What is the AI Captain’s Cohort™?
The AI Captain’s Cohort™ is a curated leadership experience designed to help leaders think clearly and wisely about artificial intelligence, leadership, culture, and organizational effectiveness in a rapidly changing world.
Where is the Cohort taking place?
The cohort will take place throughout Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, with sessions and gatherings hosted at:
The Tennessean and Marriott Knoxville Downtown are adjoining hotels located in downtown Knoxville, approximately a 5-minute walk from the Knoxville Convention Center and other primary cohort locations throughout the weekend.
Who attends the Cohort?
Participants include business owners, executives, operators, entrepreneurs, organizational leaders, and Helmwise Fellows from a variety of industries and backgrounds.
What should I wear?
Business attire is recommended throughout the cohort.
We also recommend:
Should I use my laptop or technology during sessions?
To help create a focused and distraction-free environment, cohort table sessions are intended to be no-tech spaces during discussions and teaching sessions.
Participants will receive a journal and writing materials onsite to capture notes, reflections, ideas, and takeaways throughout the weekend. We encourage attendees to be fully present and engaged in the conversations happening around the table.
Do I need technical AI experience?
No. The cohort is designed for leaders, not engineers. Sessions are built to help participants understand AI strategically and practically, regardless of technical background.
Travel & Arrival
What airport should I fly into?
The recommended airport is:
The airport is approximately 20–25 minutes from downtown Knoxville.
Is airport transportation provided?
Transportation is not included. We recommend:
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your hotel directly in advance to confirm whether shuttle or transportation services are offered.
When should I arrive?
We recommend arriving in Downtown Knoxville on Thursday afternoon, May 28, before the opening reception begins at 4:30 PM at The Tennessean.
Where should I stay?
Lodging is included as part of your cohort registration. Attendees will be accommodated at either:
The Tennessean and Marriott Knoxville Downtown are adjoining hotels located in downtown Knoxville, approximately a 5-minute walk from the Knoxville Convention Center and other primary cohort locations throughout the weekend.
Hotel placement and additional arrival details will be communicated prior to the event.
Downtown Knoxville is within walking distance of primary cohort activities and sessions.
Are the evening 'city walks' required?
No. Evening city walks and optional social gatherings are available for attendees who would like to continue conversations and networking after sessions conclude. Optional meetups are intended to create additional space for conversation, networking, and relationship-building.
What should I expect during my stay?
Thursday is designed to help participants settle in, connect relationally, and establish context for the cohort experience through:
Friday includes:
This is the fullest programming day of the cohort.
Saturday focuses heavily on:
The evening concludes with the Wilberforce Award Dinner and optional networking opportunities afterward.
Is the Wilberforce Award Dinner included?
Yes, for registered cohort participants. Your registered plus one is also included for the Wilberforce Award Dinner.
Is Sunday programming required?
No. Sunday morning activities are optional.
Participants are welcome to attend:
When does the cohort officially conclude?
The cohort officially concludes following the Wilberforce Award Dinner on Saturday evening. Sunday morning activities, including the commissioning gathering, are optional for attendees who would like to participate before departing Knoxville.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. Please communicate dietary restrictions or allergies to the Helmwise team in advance.
Who do I contact if I need help before or during the event?
Please contact: cohort@helmwise.com
The Helmwise team will also be available onsite throughout the weekend to assist attendees.
What if I get lost or fall behind the schedule?
Downtown Knoxville is very walkable, and most cohort locations are within a short walking distance of each other. If you become separated from the group or are unsure where to go, a member of the Helmwise team will be available throughout the weekend to assist with directions and schedule guidance.
We also recommend keeping the digital schedule accessible on your phone for quick reference between sessions and locations.
For immediate assistance during the event, attendees will receive onsite contact information prior to arrival.
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