H.O.P.E. AI Tour Launches at AI & Big Data Expo in Santa Clara

The H.O.P.E. AI Tour—a new initiative blending practical technology guidance with values-driven conversation—officially launches next month at the AI & Big Data Expo in Santa Clara, California.

Created by FindGood.tech, the tour aims to equip everyday learners and leaders with what it calls Timeless Truths and Tech Hacks, helping people better understand and engage with artificial intelligence at a time when public anxiety is rising. Fear around AI can’t be addressed by hype or avoidance—it requires trusted information and a shared sense of purpose rooted in the belief that a viable future is still within reach.

The H.O.P.E. acronym stands for Habits, Opportunity, Purpose, and Efficiency, which the organizers say are key to finding relevance in a rapidly changing AI landscape. Events are being held both in person and online, with support from the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC).

A Response to Growing AI Uncertainty

The launch comes as new research from Pew and Science Direct highlights widespread unease around AI, with terms like "overwhelm," "concern," and "AI-FOMO" (fear of missing out) appearing at record levels.

“In times of great change, it’s hard to see clearly,” said Cheryl K. Goodman, CEO of FindGood.tech, author, and longtime tech executive. “The H.O.P.E. AI Tour helps leaders and learners discern the facts, right-size fear, and have faith in their innate creativity. When paired with the right AI tools, used responsibly, artificial intelligence can not only be life-affirming but offer economic options.”

According to Goodman, the tour is designed to be accessible, providing what she describes as “vetted knowledge and altruistic hope” in venues that prioritize openness and connection. The H.O.P.E. Tour fosters dialogue through practical facts, trusted resources, personal validation, insights into the AI ecosystem, and a sense of community.

Ashley Virtue, Director of External Relations at NCRC, echoed that mission: “I’m excited to go beyond the ‘how to’s’ of using AI and really engage in a conversation about how we can stimulate hope around AI in workplaces, by engaging in real and thoughtful conversations.”

Tour Events: Blending Access, Expertise, and Dialogue

The tour features a combination of virtual discussions, conference keynotes, and interactive learning sessions. Some of the key events include:

In-Person at AI & Big Data Expo – Santa Clara, CA (June 4–5)

Held as part of TechEx North America, the Expo includes 250+ speakers from leading companies like AWS, IBM, and NVIDIA, and explores topics such as enterprise AI integration, data infrastructure, ethical considerations, and emerging technologies like large language models (LLMs) and GPU-as-a-service.

Cheryl K. Goodman, returning as Chair for the third year, delivered two morning sessions:

• June 4 at 9:45 a.m. – Mind the Machine: Emotional Landscape of AI from Fear to HOPE

• June 5 at 9:45 a.m. – The Promise of Embodied Robotics: Hype and Hope

Virtual via NCRC’s Webinar Series

• June 5, 12:00–12:30 p.m. PDT – Goodman joins Virtue for Fear and Hope: Communicating in the Era of AI, a 30-minute free webinar. You can register here.

• June 13 – The pair will reconvene for a deeper conversation on the Mind the Machine podcast.

Upcoming In-Person Appearances

• June 10–11 – Plug and Play June Summit & Janus Innovation Hub 

• August 4 – StartUp San Diego First Mondays

• October 2025 – TiE San Diego Medical Conference

• October 6–10 – San Diego Startup Week (HOPE Innovators will speak during Technology Track Day on October 10)

Ongoing Opportunities

The tour also includes interactive components, such as a call for guests on the Mind the Machine podcast, where participants can share how their AI innovations reflect the values of hope and relevance. Interested contributors can apply online here.

What This Means

The H.O.P.E. AI Tour reflects a broader need to demystify artificial intelligence and make the conversation around it more inclusive. By combining practical knowledge with emotional and ethical reflection, the tour seeks to reach people who may feel disconnected from today’s AI developments.

With stops planned throughout 2025 and an open invitation for public participation, the initiative points to a growing demand for AI literacy that’s grounded not just in tools—but in trust, purpose, and shared understanding.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.