Home » Geek Event, In Person, Lectures & Workshops

Why Large Language Models Surprised Almost Everyone, and What’s Coming Next

The advent of large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT changed forever the public perception of artificial intelligence. Our panel of experts will discuss why LLMs proved to be so surprising, even to researchers in the field, and why the explosion of increasingly powerful models has inevitably led to whispers about artificial general intelligence (AGI). We’ll examine whether LLMs are sufficient to get us to AGI and, if not, what the missing ingredients might be.

Panelists: Anil Ananthaswamy (Simons Institute science communicator in residence, moderator), Dileep George (Google DeepMind), Azalia Mirhoseini (Stanford), Luke Zettlemoyer (University of Washington and Meta)

_______________________

Theoretically Speaking is a lecture series highlighting exciting advances in theoretical computer science for a broad general audience. Events are free and open to the public, with first-come, first-served seating. No special background is assumed. Registration is required. This lecture will be viewable afterward on this page and on our YouTube channel, following captioning.

Light refreshments will be provided before the talk, starting at 4:30 p.m.

The recording will be posted on our YouTube channel (www.YouTube.com/simonsinstitute) several days after the event.

If you require special accommodation, please contact our access coordinator at simonsevents@berkeley.edu with as much advance notice as possible.

The Simons Institute regularly captures photos and video of activity around the Institute for use in publications and promotional materials.

If you require special accommodation, please contact our access coordinator at simonsevents@berkeley.edu with as much advance notice as possible.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.


Cost: FREE*
*Registration is required: https://simons.berkeley.edu/events/move-toward-agi-why-large-language-models-surprised-almost-everyone-whats-coming-next. This is an in person–only event, and will not be livestreamed. Seating is first come, first served. Please fill out a registration form for each attendee.
Categories: Geek Event, In Person, Lectures & Workshops
Venue: Calvin Lab, UC Berkeley
Address: Optometry Way, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

9:00 am   Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)  FREE*
*Free from 9-10am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; otherwise non-resident admission is $12 - $16 depending on the season. San Francisco residents are always free with valid ID
10:00 am   SF Zoo Free Admission Day (April 2025)  FREE*
*Free admission offer only valid to San Francisco residents with valid ID, subject to capacity. Admission into the zoo ends one hour before closing time for non-members. (For members admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.)
10:00 am   Free Weekly Outdoor Fitness Classes at Thrive City  FREE
11:00 am   SF’s GLBT History Museum: Free First Wednesday  FREE*
*Free tickets are not available for reservation online on free days; all visitors will be welcomed to the museum as long as there is capacity on a first-come, first-served basis.
2:00 pm   Free Art Workshop: Floral Clay Sculpture  FREE
4:00 pm   “Market to Bandshell” Outdoor Concert (Golden Gate Park)  FREE
5:00 pm   Free “Cardio Dance Wednesdays” Outdoor Fitness Class at SF’s Union Square (Spring 2025)  FREE
5:30 pm   “Well-Crafted” Free Art Making Party w/ Candle Making at The Beer Hall (SF)  FREE*
*rsvp here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/well-crafted-candle-making-at-the-beer-hall-tickets-1297518545899?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
6:30 pm   Joybound People and Pets: Game Night (Walnut Creek)  $5
7:00 pm   The Comedy Stampede  $1*
*Pay as you wish.
7:00 pm   Meet Vicki DeArmon Author of Foghorn  FREE*
*This event is free to attend. Seating is first come, first served. (RSVPs are optional, but encouraged for our planning purposes.)
7:30 pm   “Wolfman Jeff Trivia” Night at SF’s Willkommen Beer Garden (Every Wednesday)  FREE
7:30 pm   30% Off Tix to Comedy Drama ‘Wild with Happy’ Playing at NCTC (Final Week)  $26*
*Get 30% off tickets w/ secret code FUN30 at nctcsf.org - Promo code is valid on all tickets except already-discounted tickets for students/educators/seniors/veterans.
7:30 pm   Secret Guest List: Cobb’s Free Comedy Nights (April 2)  FREE*
*Free with RSVP. Must arrive 30 minutes early for guaranteed entry. All shows are 18 & over with valid photo ID. Like most comedy clubs, there is a two drink minimum.
8:00 pm   $2 Taco Night + Happy Hour Comedy at Skylark (SF)  FREE*
*RSVP Required. 2 drink minimum. 21+
< Tuesday, April 1 Thursday, April 3 >

Artboard 1
Subscribe

Don't Miss Another Bay Area Festival

Be first to hear about SF's newest fairs & festivals, weekend events, news and exclusive freebies, deals & promo codes.