Artificial Intimacy: Who Do We Become When We Talk to Machines?
MIT Alumni Association
MIT Alumni Association
MIT Sloan Club of Northern California
Thursday, May 1, 5:00pm - 8:00pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Event Details
Joint School Alumni Spring Happy Hour
Come join us, the partnered alumni groups at San Francisco Bay Area, to celebrate the Spring time together!
Event Details
Let's reconnect and celebrate the spring together! The partnered groups of top U.S. University's alumni groups jointly host the happy hour for alumni to network and cheer for the beautiful weather of the Bay Area!
*Cash Bar: each participant pays for the drinks and food they order.*
Cost: No Charge to attend
Where
Blackbird Bar
2124 Market Street
San Francisco, California
Jointly-hosting schools (alphabetical order):
Berkeley Haas Silicon Valley Chapter
Chicago Booth: Bay Area Alumni Community
Columbia Club of Northern California
MIT Club of Northern California
Kellogg Alumni Club of San Francisco and Silicon Valley
Northwestern Club of San Francisco
NYU Alumni Club in the Bay Area
University of Chicago Alumni Club of the Bay Area
Wharton Club of Northern California
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MIT Sloan Club of Northern California
Saturday, May 3, 6:30am - Sunday, May 4, 9:30pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Event Details
Yosemite Trip - Peak to Peak Challenge
Embark on an unforgettable weekend adventure, hiking the stunning waterfalls of Yosemite Valley! Immerse yourself in one of nature’s greatest masterpieces—Yosemite National Park—where towering waterfalls, ancient sequoias, and iconic cliffs like Half Dome and El Capitan await. In May, the park comes alive with vibrant wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and lush greenery. It’s the perfect time to experience Yosemite in all its glory. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking beauty that surrounds you at every step!
We'll depart from the Bay Area early Saturday morning, May 3rd, for a scenic 4-hour drive to the park. Upon arrival, we'll hike the beautiful Vernal and Nevada Falls in the afternoon, then settle in for the night at Curry Village in cozy canvas tent cabins. On Sunday, May 4th, we'll tackle the Upper Yosemite Falls trail before heading back to the Bay Area in the evening.
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🚌 Transportation
Yosemite National Park is approximately 190 miles (about 4 hours) from the Bay Area. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation. To help facilitate carpooling, we’ll connect interested participants through WhatsApp or email. We highly encourage coordinating rides to make the journey more fun and eco-friendly.
🪪 Yosemite Entrance Fee: $35 per private vehicle. 🔗 View Yosemite Fees & Passes
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🥾 Hikes Overview
Day 1: Vernal & Nevada Falls
💪 Difficulty: Hard
📏 Distance: 6.4 miles
📈 Elevation Gain: 2,200 ft
⏱️ Duration: ~4 hours
🌊 Highlights: Mist Trail, footbridge views, waterfalls up close
Day 2: Upper Yosemite Fall
💪 Difficulty: Hard
📏 Distance: 6.6 miles
📈 Elevation Gain: 3,254 ft
⏱️ Duration: ~5.5 hours
🏞️ Highlights: Panoramic valley views, top of Yosemite’s tallest waterfall
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🍽️ Food & Beverages
All participants are responsible for covering the cost of their own food and drinks during the trip. Refer to the Detailed Itinerary below for planned dining locations and menus along the way.
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🏕️ Accommodation
We’ve reserved 19 unheated canvas tent cabins at Curry Village, a scenic spot right in the heart of the Yosemite Valley — near the base of Half Dome. While the lodging offers a campground vibe, Curry Village also provides: Public shower houses, Restrooms, Several on-site dining options
📍 More details about Curry Village. 🖼️ Take a VR tour of the tent cabins
Tent Assignment Breakdown (price included in ticket): 10 tents (Double Occupancy, $120 per person), 6 tents (Triple Occupancy, $80 per person), 3 tents (Quad Occupancy, $65 per person)
During registration, please list the names of those you'd like to share a tent with. Solo travelers? No worries — we’ll help match you with others and handle the coordination.
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🗓️ Detailed Itinerary
Saturday, May 3, 2025
6:00–10:30 AM – Drive from Bay Area to Yosemite (191 mi, ~4 hrs). ☕ Grab breakfast en route.
11:00–12:00 PM – Lunch Packaged Sandwiches, or (if time permits) @ Taqueria at Meadow Grill 🌮
12:30–5:00 PM – Hike Vernal & Nevada Falls (6.4 mi, 2,200 ft gain) 🥾
5:30–7:00 PM – Dinner @ Stevens Tent 🍽️
7:30–8:00 PM – Check-in @ Curry Village Canvas Tents (unheated) ⛺
9:00 PM – Drinks @ 1899 Bar 🍻
Sunday, May 4, 2025
8:00–9:00 AM – Breakfast TBD + pack lunch 🥪
9:00–10:00 AM – Check out of Curry Village 🧳
10:00–4:00 PM – Hike Upper Yosemite Fall (6.6 mi, 3,254 ft gain) 🏞️
4:30–6:00 PM – Scenic stops (if time permits): El Capitan, Tunnel View 📸
6:00–10:30 PM – Drive back to Bay Area (~4 hrs). 🍔 Dinner on the road
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🎒 What to Bring
Here’s an initial checklist of must-haves to help you stay comfortable and prepared:
🔦 Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
🛏️ Sleeping bag (Linen and light blanket provided, but a sleeping bag is still essential)
🧥 Layers: Warm jacket, rain jacket (needed for mist trail even on a clear day)
💧 Refillable water bottle (1L minimum)
👟 Hiking gear: Shoes with ankle support, hiking poles, sunhat, sunglasses
🧳 Duffle bag for 2 days + a daypack for hikes
🩴 Shower shoes (for public facilities)
😴 Earplugs (Quiet hours: 10 PM – 6 AM)
🧺 Sealable plastic containers to store food, snacks, and scented toiletries in bear-proof lockers
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🎒 Other Notes
Fitness: Both hikes of this trip are classified as hard and require participants to be in good physical condition. Please reach out to us if you want to go on the trip, but may not be interested in / doubtful about completing the hikes.
Travelling with Children: A limited number of tickets are available for children (6-10 years) and infants/toddlers (under 6 years). The two planned hikes are hard and may not be suitable for the small children. We will share recommendations for other activities suitable for children - the Yosemite Valley has plenty to offer for people of all ages.
Safety: Please visit Yosemite Safety page to familiarize with various hiking safety, environmental hazards, and wild animals.
Cellphone: Cellular network is only available in very few spots in and around Yosemite National Park. Ensure to download google maps ahead of time to navigate inside the park.
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About Peak to Peak Challenge
Embark on an exhilarating adventure with the Peak to Peak Challenge! Calling all thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts to join us on a journey through the breathtaking Bay Area landscape. Gather your friends and immerse yourselves in the beauty of the great outdoors as you conquer five awe-inspiring peaks together. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a unique way to connect with friends, this challenge promises unforgettable vistas and shared triumphs. Revel in the camaraderie, challenge your limits, and create lasting memories as you scale the heights of nature's grandeur. Don't miss out on the opportunity to forge stronger bonds while exploring the stunning peaks of the Bay Area. Lace up your boots, embrace the adventure, and join us for the Peak to Peak Challenge!
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Learn MoreMIT South Asian Alumni Association (MITSAAA)
Monday, May 5, 5:30pm - 7:30pm (America/New_York)
Event Details
<p>This event is to celebrate the achievements of our graduates and honor the sacrifices their families made to make attending MIT a possibility. The entire MIT community (students, alumni, staff, faculty, family, friends) is invited to enjoy and be with us on this date to recognize our grads. In addition to celebrating in person, we are planning to live stream this program for our alumni, families and friends.</p>
<p>Register to attend the event in person or virtually by selecting the appropriate option provided in the drop down menu. All in-person tickets include refreshments at the event. If you registered as a virtual attendee, you will receive the livestream link before May 5th. Please note, we are charging a nominal fee to help offset the cost of the celebration. </p>
<p><strong>For 2025 Graduates</strong>: The registration deadline to be included in the program is <strong>April 30th</strong>. Late additions may be allowed on a case-by-case basis</p>
<p><strong>After you register, you will need to email a professional headshot to <a href="mailto:mitsaaagrad@mit.edu">mitsaaagrad@mit.edu </a> for the slideshow during the celebration</strong>. Please make the subject line your first and last name.</p>
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Learn MoreMIT South Asian Alumni Association (MITSAAA)
Tuesday, May 6, 12:00pm - 1:00pm (America/New_York)
Event Details
<div>
<img style="float: left;" src="https://d21hwc2yj2s6ok.cloudfront.net/shrine_store/uploads/networks/143…; alt="" width="300" height="450">In this presentation, the 2024 Economics Nobel Prize Winner and MIT Distinguished Professor Simon Johnson will discuss how technology has been the mover of progress and prosperity for the last 1000 years. And how we must manage, navigate and share technology for mass productivity and prosperity. Professor Johnson has very interesting insights into the various rules/governance and their impact on the prosperity of the societies. For instance, how the British rule has adversely impacted the prosperity of South Asia.</div>
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<div>In its review, Guardian says that the work of Nobelists Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson shows us "how technology — ultimately the source of 85 percent of new wealth — can be used for human betterment." Times (London) says that the work discusses whether technology "will threaten social stability by increasing inequality and undermining democracy."</div>
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<div>This event is a collaboration with the MIT Sloan Club of New York.</div>
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<div>photo credit: MFPhoto/ Melissa Lyttle</div>
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Learn MoreClub of Dallas and Fort Worth
Tuesday, May 13, 6:00pm - 9:00pm (America/New_York)
Event Details
This opportunity is courtesy of MIT Club of Chicago which is allowing us to participate remotely to support the efforts of the Science Committee at the Dallas Makerspace (DMS) to build a volunteering and STEM outreach partnership between the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science at UNT, the MIT Club of DFW, and DMS.
Please register for MIT Club of Chicago virtual ticket to the lecture BEFORE registering for the in-person event at DMS (free to dues paid members).
1. DMS-MIT Special Guest Lecture:
On May 13th, the Dallas Makerspace and the MIT Club of DFW will jointly host an remote special guest lecture featuring Professor Moungi Bawendi from the MIT Chemistry Department. Professor Bawendi will share about his groundbreaking work on quantum dots—nanoscale semiconductor materials that have revolutionized a wide range of applications including medical imaging, consumer electronics, and solar energy. There will be opportunities for questions at the end of the lecture.
About Professor Bawendi: Dr. Moungi Bawendi is the Lester Wolfe Professor of Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Born in Paris, he moved to the United States as a child and went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Harvard University, followed by a PhD in chemistry from the University of Chicago. In 2023, Professor Bawendi was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry as a co-recipient for his "discovery and synthesis of quantum dots."
2. Tour of the Dallas Makerspace + Demos/Activities:
A guided tour of the Dallas Makerspace will be provided. DMS offers a wide variety classes, equipment and resources including a machine shop, a hot glass shop, a metal shop, 3D printing, printmaking presses, a woodshop, science laboratory space, creative arts tools, a blacksmithy, an automotive shop, a ceramics studio, a jewelry studio and more. Demos and limited hands-on crafts and activities will be available (more details to come). A special discount on the first month of membership for MIT Alumni will be available for attendees.
About the Dallas Makerspace: Dallas Makerspace is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community workshop and laboratory sharing a 36,000sqft shop in Carrollton, TX. We are an organization of local artists, engineers, makers, and thinkers working together to provide tools and learning resources to the public. We use these resources to collaborate on individual and community projects in order to promote science, technology and art; while working and experimenting on innovative ideas to encourage learning within our community.
3. STEM Outreach Volunteering Information:
Both the MIT Club of DFW and the Science Committee at the Dallas Makerspace are looking to expand their STEM outreach activities. We need your help! If you are interested in volunteering, this is a great opportunity to meet people already involved in these activities as well as STEM educators and student leaders. Together we can make a real impact.
Light refreshments and food will be provided.
The exact room(s) for each part the event will be announced later. Information will be posted on the Science Committee area whiteboards on the day of the event.
MIT Alumni: To attend the in-person event at DMS, please register for both this event AND the virtual option ticket from MITCOC ($25): https://alumcommunity.mit.edu/networks/events/123570
Registration for DMS Members: https://calendar.dallasmakerspace.org/events/view/24544
Local STEM Educators: Please reach out to science@dallasmakerspace.org for an invitation (limited availability).
Contact
greenorbs@dallasmakerspace.org
Learn MoreMIT Sloan Club of Northern California
Thursday, May 15, 5:00pm - 8:00pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Event Details
Join us and other Sloanies in SF at the popular Spark Social SF for happy hour on Thursday, May 15 from 5-8pm PT!
We will cover light apps. Excited to see everyone in good weather conditions!
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Learn MoreMIT Sloan Club of Northern California
Sunday, May 18, 1:30pm - 3:30pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Event Details
Explore the World of Textured Art and bring home your masterpiece!
Are you curious about textured art? Unleash your creativity and join us for an inspiring workshop where you’ll create your own unique masterpiece!
Includes:
- A canvas to bring your vision to life
- High-quality texture paste for dynamic effects
- All necessary painting tools
- Refreshing drinks to keep you energized
- A selection of light snacks to enjoy
Don’t miss this opportunity to experiment with textures and express yourself artistically in a fun and supportive environment!
Registration:
- Fee: $30 per participant, Limit 8
About your Event Leader:
Janice Lam (MBA' 23)
I'm thrilled to be your host for this exciting themed party series. With a passion for creativity and a love for hosting seasonal events, I'm here to ensure we have fun while being creative. Join me to make each season a special celebration of our Sloan community!
About the Themed Parties:
Join us at our Seasonal Themed Party Series, where every season brings a new reason to connect, create, and celebrate! Immerse yourself in vibrant themes, hands-on DIY projects, and delicious seasonal treats that will inspire your creativity and warm your heart.
Let's make each season a special celebration of our Sloan community! Whether you're a crafty enthusiast or just love a good party, these gatherings are the perfect opportunity to reconnect with fellow Sloanies, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories. Come together to design stunning decorations and share laughter-filled moments.
October 20 - Spooktacular Halloween Party with Pumpkin Carving
November 3 - Fall Party with Pumpkin Pie & Leafy Creations
December 8 - Christmas Party with Wreath Making
January 12 - Lunar New Year Party with Dumpling Making
February 9 - Love in Bloom: Valentine's Day Party with Flower Arrangement
May 18 - Spring into Textured Art
Learn MoreMIT Sloan Club of Northern California
Wednesday, May 21, 5:30pm - 8:00pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Event Details
Trust is the currency of leadership - without it, teams flounder and visions stall. Join us for an interactive and intimate workshop with leadership development expert Jason McClain of Evolutionary Companies, designed to deepen your understanding of how trust is built, lost, and regained in leadership.
Drawing from his decades of experience coaching executives and entrepreneurs, Jason will lead participants through a dynamic and experiential session exploring the three pillars of evolved leadership
Through guided exercises and real-time reflections, you'll walk away with practical tools and personalized insights on how to strengthen your leadership presence and earn the trust of those you lead.
Who Should Attend:
Key Takeaways:
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Learn MoreMIT Sloan Club of Northern California
Thursday, May 22, 5:30pm - 8:00pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Event Details
After the conversation with Dr Conti, you will have the opportunity to expand your professional network, connecting with fellow alumni from other leading business school associations (Bocconi, MIT Sloan, NYU Stern, IMD, ESADE).
An award-winning negotiation and influencing Professor & Lecturer at leading Business Schools throughout Europe (Cambridge, ESADE, HEC Lausanne, HEC Paris, IESE, IMD, Imperial College, INSEAD, London Business School, Oxford, RSM, SDA Bocconi, UBIS, University of Geneva and University of St Gallen) and a former Procurement leader known for making a tremendous difference to the bottom-line, Dr Conti is recognized for his pragmatic and interactive training workshops.
20+ years of Strategic Procurement experience, leading Global/Regional teams with Procter & Gamble, Novartis, Firmenich and Merck, Dr Conti led Advanced Negotiation training to leading corporations in four continents (10,000+ individuals from over 90 different countries attended Giuseppe’s workshops) , of which many are corporate leaders from multinational corporations.
AGENDA:
Registration 5.30 - 6:00 pm
Speech 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Q&A 6:30 - 6:45 pm
Networking 6:45 - 8.00pm
Reference: https://lu.ma/i5a822n2?locale=it