Skip to content

AI Governance DCMini-Conference

A three-day conference for students interested in the future of AI governance, held in Washington, DC.

October 23–25, 2026

Apply now by August 28Refer an applicant
The dome of the United States Capitol at golden hour
The United States Capitol at golden hour, the setting for a three-day conference on artificial intelligence policy.

We need more people working on policy to make sure AI goes well.

The future of AI will be shaped in large part by political decisions made in Washington, DC. A major bottleneck on impactful, informed policy work is the disconnect between the technical expertise of AI researchers and the priorities of Washington’s policy landscape.

By bringing together motivated students, young professionals, and knowledgeable guest speakers who all share an interest in AI governance, we hope to develop the next generation of policymakers working towards safe AI and thoughtful oversight.

If you are:

  • an undergraduate
  • a graduate / master's student
  • a law school student
  • a recent graduate

who is considering a career in AI governance, law, or public service, then this conference is for you: apply here.

Timeline

  1. Aug 3, 2026Applications open
  2. August 28, 2026Final application deadline
  3. Sep 20, 2026Decisions released
  4. Oct 22, 2026ArrivalLodging provided from Thursday evening.
  5. Oct 23–25, 2026DC Mini-Conference 2.0Washington, DC

DCMC 1.0

  • A guest speaker presenting on AI risk and policy at DCMC 1.0
  • Attendees gathered outdoors during DCMC 1.0
  • Attendees at lunch on a DC rooftop during DCMC 1.0
  • I can't seem to stress how powerful, inspiring and well-designed this was to move people like me to act more within this field.

    DCMC 1.0 attendee

  • I think it will prove to be a big inflection point for my future in AI policy. I gained so, so much context and knowledge in the field that I am not sure I could, or would, have found otherwise.

    DCMC 1.0 attendee

Including guests from

  • Institute for Progress
  • Center for a New American Security
  • Americans for Responsible Innovation
  • Center for Security and Emerging Technology
  • Foundation for American Innovation
  • RAND Corporation

Come help write the rules.

Apply nowRefer an applicant

Questions

Please contact contact@dcminiconf.com with any questions or feedback.

For policymakers

Work in policy and interested in speaking or attending? We'd like to hear from you.

Email us to express interest