Many Silicon Valley leaders travel to Burning Man, leaving the Bay Area noticeably quieter during the festival week. Member clubs and events that usually attract tech executives saw thin attendance and canceled signups as leaders headed to Black Rock City. High-profile figures like Elon Musk, Google cofounders, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are frequent attendees, and the festival reportedly influenced Altman's thinking about post-AGI life. The absence of decision-makers reduces calls and business activity, lowering stress in the local professional scene. Residents report easier restaurant reservations, lighter traffic, and frequent out-of-office messages throughout the city.
When Valerie Bertele went to The Battery for a creative writing event on Tuesday, not many people showed up. The member's club is a hot spot for tech leaders -the same crowd that often travels over 300 miles northeast to Black Rock City for the annual Burning Man. "There were less than 10 people," said Bertele, a VC at Yellow Rocks Capital. "The organizers were saying that we didn't get any signups because everyone looks to be at Burning Man."
Among Silicon Valley's upper class, many consider Burning Man an industry ritual. Elon Musk and the Google cofounders are frequent attendees. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the festival showed him what post-AGI life could look like. This year, even with dust storms and shaky finances, Burning Man appears to have drawn out many of Silicon Valley's leaders. Those left on the ground in the Bay Area said they've found quieter highways, easier dinner reservations, and a bounty of out-of-office emails.
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