Summer 2026 DC Workshop

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future consideration—it’s already shaping how policies are designed, programs are evaluated, and public value is delivered. AEA's Summer Workshop, happening Wednesday, June 24 in Washington, DC, will focus on practical frameworks for assessing AI tools based on performance, alignment with organizational values, risk, and real-world impact.


Cutting Through the Hype: A Practical Guide to Choosing Value-Aligned and High-Performance AI Tools

Speaker: Kevin Hong, Core Collaborator with MERL Tech Initiative, and Associate Adjunct Professor with School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University

The AI landscape is crowded, fast-moving, and full of bold promises. And it is increasingly overwhelming to know which tool to use. For evaluators, the stakes of choosing the wrong tool go beyond lost productivity and raise ethical, professional and personal concerns. This hands-on workshop cuts through the hype by equipping participants with a practical framework for assessing AI tools on their own terms. We will examine what "performance" really means in the use of AI for evaluations, and how to weigh it against considerations of privacy, transparency, equity, and accountability. You'll leave with concrete tools, hands-on experience, and greater confidence to choose AI tools that reflect who you are as a practitioner. This workshop is designed for those who have basic understanding of how large language models work, have some experience and comfort with using them, and want to use AI responsibly.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand the difference between choosing a foundation model vs an AI app, and what tools you should use
  • How to choose AI tools in a way that balances responsible use and performance
  • Connecting your personal and professional values with the AI tools you choose to use

AI Use Disclosure: Claude (Sonnet 4.6) helped with drafting this blurb and brainstorming catchy workshop titles. The content of the workshop, however, is created by humans.


Time/Date

Wednesday, June 24
9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Location

AEA Headquarters
2001 K Street NW, 3rd Floor North
Washington, D.C. 20006

Pricing


Early-Bird
(Ends 5/31/26)

Regular
Members $375 $425
Non-Members $415 $475

Register Now


Cancellation Policy

AEA must receive all cancellation requests in writing no later than Friday, June 5, 2026. Please email cancellation requests with the reason for cancellation to info@eval.org . All cancellation requests will be reviewed by AEA, and if approved, will be processed within three weeks of the original request. Refunds that are approved will be subject to a $50 cancellation fee.

No refunds are accepted and all sales are final after June 5, 2026.

 

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