About Us
Barnum.AI Industries, founded in 2024 and headquartered in Austin, TX, combines the excitement of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference with the high-stakes drama of the Survivor reality TV series. The first annual Shoggiest Geek Alive Pageant showcases AI innovators through twelve elimination challenges, culminating in a live broadcast where the final ten compete for a $1 million prize, the coveted title of Shoggiest Geek Alive, and a year-long reign as Global Ambassador for AI. Viewers actively shape AI's future, casting votes alongside industry judges as contestants leverage cutting-edge AI technology to solve societal problems with humanity's future hanging in the balance. Embracing the viral 'Shoggoth with a smiley face' meme as a symbol of AI's enigmatic nature, Barnum.AI Industries crafts tentpole events that foster a deeper, more balanced understanding of AI’s promises and perils by making complex technology accessible through compelling entertainment.
For more information, please visit Frequently Asked Questions.
Embrace the Shoggoth: What?

BACKSTAGE TO THE BIG TOP
Step right up and meet the extraordinary performers who bring Barnum.AI Industries' vision to life. Our troupe combines human ingenuity with artificial intelligence to create the most electrifying spectacle in the world of AI.
Mission & Values
The Shoggothic Circus:
Showcasing AI's Promise and Perils, Marvels and Mysteries
Barnum.AI Industries orchestrates a breathtaking fusion of technology and entertainment, reimagining how we engage with artificial intelligence. We're crafting experiences that dazzle, educate, and inspire, inviting audiences to explore the marvels of AI under our big top.
Our Approach
Spectacle with Substance:
Barnum.AI Industries transforms complex AI concepts into captivating entertainment. We craft high-stakes, dramatic events that showcase cutting-edge technology while addressing real-world challenges. Our tentpole events, including the Shoggiest Geek Alive Pageant, combine the excitement of a tech conference with the drama of reality TV.
Empowering Innovation:
We provide a global stage for brilliant minds to shine. Contestants in the Shoggiest Geek Alive Pageant compete for a $1 million prize and the opportunity to become the Global Ambassador for AI. We invite viewers to witness the passion, creativity, and determination driving AI innovation.
Shaping AI's Future:
Barnum.AI Industries actively involves the public in the evolution of AI. Our events foster a balanced understanding of AI's potential and challenges. By allowing viewers to vote alongside industry judges, we ensure that the development of AI technology remains connected to societal needs and values.
Redefining Intelligence:
We celebrate the shoggiest organ of all – the brain. The Shoggiest Geek Alive Pageant elevates intellectual prowess and problem-solving skills to center stage, challenging conventional notions of attractiveness and success. We prove that innovation and technological expertise can captivate global audiences.
Ringmasters of the AI Circus:
As the ringmasters of this technological spectacle, we combine artificial intelligence with real showmanship. Barnum.AI Industries creates a dazzling performance that propels AI innovators into the spotlight, raising the curtain on humanity's next act. We ensure that humans remain the headliners in the shoggothic future we're helping to create.
As we prepare to raise the curtain on a new era of AI engagement, we invite visionaries, investors, and partners to join our troupe. Together, we'll create spectacular experiences that entertain, educate, and shape the future of artificial intelligence.
