The Immersive Experience of Attending Effective Altruism Global
I recently attended Effective Altruism Global (EAG) events in Boston, in both 2017 and 2022, finding the experience to be profoundly enriching. Since my last reflection, I’ve had the opportunity to delve deeper into the EAG community, attending the event in San Francisco in 2016. During those years, the conferences stood out to me not only for their large attendance but also for their rich content and networking opportunities. This article will explore the impact of attending EAG, focusing on networking, personal growth, and the unique cultural aspects of the event.
Enhancing Productivity and Networking
From my perspective, EAG events are significantly more productive and valuable for networking than many other gatherings. Even Katja Grace's pre-conference party added to the overall experience, making it one of the most productive conferences I’ve ever attended. In 2017 and 2022, the number of attendees increased substantially, which, while potentially overwhelming, also indicates the growing significance and influence of the Effective Altruism (EA) movement.
Despite being involved in a community that doesn’t always align perfectly with my personal identity, attending EAG offers several unique benefits. For instance, even individuals who don’t explicitly identify as part of the EA movement can gain considerable insights from the conferences. This inclusivity speaks to the broader reach and impact of the EA philosophy.
Focused Networking
Sticking to networking as the primary objective during the conference, rather than attending talks, has been my chosen strategy. As Sean Carroll and Scott Aaronson emphasize, many of the benefits from such conferences stem from building connections rather than listening to presentations. During my time at EAG, I found myself bonding most closely with Stanford transhumanists like Andres Gomez Emilsson. These connections extended to many of the individuals I had communicated with over the years, suggesting a strong and enduring community network.
Engaging Conversations and Memorable Interactions
One of the most rewarding aspects of attending EAG is engaging in deep, meaningful conversations. I have had extensive, thought-provoking discussions with many members of the rationality and EA communities, often initiated by acquaintances like Jonah Sinick and Michael Vassar. The conference provides a platform for building lasting relationships, especially with people from organizations like MIRI and CFAR.
Talking to individuals from these organizations allowed me to better understand the dynamics and culture of these groups. This is particularly valuable in a community where many discussions are conducted through social media platforms like Facebook, which is heavily relied upon within the EA community.
Post-Conference Follow-Ups and Extended Engagement
Following the EAG events, I engaged with various organizations through visits and further interactions. For example, I visited Arbital on the first day of the conference, SPARC on Monday, and Signal Data Science on Wednesday. These follow-up interactions not only reinforced key connections but also introduced me to new opportunities within the EA community.
Unforgettable Networking Experiences
The duration and high-bandwidth nature of the EAG events offer a wealth of networking opportunities. The extended timeline leads to prolonged interactions with key contacts, allowing for a more intimate and comprehensive understanding of others. The abundance of vegan, low-carbohydrate food options, catered to my dietary preferences, further enhanced my experience.
Events like EAG provide an invaluable platform for networking and personal growth. The combination of rich interactions, meaningful discussions, and extended engagement makes it one of the most impactful experiences in the EA community. Whether you are already aligned with the EA philosophy or just beginning to explore these concepts, attending EAG can be a transformative and enriching journey.