WASHINGTON — An artificial intelligence awards gala in Washington gathered industry figures and government officials on Wednesday to discuss AI's advancements and public concerns. Honorees at the event expressed positive views regarding the technology's development. The Washington AI Network organized the gala, which was sponsored by Anthropic, Microsoft, and Meta.

The event took place on Wednesday at the Waldorf Astoria hotel, located near the White House. Attendees included billionaires, elected politicians, industry insiders, lobbyists, administration officials, and scientists. The gala featured a red carpet, a dancing humanoid robot, dancers on stilts, a food-delivery drone, and floating candles in water containers. Event hosts requested audience silence on multiple occasions as attendees conversed during speaker presentations.

Speakers at the gala acknowledged public opposition to AI, specifically noting apprehension regarding data center construction and potential labor-market disruption. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said, "AI is a transformative technology that's going to enable so many advancements, from healthcare to engineering to energy production to security." Wright said, "I understand people's concerns about it, but it's going to be overwhelmingly positive for our society."

Incoming Vatican Ambassador to Washington Gabriele Caccia delivered an opening speech. Caccia stated, "At every stage, the development and application of artificial intelligence must be guided by the dignity of the human person, by the common good of the human family." National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz also attended the event. A March poll found that a majority of Americans believe the risks of artificial intelligence outweigh its benefits.