When the 1682 Conference returns to the Barnes Foundation for its fourth installment on Oct. 8, it plans to deliver what today’s AI conversations often lack: candid, real-world examples of both success and failure.
Launched in 2019 as a pre-pandemic exploration of innovation programs, 1682 has evolved into an exclusive gathering for business leaders seeking practical AI strategies. After recent editions at Five Below’s headquarters (2024) and Comcast’s Lift Labs (2025), the conference has established itself as the destination for executives who want actionable intelligence, not theoretical discussions.
The Barnes Foundation is more than a backdrop. Its mission to teach “how to look at art” through close observation and critical thinking mirrors the conference’s philosophy of examining AI and innovation with rigor.
Attendees will enjoy private access to the museum’s extraordinary collection, including the world’s largest holdings of Renoir (179 works!) and Cézanne (69 works), while the galleries remain closed to the public.
Real-world applications, real business impact
With recent MIT research showing that 95% of generative AI pilots fail, 1682 brings together the successful implementations and the leaders who have learned from failure. This year’s programming goes beyond the theoretical to address the hard truths of AI adoption and the strategies needed to scale.
Highlights include:
- Industry-leading speakers: Executives from Google, The Hershey Company, Coca Cola, SEPTA, Boomi, O3, Comcast, Best Egg, Glean, Fingerpaint, Fire and Spark and Metadata
- Google closing keynote: Jon Flynn, Google’s head of AI go-to-market, on how AI agents are evolving from task-based tools to workforce multipliers
- Success and failure stories: Candid case studies from SEPTA, Fingerpaint, Best Egg, and Glean on what drives outcomes
- AI go-to-market strategy: How AI is reshaping marketing, from generative search to hyper-personalized customer experiences
- Historical context: David Williams (A Short Distance Ahead) traces 75 years of AI history to frame today’s opportunities.
- Venture Awards: Philadelphia-based startups pitch for $5,000 in prize money, go-to-market support from O3, and a Pennovation Works membership. This year’s finalists, AgriGates, Rego, and Liiv, will compete for these awards. Last year’s winner, Sahay AI, has since achieved rapid growth and received a notable investment.
Useful info — plus art, cocktails and chocolate
1682 distinguishes itself through thoughtful curation of every element, from intimate venues that foster genuine connection to speakers who are practitioners, not just theorists.
The experience includes curated networking over breakfast and lunch, a premium chocolatier station from Eclat, private access to the Barnes collection and an evening cocktail reception on the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Terrace.
Designed for executives, technology leaders, marketing professionals, product experts, venture capitalists, and startup founders, the conference is built for those ready to move beyond experimentation and toward profitable, scalable innovation.
The 1682 Conference is made possible through partners and sponsors including Glean, JP Morgan, IBX, Pennovation Works, Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Turnberry Solutions, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, Parallax and others who are actively shaping the 1682 AI and innovation community.
Getting real about making AI work for business
At its core, the 1682 Conference asks a simple but urgent question: How do organizations move from AI pilots to sustainable business transformation? Through first-hand insights from senior executives, attendees will learn how to define success, measure impact and scale solutions that last.
- Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
- Location: The Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia, PA
- Included: Full programming, breakfast, lunch, coffee service, cocktail reception, private museum access, and complimentary parking (72 spaces, first-come basis)
Learn more or register at 1682conference.com
