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
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Joint School Alumni Spring Happy Hour
Come join us, the partnered alumni groups at San Francisco Bay Area, to celebrate the Spring time together!Â
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!Â
*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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Learn MoreMIT 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 natureâs greatest masterpiecesâYosemite National Parkâwhere 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. Itâs the perfect time to experience Yosemite in all its glory. From the moment you arrive, youâll 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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đ Transportation
Yosemite National Park is approximately 190 miles (about 4 hours) from the Bay Area. Â Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation. To help facilitate carpooling, weâll connect interested participants through WhatsApp or email. We highly encourage coordinating rides to make the journey more fun and eco-friendly.
𪪠Yosemite Entrance Fee: $35 per private vehicle. đ View Yosemite Fees & PassesÂ
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𼞠Hikes Overview
Day 1:Â Vernal & Nevada Falls
đŞ Difficulty: Hard
đ Distance: 6.4 miles
đ Elevation Gain: 2,200 ft
âąď¸ Duration: ~4 hours
đ Highlights: Mist Trail, footbridge views, waterfalls up close
Day 2: Upper Yosemite Fall
đŞ Difficulty: Hard
đ Distance: 6.6 miles
đ Elevation Gain: 3,254 ft
âąď¸ Duration: ~5.5 hours
đď¸ Highlights: Panoramic valley views, top of Yosemiteâs tallest waterfall
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đ˝ď¸ 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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đď¸ Accommodation
Weâve reserved 19 unheated canvas tent cabins at Curry Village, a scenic spot right in the heart of the Yosemite Valley â 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
đ More details about Curry Village.  đźď¸ 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 â weâll help match you with others and handle the coordination.
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đď¸ Detailed Itinerary
Saturday, May 3, 2025
6:00â10:30 AM â Drive from Bay Area to Yosemite (191 mi, ~4 hrs). â Grab breakfast en route.
11:00â12:00 PM â Lunch Packaged Sandwiches, or (if time permits) @ Taqueria at Meadow Grill đŽ
12:30â5:00 PM â Hike Vernal & Nevada Falls (6.4 mi, 2,200 ft gain) đĽž
5:30â7:00 PM â Dinner @ Stevens Tent đ˝ď¸
7:30â8:00 PM â Check-in @ Curry Village Canvas Tents (unheated) âş
9:00 PM â Drinks @ 1899 Bar đť
Sunday, May 4, 2025
8:00â9:00 AM â Breakfast TBD + pack lunch đĽŞ
9:00â10:00 AM â Check out of Curry Village đ§ł
10:00â4:00 PM â Hike Upper Yosemite Fall (6.6 mi, 3,254 ft gain) đď¸
4:30â6:00 PM â Scenic stops (if time permits): El Capitan, Tunnel View đ¸
6:00â10:30 PM â Drive back to Bay Area (~4 hrs). đ Dinner on the road
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đ What to Bring
Hereâs an initial checklist of must-haves to help you stay comfortable and prepared:
đŚ Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
đď¸ Sleeping bag (Linen and light blanket provided, but a sleeping bag is still essential)
đ§Ľ Layers: Warm jacket, rain jacket (needed for mist trail even on a clear day)
đ§ Refillable water bottle (1L minimum)
đ Hiking gear: Shoes with ankle support, hiking poles, sunhat, sunglasses
đ§ł Duffle bag for 2 days + a daypack for hikes
𩴠Shower shoes (for public facilities)
đ´ Earplugs (Quiet hours: 10 PM â 6 AM)
đ§ş Sealable plastic containers to store food, snacks, and scented toiletries in bear-proof lockers
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đ 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.   Â
Safety: Please visit Yosemite Safety page to familiarize with various hiking safety, environmental hazards, and wild animals.Â
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.  Â
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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 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!Â
We will cover light apps. Excited to see everyone in good weather conditions!Â
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Learn MoreClub of Switzerland
Saturday, May 17, 10:00am - 5:00pm (Europe/Zurich)
Event Details
It is again time for the MIT Club of Switzerlandâs annual general meeting! The board is excited to welcome you to attend the AGM near Zurich on Saturday, May 17, 2025, hosted at the Umwelt Arena Switzerland, an exhibition and competence center for all things sustainability and environment. The event kicks off with a private behind-the-scenes tour of the sustainable design, architecture, and energy use of the Umwelt Arena building. Afterwards we'll enjoy a relaxed lunch together before heading to a meeting room to discuss the MIT Club. There is time before and after the official program to explore the exhibitions on your own. The event is modular - you can sign up for some or all additional activities as you wish!
As the forms of advanced eduction evolve at MIT and around the world, we too need to keep our club up-to-date. This year we will be considering revisions to our Club Statutes regarding the definition of membership. The AGM is your opportunity to participate in the Clubâs review of last year and add your voice to our planning for the future. We hope youâll join us!
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Date: Saturday, May 17
Location: Umwelt Arena Switzerland, 8957 Spreitenbach (near Zurich, maps)
Opening time: 10:00-17:00
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Program:
from 10:00 up to 11:00: individual arrival and exploration of the exhibitions
11:00 - 12:00: MIT private tour: "Behind the Scenes at Umwelt Arena" *
12:00 - 14:00: 3-course lunch at Restaurant Klima
14:00 - 16:00: AGM in meeting room "Bircher-Benner" **
16:00 - 17:00: individual exploration and departure
*The tour is limited to 20 participants. Tickets available first-come, first-serve.
**Participation in the AGM is limited to MIT community members. Your guests may continue exploring the exhibitions during this time. Please remember that only alumni who have paid Club dues this or last year (2025 or 2024) may vote at the AGM.
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Costs:
 | Entry Ticket+Tour | Lunch |
MIT community members who have paid membership fee | free of additional charge | free of additional charge |
MIT community members without active membership and guests | CHF 14.80 per person | CHF 31.55 per person |
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Registration:Â
To attend, sign up via the registration button on the website by Saturday, 3 May 2025. Note that cancellations after this date cannot be refunded.
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Accommodation:
If you are coming from further away...
There are plenty of hotels in Zurich, and the venue also highlighted 2 partner hotels nearby:
Our partner hotel âHilton Garden Innâ offers you favorable rates via this link: Available Rooms - Hilton Garden Inn Zurich Limmattal
Our partner hotel âharry's homeâ offers you special prices with the booking code: UWA
https://harrys-home.com/zuerich-limmattal/
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Attachments:
will be sent by email no fewer than 21 days ahead of the AGM
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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 youâll 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
Donât miss this opportunity to experiment with textures and express yourself artistically in a fun and supportive environment!
Registration:
-Â 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 Chinese Alumni Group
Wednesday, May 21, 7:00pm - 8:00pm (America/New_York)
Event Details
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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
âAfter 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).
âAn 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.
â20+ 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 Giuseppeâs workshops) , of which many are corporate leaders from multinational corporations.
AGENDA:
âRegistration 5.30 - 6:00 pm
âSpeech 6:00 - 6:30 pm
âQ&A 6:30 - 6:45 pm
âNetworking 6:45 - 8.00pm
Reference: https://lu.ma/i5a822n2?locale=it