Core Program Speakers

Part I: AI and our world

Reflect on our changing world in the midst of a revolution with AI as a layer of the global economy. What are the implications on scholarship, teaching, learning and knowledge? What about societal norms, ethics and democracy? What can we hope for in longevity and health?

  • Russ B. Altman

    Kenneth Fong Professor and Professor of Bioengineering, of Genetics, of Medicine, of Biomedical Data Science Senior Fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI. Professor, by courtesy, of Computer Science. Read more.

    A picture of Russ B. Altman smiling

  • Michael A. Keller

    Vice Provost and University Librarian Director of Academic Information Resources. Read more.

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  • Marco Quarta

    Co-Founder & Chief Scientific Officer, Rubedo Life Sciences. Read more.

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  • Debra Satz

    Vernon R and Lysbeth Warren Anderson Dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences Marta Sutton Weeks Professor of Ethics in Society Professor, by courtesy, of Political Science. Read more.

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  • Howard Wolf

    Vice President for Alumni Affairs President, Stanford Alumni Association. Read more.

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Part II: Journeys

We rarely live in a linear narrative anymore. Learn from the extraordinary journeys our alumni and speakers have taken in their careers and lives. Hear about their choices, commitments, resilience, setbacks and wins. Take home with you their insights on change and transitions.

  • Riccardo Di Molfetta

    Co-founder and CEO, Symbiotic Labs. Read more.

    A picture of Riccardo Di Molfetta in front of a big window.

  • Cassidy Krug

    Writer, Strategist, US Olympian '12 Author of "Resurface: a Guide to Navigating Life's Biggest Transitions". Read more.

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  • Justine Mattera

    TV, movie and theater freelance professional Author of "Just Me: Quante vite ci stanno in 50 anni?". Read more.

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  • Marco Pavone

    Associate Professor, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Departments of Electrical Engineering (by courtesy) and of Computer Science (by courtesy). Director, Autonomous Systems Laboratory. Read more.

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  • Marco Trombetti

    Co-founder and CEO, Translated. Co-founder and CEO, Pi Campus. Read more.

    A picture of Marco Trombetti smiling

  • Carlotta "Lotti" Siniscalco

    General Partner, Emergence Capital. Read more.

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  • Sarah Soule

    Philip H. Knight Professor and Dean, GSB. Morgridge Professor of Organizational Behavior Professor of Sociology (by courtesy), School of Humanities and Sciences. Read more.

    A picture of Sarah Soule smiling

  • Undisclosed Speaker

Optional Events

Thursday evening,

Have a memorable Stanford dinner paired with wines at three-Michelin-starred Enoteca Pinchiorri, the Florentine temple of fine dining. The restaurant is world-renowned for its wine cellar, considered one of the greatest on the planet, featuring an unparalleled selection of rare labels and historic vintages. An unforgettable experience for true connoisseurs of fine food and wine.

Timing:
20:00 onwards
Price per person:
€tbd

Will take place with a minimum of 8 participants (tbc).

Friday morning,

Friday afternoon,

  • Take a deep dive into Florentine spirituality and art at the exquisite Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, guided by its Director, Monsignor Timothy Verdon.
  • Discover the coolest contemporary art collection in town at the new palazzo of the Collezione Roberto Casamonti (opening spring 2026), guided by a family member.
  • Learn about a pillar of dolce vita fashions through a Ferragamo factory and archive visit. Personal shopper experience available at prices reserved for Stanford alumni.

Thursday and Friday optional events registration coming March 2026

Sunday evening,

Complete your Florentine weekend in style! Return to the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and head to the Zubin Mehta Auditorium for two Beethoven symphonies conducted by Maestro Daniele Gatti, on this night only: Symphony No. 2 in D major Op. 36 and Symphony No. 3 in E flat major Op. 55, Eroic.

Timing:
20:00
Price per person:
€30-€80 depending on seats

Buy your tickets now to ensure your preferred seat!

Use code STANFORD2806 for our discount on the best seats (Section A).

  • The façade of Basilica di San Miniato al Monte, which features a striking geometric design using white Carrara marble and green Prato serpentine marble.
  • Vaulted hall within the Museo di San Marco in Florence, Italy, which primarily houses the works of the early Renaissance painter Fra Angelico.
  • Facade of the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata, which is the main Marian sanctuary of the city.
  • Curved wall in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, which features the names of famous artists and architects associated with the Florence Cathedral complex engraved into the marble.
  • Exhibition at the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum.
  • A room with 20th century paintings from the Collezione Roberto Casamonti, housed in the Palazzo Bartolini Salimbeni in Florence.

Sunday Activities

Make sure you book before to ensure a spot for your preferred experience. All the tour groups have English-speaking guides.

Book and pay

Please refer to SIAW26's activities document for a full description of each activity. Enjoy!

  • The interior courtyard of the Palazzo Portinari Salviati in Florence, Italy, which has been converted into a luxurious lounge or hotel lobby. The space features grand Renaissance architecture with large arches and columns. A central statue of a Roman figure is surrounded by elaborate floral arrangements.

    Farewell Brunch at Salotto Portinari

    Enjoy a final brunch for the weekend in the sophisticated yet relaxed setting of one of Florence's most historic palaces.

    Timing:
    -
    Price per person:
    €72

    Will take place with a minimum of 25 participants

  • The ornate Renaissance-style ceiling of the Sala dei Gigli (Hall of the Lilies) in the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, Italy. It features a symmetrical pattern of gilded hexagonal panels. Each blue panel contains a golden fleur-de-lis motif, a tribute to the Anjou dynasty, protectors of the Guelph faction.

    The Medici Family

    Stroll through Florence on a historical walking tour to discover the lives, palaces, and stories of Florence's most remarkable family, the Medici.

    Timing:
    -
    Price per person:
    €129

    Will take place with a minimum of 10 participants

  • The Florence Cathedral, formally known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore.

    Duomo Tour and Skywalk Experience

    Discover the breathtaking Duomo of Florence and climb the staircase to the North terrace, not usually accessible to the general public.

    Timing:
    -
    Price per person:
    €130

    Will take place with a minimum of 8 participants

  • Hands holding a bundle of raw, fresh fettuccine noodles, dusted with flour.

    Cook with a Chef in Florence

    Learn how to knead, cut, and cook three different types of fresh pastas, and pair each one with the right sauce. Gelato or sorbet conclude your meal.

    Timing:
    -
    Price per person:
    €145

    Will take place with a minimum of 10 participants

  • View of an historic village and winery amidst rolling hills and vineyards in the Chianti region.

    Chianti Wine Trail

    Explore charming Chianti villages, followed by a private guided tour of the vineyards and cellars at a premium winery, and a leisurely lunch.

    Timing:
    -
    Price per person:
    €244

    Will take place with a minimum of 12 participants

  • Handwritten letters or documents in a non-English language. The content appears to be personal correspondence or perhaps a literary work.

    Siena Palaces and State Archives

    Discover Siena's elegant palaces and the priceless collections of its State Archives, including exclusive access to the Director's studio overlooking Piazza del Campo.

    Timing:
    -
    Price per person:
    €293

    Will take place with a minimum of 12 participants and a maximum of 24 participants

  • The medieval Italian hill town of San Gimignano with its numerous towers, located in Tuscany.

    Siena and San Gimignano

    Tour Siena and learn about its history from Roman times to today. Lunch in a typical trattoria and continue to iconic San Gimignano, the city of towers.

    Timing:
    -
    Price per person:
    €316

    Will take place with a minimum of 12 participants

  • A woman on a cross-country bike, riding on a country road on tuscanian hills.

    Chianti Bike Tour

    Bike through olive groves and enjoy superb views of the Chianti hills, then visit a winery and savor Tuscan cuisine paired with local wines.

    Timing:
    -
    Price per person:
    €374

    Will take place with a minimum of 12 participants and a maximum of 24 participants

  • A moment during a wineland safari tour in the Chianti hillside, where a woman whatches a medieval town from a Land Rover Defender.

    Chianti Safari & Vineyard Picnic

    Travel the winding country roads and see the hidden corners of Chianti with an off-road vehicle. Enjoy a picnic with fresh Tuscan foods in a vineyard.

    Timing:
    -
    Price per person:
    €389

    Will take place with a minimum of 12 participants and a maximum of 24 participants

  • The Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) in Pisa, Italy. It features the Pisa Cathedral (Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale di Santa Maria Assunta), a medieval Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

    A Day in Lucca and Pisa

    Discover Lucca and enjoy a walk on top of its massive medieval walls. Lunch in a local trattoria. On to Pisa, with the world-famous landmarks of the Piazza dei Miracoli.

    Timing:
    -
    Price per person:
    €437

    Will take place with a minimum of 12 participants

  • Gilda Beach Club, a luxury resort located in Forte dei Marmi, Tuscany, Italy. The club features typical beach chic decor with white-washed walls, wood furniture, and signature white gazebos lining the sand.

    Tuscan Riviera and Marble Quarries

    Enjoy a thrilling Jeep tour through the Carrara marble quarries, exploring hidden paths and breathtaking views. Savor an aperitivo featuring local delicacies, then continue on to Forte dei Marmi for lunch at a chic beach club, followed by leisure time on the sand.

    Timing:
    -
    Price per person:
    €455

    Will take place with a minimum of 12 participants and a maximum of 24 participants

Use the link below to sign up for these Sunday activities:

Book and pay

Please note: The Farewell Brunch is set up as the default. To choose a different activity and remove the Brunch from your Stripe cart, first choose and add another experience. Then tap 'Details' to see all chosen items, tap 'Qty 1' under Brunch, and then select 'Remove'. Proceed to payment.

Issues? Need support? Contact Arno Travel: eventi@arnotravel.it

Phone/Whatsapp, office hours (9am-6pm): 366 3475792

Phone/Whatsapp, outside office hours: 344 3443549