reflects her vision of combining luxury with natural beauty and sustainability. Over the years, it has become a destination for high-end travelers and executives and stands out thanks to its…

  • Award-Winning Spa: The Salamander’s Spa is renowned as one of the best in the country. It offers various wellness services, including massages, facials, and holistic treatments.
    
  • Equestrian Experiences: Middleburg is known as the nation’s horse and hunt capital, and the resort offers exclusive equestrian programs, from trail riding to lessons, providing a one-of-a-kind experience.
    
  • Culinary Excellence: The on-site restaurants feature farm-to-table dining, offering gourmet meals crafted with local ingredients.
• Why Middleburg?

  We deeply value the time commitment our attendees are making for The Ashby Workshops, and we’ve carefully selected a location that balances convenience with comfort to provide the best possible experience. Set amidst the rolling hills of Virginia’s horse country, Middleburg offers a serene, retreat-like atmosphere that feels far removed from the busy world yet remains easily accessible from major urban centers.

• Will sessions be recorded and shared after the fact?

  No, sessions will not be recorded.

• Can I buy a ticket or sponsor the event?

  No, we are not accepting sponsorship offers or selling tickets. Ashby is by invitation only. To learn more or to request an invite, email: theashbyworkshops@fathom.org