Thrival 2018 LIFE.CODE

In 2018, Thrival Festival’s theme was “LIFE.CODE”: an examination of what makes us human, through the lens of AI, technology, biology, environment and work.

Future of Work Symposium

September 19, 2018 • Kelly-Strahorn Theater

Recent research studies indicate that over 400 million workers will be displaced by the year 2030. In many respects, this displacement will impact what most people do for a living. But job automation and worker displacement are just two components of an extremely complex challenge (and opportunity). Let’s work together to chart a better future of work.


LIFE.CODE Summit

September 20, 2018 • Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Hosted at one of the world’s most environmentally and technologically advanced spaces, Thrival’s LIFE.CODE Summit examines the nature of adaptation, learning, and world-building within the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Combining panels, presentations, discussions, and workshops, the LIFE.CODE Summit challenges leaders and decision-makers to collaborate, share knowledge, and form new partnerships.


LIFE.CODE Interactive Experience

September 20, 2018 • Carnegie Museum of Art & Carnegie Music Hall

For the second consecutive year, Thrival and Carnegie Museum of Art will collaborate on a unique, immersive experience that explores a simple yet complex question: “What makes us human?” Thrival, in partnership with Third Thursday, will work with a wide range of collaborators to present curated technology simulations, art presentations and exhibits, and interactive activities throughout Carnegie Museum of Art. John Battelle, WIRED co-founder and CEO of NewCo, will moderate fireside discussions with tech and culture leaders in the historic Carnegie Music Hall — as we look beyond horizon lines and see around corners in an era of pronounced change and disruption.


Music X Arts Festival

September 21, 2018 • Highmark Stadium

An outdoor, live music experience on the Pittsburgh riverfront featuring national and local musicians.

Selected Speakers


Sunanna Chand

Director, Remake Learning

Kelauni Cook

Founder & Executive Director, Black Tech Nation; Co-Founder, Distributed49

Ariadna Font Llitjós

Director of Engineering, IBM Watson

Severin Hacker

Co-Founder & CTO, Duolingo

Rasu Shrestha

Former Chief Innovation Officer, UPMC

Suzy Teele

Head of Marketing & Communications, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM)

Joanne Wilson

Founder & CEO, Gotham Gal