Oct 3-4, 2025 | National Landing/Crystal City in Arlington, VA
Where Innovation Meets Imagination
About the Event
On Friday, immerse yourself in a forward-looking discussion on the profound impact of artificial intelligence. We’re bringing together leading experts to share their insights on how AI is shaping policy and pushing the boundaries of technological innovation. Engage with thought-provoking panels and fireside chats covering critical topics that are at the forefront of AI’s real-world applications. Discover how AI is being deployed in emergency response to save lives and optimize resources, and delve into the complexities and future of autonomous vehicles. This is your chance to hear directly from the minds at the intersection of policy and technology.
On Saturday, bring your family, grab your friends, and enjoy a day filled with interactive activities, vendor showcases, and entertainment. Explore how AI is transforming the arts, science, music, sports, and even storytelling — all in a vibrant, three-block outdoor festival setting. From inspiring keynote moments to casual photo ops perfect for sharing on social media, there’s something for everyone — whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a student, or just curious about what the future holds.
Proudly organized by the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) and JBG Smith, AI Unlocked is more than an event — it’s a celebration of innovation, community, and creativity.
Programming
October 3
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Doors open at 9:30amAI+ Policy
This track includes candid, high-impact conversations on how AI and other emerging technologies are shaping national strategy, economic growth, and American power—by bringing together policymakers, strategists, and technologists.
AI+ Tech Frontiers
From fighting wildfires and transforming classrooms to improving healthcare and preparing us for a smarter, tech-enabled world, this track shows how AI is being built and used to solve real problems. With inspiring talks and hands-on demos, it brings AI down to earth—making it engaging, understandable, and connected to everyday life.
October 4
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Doors open at 9:30am
AI+ Discovery
This track brings together leaders and innovators for high-impact conversations on how AI is reshaping the arts, music, film, health, sciences and education. From breakthroughs at the cutting edge of discovery to bold new forms of creative expression, it explores how technology is redefining and expanding what’s possible across disciplines.
- Challenge your friends to a high-speed race from the comfort of our VR racing chairs.
- Immerse yourself in a world of interactive digital art.
- Step into the future as you build, operate, and play with cutting-edge robotics.
- Transform yourself in our AI photo booths—you could be a superhero, an astronaut, or anything you can imagine.
- Browse a wide selection of titles for all ages in our bookstore.
Including games and activities from:
Event Maps
Featured Speakers
Greg Hart
President and CEO, Coursera
Maithra Raghu
Founder and CEO, Samaya AI
Refik Anadol
Director and CoFounder, Refik Anadol Studio
National Landing
Arlington, Virginia
Featured Sponsors
JBG Smith
Lead Sponsor
Arlington Economic Development
Spark Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
Friday is focused on professional programming. We kindly ask that families and children join us for Saturday’s family-friendly experiences.
Free admission, but to download the app and get all the information, register at scsp.ai/ai-unlocked.
The event runs on Friday, October 3, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM ET, and Saturday, October 4, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET.
The event hub is located along the Crystal Drive corridor in National Landing (Arlington, VA). We highly recommend public transportation.
By Metrorail (Recommended):
Stop: Crystal City Metro Station (Blue & Yellow Lines)
Exit: Follow signs to Crystal Drive
Walk: 5-10 minutes along Crystal Drive to the festival footprint.
By Metrobus: Several lines serve the area, but routes may be modified due to street
closures. Use WMATA’s trip planner for the most up-to-date schedules.
23A/B/T: McLean–Crystal City–Shirlington
10A: Alexandria–Pentagon
Metroway (Blue BRT service): Pentagon City ↔ Braddock Road (stops at Crystal Drive)
Use WMATA’s trip planner for the most up-to-date schedules and routes.
By Rideshare/Taxi: Use designated drop-off zones at 15th St & S. Bell St or 20th St & Crystal Drive.
By Car: One hour parking is $6, two hours is $12, and the daily max is $23 Entrance on Crystal Drive between 15th and 18th Street. Entrance on 18th Street between Crystal Drive and S. Bell Street.
The event hub is located along the Crystal Drive corridor in National Landing (Arlington, VA). We highly recommend public transportation.
By Metrorail (Recommended):
Stop: Crystal City Metro Station (Blue & Yellow Lines)
Exit: Follow signs to Crystal Drive
Walk: 5-10 minutes along Crystal Drive to the festival footprint.
By Metrobus: Several Metrobus lines serve the Crystal City area with stops along
Crystal Drive and S. Bell Street. The Crystal and Bell routes will be modified due to the street
closures.:
23A/B/T: McLean–Crystal City–Shirlington
10A: Alexandria–Pentagon
Metroway (Blue BRT service): Pentagon City ↔ Braddock Road (stops at Crystal Drive)
Use WMATA’s trip planner for the most up-to-date schedules and routes.
By Rideshare/Taxi: Use designated drop-off zones at 15th St & S. Bell St or 20th St & Crystal Drive.
By Car: Free All-Day Parking: 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA Park and walk right onto Crystal Drive—festival entrances are signed.
In the event of rain, we will proceed with the event. Each activation will have heavy duty canopies to ensure a good experience.
All food and drink will be sold by the existing retailers and vendors in the area.
Yes. All primary approaches from the Metro, bus, rideshare, and parking connect to wide, ADA-friendly sidewalks along Crystal Drive.
First aid stations will be located at designated spots throughout the festival. Please refer to the event map in the app or visit an Info Booth for exact locations.
You can download the event app, to be sent out prior to the event via email, and the agenda is available
at scsp.ai/ai-unlocked.
On the day of
the event, you can also visit one of our Info Booths located at both ends of Crystal Drive and S. Bell
Street.
