SARBATQuestions
What people ask most often before they come. If yours is not here, write to us — questions that come up more than once end up on this page.
Attending
Is the conference being livestreamed?
No. There is no livestream and no virtual attendance option — Sarbat runs in person only.
The build day, the parallel tracks and the time between sessions all depend on being in the room, and the programme is designed around that.
Who is Sarbat for?
Sikh technologists, entrepreneurs, social activists and students — people who want to understand where AI is headed and to shape where it goes, and who want to do that alongside others asking the same questions.
Just as importantly: this is not a technology conference. It is a conference about technology and its impact. If you are not technical, but you use AI in your work or your seva and you are aligned with Sikhi, you are highly encouraged to come. These questions need more than engineers in the room.
Who organizes Sarbat?
Sarbat is organized by a group of Sikh technologists, founders and community leaders in the Seattle area, and hosted by Khalsa Gurmat Center — the nonprofit that holds the event.
Registration fees, sponsorships and donations are all received and managed by Khalsa Gurmat Center.
Is there a dress code?
Business casual. Comfortable enough for a full day of sessions, smart enough for the room — and traditional dress is just as welcome.
Planning your trip
When should I arrive?
Thursday evening. The conference opens at 9am on Friday and the first session starts on time, so arriving the night before means you are checked in and settled rather than walking in mid-welcome.
When can I fly home?
Sunday. Saturday runs through the evening and closes with dinner and a fireside chat, so a Saturday afternoon flight means leaving before the end.
Where is Sarbat being held?
The Point at Pier 70, on the downtown Seattle waterfront just south of the Olympic Sculpture Park — 2801 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121.
Is there a hotel block?
Several hotels near Pier 70 offer discounted rates for Pier 70 guests, including The Edgewater, the Seattle Marriott Waterfront, Hyatt Place & Hyatt House, and Hotel Crocodile. Mention Pier 70 when you book.
How do I get there from Sea-Tac?
About 30–45 minutes by car or rideshare, or 50–60 minutes on the Link 1 Line via Westlake Station for around $3. Parking is at the Bell Street Pier 66 garage, a 6–7 minute walk along the waterfront.
During the conference
What is the agenda?
We are still shaping the programme, and will publish the full agenda closer to the date.
The shape is set: keynotes open each morning, parallel tracks run through the day, and meals and networking are built into the schedule rather than squeezed around it.
Are meals provided?
Yes. Lunch and dinner are part of the programme on both days, and they are working sessions as much as breaks — the fireside chat happens over dinner.
We will send a short survey after you register to ask about dietary requirements. Tell us there and we will make sure you are catered for.
What is the hackathon, and do I have to take part?
Participants get twenty-four hours to build AI tools in seva, working alongside a dozen nonprofits and the people who run them, with more than $10,000 in prizes. It runs as its own track, so you can join it or follow the talks instead.
Can I still come if I miss part of a day?
We would much rather you came for both full days — the programme builds on itself, and so do the conversations between sessions. But we know work, travel and family do not always allow it.
Much of the programme runs as parallel tracks, so you can pick up at the start of any session. The welcome and the keynotes are the moments worth planning around. Otherwise, come when you can.
Anything else
My question is not answered here.
Write to us at info@sarbatconf.com and we will get back to you. If a question comes up more than once, it ends up on this page.
Registration closed
Sarbat is full.
Registration closed on September 15 and we are no longer able to offer places for this year.
If you have a question about the conference, contact us.