Fall 2026 Diplomatic AI Labs

October 5 & 6, 2026

In-Person | Washington, DC

Apply Here

The deadline to apply is Friday, September 18, 2026

Virtual Event: How to Build an Agile Events Program

Relax and relive the moment.

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Program Details

Adapted from Meridian’s proven Tech Labs model, the Diplomatic AI Lab will translate complex technical concepts into policy-relevant insight for diplomats whose work increasingly intersects with AI governance and global norms-setting. The content of the lab will focus on fundamental aspects of AI and AI safety, two critical issues facing AI globally. The special cohort will feature expert-led instruction, candid discussion, hands-on learning, and cohort-building—all in two days.

Since 2016, Tech Labs has helped more than 1,500 U.S. government staff build the technical fluency needed to engage more effectively on AI and cybersecurity policy. Its AI curriculum has been valuable to executive and legislative staff as it emphasizes technical knowledge and basic understanding that need to underpin every policy decision, sidestepping ideological divides and building common ground for fruitful discussion. This is not a program training staff to use AI, but to understand the technology and contextualize it in broader policy discourse.

This opportunity is free of charge.

Grab your favorite snack and tune in.

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Grab your favorite snack and tune in.

Pro Tip:

First, watch the video to learn how to use this type of theme. Then, replace the iFrame embed code of the video below by clicking into it and clicking on the "Embed Options" tab on the right. Hide this element when you're finished.

Need more help? Here are some great Help Center articles regarding embed best-practices:

• How do I resize an iFrame?

• What's the difference between iFrame elements and Video elements?

• How do I embed webinars or livestreams using an iFrame element?

• What can I embed using an iframe into Splash?

Agenda

7:00–7:10

All Speakers

Welcome Intro

Hosts will introduce themselves and get you up to speed on the webinar's agenda.

7:10–7:20

Sab Pell, Openform

Opening Remarks

Host Sab Pell will take you through the hot topics and best practices to move forward with.

7:20–7:45

All Speakers

Panel Begins

Open Q&A between guest presenters and attendees.

7:45-8:00

Jet Rodriguez, Righteous, Inc.

Closing Thoughts

Guest speaker Jet Rodriguez will keep us informed on what the future of virtual events will begin to look like.

Confirmed Speakers

Sab Pell

Sr. Director of Product Marketing

Sab Pell is senior director of product marketing at Openform, where her goal is to help people unlock the power of in-person events. Prior to Openform, she led global product marketing teams.

OpenFORM

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Your Hosts

Sab Pell

CEO

OPENFORM

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Frank Sides

VP, Technology

TRUST THE PROCESS, INC.

+

Resource List

01

A Guide to Agile Event Programs that Can Survive Anything

Explore why the most dynamic leaders are building strategies for agile event marketing with a focus on scaling in-person and virtual events that are fast, flexible, and hyper-effective at driving meaningful connections.

Check it out

02

Crisis Mode: Ideas for Managing Events in Challenging Situations

Learn strategies, experiences and lessons learned from top event marketing leaders who have walked through the fire more than once and lived to talk about it.

Register

03

How to Build a Rock Solid Agile Events Program

The old way of doing event marketing—a large, inflexible investment in a small number of tentpole events—doesn't fit into a business world that demands adaptability and speed.

Watch now

04

IRL + URL: How to Blend In-Person and Virtual Events

Blending in-person and virtual experiences to create a hybrid event is one way event marketers can lean into this ever-changing operation, reach new audiences, and discover new growth.

Read the article

FAQ

Who can apply?

This is a session focused on mid- and senior-level diplomatic staff. You must be actively part of the international diplomatic community to be considered. For those not in the Washington, DC area, we will be offering a limited number of travel stipends. Please indicate your need for this in the application.

What is the selection process?

This is the inaugural cohort, and seats are limited. Subject to demand, we ask to limit applications to no more than one representative from a diplomatic mission. Additional representatives may be accommodated on a waitlist and have priority in future editions.

Do I Need a Letter of Recommendation or Resume?

A resume is required, and a letter of recommendation from your supervisor is strongly encouraged.