Karen Hao – Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman’s OpenAI
Published in May this year, Karen’s acclaimed book is a startling exposé of the hidden world of OpenAI’s meteoric rise under Sam Altman, and its transformation from an idealistic non-profit to a multi-billion dollar corporate juggernaut. Drawing on unprecedented access to industry insiders, her book reveals the real story behind Sam Altman’s sudden firing and triumphant return, and looks at the human cost of AI’s breakneck growth. Join Karen and Alan Meban as they discuss the industry that is reshaping economies, environments and power structures, and look at who really controls the future of the industry defining our era.
Karen Hao is an award-winning journalist who has been at the frontline of reporting on the impacts of artificial intelligence on society. She was formerly a contributing writer at The Atlantic, a foreign correspondent covering China’s technology industry for the Wall Street Journal, and a senior editor for AI at MIT Technology Review. Her work is regularly taught in universities and cited by governments.
Alan Maben is a freelance journalist, producer and blogger, and a director of Northern Ireland’s independent fact checking organisation FactCheckNI.
Our book partner Waterstones will have copies of Karen’s book on sale with a special festival 10% discount, which Karen will sign. It is also available to buy at Waterstones Bangor, Lesley Bloomfield Shopping Centre – and you can still claim the 10% Festival discount if you present any Open House Festival 2025 ticket.
Please note this is a festival event and an Open House Festival Ticketsolve login will be required to be book tickets.
Please note this event is theatre seated. If you have any accessibility requirements please get in touch with us here.
All ages welcome but under 18s accompanied by an adult.
