Hosted by New York AI & Blackout
A weekend retreat off the grid in the Catskill Mountains, upstate New York. Fully screen and technology free. Adult summer camp meets digital detox.
Too many screens, too much distraction, an overreliance on this grasping energy of needing to make something of every moment. It is easy to get disconnected from our own rhythms, to take ourselves and our work too seriously, to lose perspective on what it is we even want to be doing with our lives. Even a day of rest tends to feel dominated by screens and a pressure to consume.
Overstimulation feels like the default state, but it doesn't need to be. Nor do we need to go become a monk, or is that even what most of us need.
Over the past year, 50+ people gave up the distracting internet for 30 days. What they asked for afterward was more time together in person, and a chance to deepen the experience. And through New York AI hosting all these events, I feel the hollowness of the AI and tech landscape. The nihilism, FOMO, doomerism, and greed feel like they are infecting my mind, and I find time away the best medicine to put things in perspective.
So we thought: why not a weekend intensive to fully disconnect, led by Alex, our favorite cult leader.
Rest as an end in itself. Not idleness, or amusement, or recharging so you can work more. And connection with others as an end in itself, without a clear purpose or network benefit.
No work talk, no pitching your startup, no posturing. You are not your job. You are not what's in your wallet.
We'll have shuttles leaving from NYC on Friday morning. You are welcome to drive or carpool on your own. The venue is ~3 hours from NYC.
Yes, and we'll cover gas and tolls if you're up to carpool with others.
No, but we’re inspired by the major Abrahamic religions that practice a day of rest.
Once onsite, we'll surrender our technology, avoid discussing our work lives, and lean into connecting with each other and ourselves. We'll lead activities to make the most of the weekend, and cap it off with an optional day hike on a nearby trail.
Somewhere between summer camp for adults and a self-guided meditation retreat. There is structured programming led by our experienced guide, a clinical psychologist, to make the most of the weekend. All activities are optional. If you want to sit in the woods and meditate, that is fine too.
You can give them our emergency contact number to call if something urgent comes up, and someone on our team will put you in touch with them. We encourage you to be selective with this to get the most out of the weekend.
All inclusive. We cover food, lodging, activities, snacks, and transportation to and from NYC.
We will provide a detailed list as we get closer to the date.
We're staying in a lodge with shared rooms. If you'd like to room with your partner or a friend, we can pair you together. Otherwise we'll pair you with a roommate of the same gender who we think you'll get along with.
The weekend will be substance and alcohol free.
There will be gluten free, dairy free, and vegetarian options at all meals. For restrictions outside of these, let us know on your application and we will do our best to accommodate.
That is fine. All activities and hikes are optional.
Yes. If money is a barrier to joining, email scholarship@newyorkai.org. We have a couple of spots available.
Those willing to do something out of their comfort zone by stepping out of the noise and leaning into the activities we have planned. If you're looking for a networking event and surface level discussions, this event is not for you. You'll be joined by an assortment of our favorite people in NYC and beyond.
Full refund up to 30 days before the retreat. After that your spot is transferable to someone you find.
One of my closest friends lives in a predominantly Hasidic Jewish neighborhood in south Williamsburg. Anytime I'm there during Shabbat, the joy, playfulness, and contentment of the people throughout the neighborhood is off the charts. Our goal is to capture some of that energy during the weekend.
Applications are reviewed by hand. We'll come back to you with a yes or a no and, if it's a yes, a link to pay.