Foundations for the Digital Commons

This two-day event unites leaders, builders, lawyers, and technologists to advance the future of tech, policy and digital infrastructure to benefit the common good. Together, we’ll tackle emerging challenges and bold opportunities in collective data governance, digital deliberation, democratic innovation, and the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, antitrust, and intellectual property.

Hosted by the Roux Institute in partnership with RadicalxChange, and Bernstein Shur, the event will feature:

• Fast-paced lightning talks, breakout sessions, and collaborative deliberations

• Workshops to align on legal frameworks and policy solutions

• A civic tech hackathon focused on digital deliberation tools and interoperability

• Curated networking mixers and engaging programming—all set in beautiful Portland, Maine

Agenda (to be confirmed)

Thursday, October 30 – Framing & Foundations

8:30–9:00am | Check-in & Coffee

9:00–9:05am | Welcome from Roux Institute 

9:05–9:20am | New England's Opportunity to Lead

9:30-10:30am | Workshop 1: Citizens' Assembly 

10:45-11:45am | Workshop 2: Data Bargaining & Cooperatives

11:45am- 12:45pm | Lunch

12:45 - 1:45pm | Digital Deliberation Tools Demos

1:45- 2:45pm | Policy Pathways for Participatory Democracy and Data Stewardship

3:00 - 4:00pm | Keynote

4:00-5:00pm | Networking Reception

5:00-7:00pm | Evening Reception

Friday, October 31 – Innovation Sprint

9:00-9:30am | Breakfast & Networking

9:30am-10:15am | Inspiration & Problem Framing 

10:15 - 10:30am | Team Formation & Planning

10:30 - 11:30am | Research & Discovery Sprint

11:30 - 1:00pm | Hackathon Work Sessions & Lunch

1:00 - 2:00pm | Mentor Meetings

2:00-3:00pm | Pitches & Group Feedback

Travel & Accommodations

Hotels
We’ve secured discounted rates at the following hotels within walking distance to the venue:

• AC Hotel Portland Downtown/Waterfront

• Residence Inn Portland Downtown/Waterfront

Flying into Portland

• The nearest airport is Portland International Jetport (PWM), located just 15 minutes from downtown.

• From the airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or use Uber/Lyft to get to the Roux Institute.

Flying into Boston

• If you’re flying into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), you have a few easy options to get to Portland:

  • Concord Coach Lines offers direct bus service from Logan Airport to downtown Portland.

    • Buses run multiple times daily, with pickup right at each terminal.

    • The trip takes about 2 hours and drops you off at Thompson’s Point in Portland.

    • From there, it’s a 10–15 minute ride to the Roux Institute by taxi, Uber/Lyft, or local bus.

  • Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive (approx. 2 hours north via I‑95).

  Tip: Book Concord Coach in advance at concordcoachlines.com for best availability.