AI Captain’s Cohort™ Attendee Guide
Find answers to common questions for confirmed attendees of the AI Captain’s Cohort™, including travel, accommodations, schedule details, meals, logistics, and what to expect throughout your time in Knoxville. While our main event FAQ covers general information about the cohort itself, this guide is designed specifically to help participants prepare for the experience onsite. For anything additional, feel free to reach out at cohort@helmwise.com. We look forward to welcoming you to Knoxville.
The AI Captain’s Cohort™ is a curated leadership experience designed to help leaders think clearly and wisely about artificial intelligence, leadership, culture, and organizational effectiveness in a rapidly changing world.
The cohort will take place throughout Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, with sessions and gatherings hosted at:
- The Tennessean
- Marriott Knoxville Downtown
- Knoxville Convention Center
- Additional nearby venues within walking distance
The Tennessean and Marriott Knoxville Downtown are adjoining hotels located in downtown Knoxville, approximately a 5-minute walk from the Knoxville Convention Center and other primary cohort locations throughout the weekend.
Participants include business owners, executives, operators, entrepreneurs, organizational leaders, and Helmwise Fellows from a variety of industries and backgrounds.
Business attire is recommended throughout the cohort.
We also recommend:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light jacket or layers for evenings
- Business or elevated evening attire for the Wilberforce Award Dinner
To help create a focused and distraction-free environment, cohort table sessions are intended to be no-tech spaces during discussions and teaching sessions.
Participants will receive a journal and writing materials onsite to capture notes, reflections, ideas, and takeaways throughout the weekend. We encourage attendees to be fully present and engaged in the conversations happening around the table.
No. The cohort is designed for leaders, not engineers. Sessions are built to help participants understand AI strategically and practically, regardless of technical background.
What airport should I fly into?
The recommended airport is:
The airport is approximately 20–25 minutes from downtown Knoxville.
Transportation is not included. We recommend:
- Uber
- Lyft
- Rental car
- Hotel transportation options, if available
We recommend arriving in Downtown Knoxville on Thursday afternoon, May 28, before the opening reception begins at 4:30 PM at The Tennessean.
Lodging is included as part of your cohort registration. Attendees will be accommodated at either:
- The Tennessean
- Marriott Knoxville Downtown
The Tennessean and Marriott Knoxville Downtown are adjoining hotels located in downtown Knoxville, approximately a 5-minute walk from the Knoxville Convention Center and other primary cohort locations throughout the weekend.
Hotel placement and additional arrival details will be communicated prior to the event.
Downtown Knoxville is within walking distance of primary cohort activities and sessions.
No. Evening city walks and optional social gatherings are available for attendees who would like to continue conversations and networking after sessions conclude. Optional meetups are intended to create additional space for conversation, networking, and relationship-building.
Thursday is designed to help participants settle in, connect relationally, and establish context for the cohort experience through:
- Reception and networking
- Opening orientation
- Shared dinner
- Guided discussions
- Evening social opportunities
Friday includes:
- Core AI cohort sessions
- Collaborative discussions
- Q&A conversations
- Leadership workshops
- Colson Center conference integration
- Evening plenary programming
This is the fullest programming day of the cohort.
Saturday focuses heavily on:
- Organizational implementation
- Leadership application
- AI integration discussions
- Long-term strategic thinking
- Civilizational and cultural implications of AI
The evening concludes with the Wilberforce Award Dinner and optional networking opportunities afterward.
Yes, for registered cohort participants. Your registered plus one is also included for the Wilberforce Award Dinner.
No. Sunday morning activities are optional.
Participants are welcome to attend:
- Worship service
- Colson Fellows Class of 2026 Commissioning
The cohort officially concludes following the Wilberforce Award Dinner on Saturday evening. Sunday morning activities, including the commissioning gathering, are optional for attendees who would like to participate before departing Knoxville.
Yes. Please communicate dietary restrictions or allergies to the Helmwise team in advance.
Please contact: cohort@helmwise.com
The Helmwise team will also be available onsite throughout the weekend to assist attendees.
Downtown Knoxville is very walkable, and most cohort locations are within a short walking distance of each other. If you become separated from the group or are unsure where to go, a member of the Helmwise team will be available throughout the weekend to assist with directions and schedule guidance.
We also recommend keeping the digital schedule accessible on your phone for quick reference between sessions and locations.
For immediate assistance during the event, attendees will receive onsite contact information prior to arrival.