Technology entrepreneur, investor and author Brett A. Hurt will appear at The Original Pancake House DFW in Addison, Texas, on Thursday, October 1, 2026, for a book signing and conversation focused on artificial intelligence, leadership and the ethical choices shaping an era of rapid technological change. The event, hosted by The Original Pancake House DFW CEO Mark Davis Bailey, will run from 10 a.m. to noon at 5220 Belt Line Road, Dallas, Texas 75254.
Registered attendees will receive a complimentary breakfast, and the first 100 guests to register will also receive a complimentary hardcover copy of Hurt's third book, Love Conquers Fear: Humanity, AI, and the Age of Abundance for All, with the opportunity to have it personally autographed by the author. Advance registration is strongly encouraged, and guests can sign up at https://luma.com/tbcgnvs0.
The event is designed to bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and community members for a timely discussion about how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are reshaping business and society. Bailey said Hurt's perspective goes beyond the technical capabilities of AI to the values that should guide its use.
"Brett has spent his career at the forefront of technology and entrepreneurship, but what makes this conversation especially important is that he is asking us to look beyond what AI can do and think seriously about how we choose to use it," Bailey said. "We are excited to welcome him to The Original Pancake House DFW and give our guests an opportunity to meet Brett, hear his perspective and take part in this important conversation."
Hurt began programming at age seven and became one of Austin's best-known technology entrepreneurs. He co-founded and led Bazaarvoice through its IPO and previously founded Coremetrics, which was later acquired by IBM. Along with his wife, Debra, he is an investor in more than 150 startups and more than 50 venture capital funds. His honors include induction into the Austin Technology Council Hall of Fame in 2026, being named Tulane University's 2026 Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year, recognition by Goldman Sachs as one of its Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs in 2022, and the Best CEO Legacy Award from the Austin Business Journal in 2017. He is also an Aspen Institute Henry Crown Fellow and former Braddock Scholar, and he earned his undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin and his MBA from The Wharton School.
His newest book explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, technology, consciousness, ethics and humanity. It asks readers to consider not simply how rapidly technology will advance, but what values should guide the future being created alongside it. The Addison event is being presented in partnership with Principled Business. Space and complimentary books are limited.
For business leaders and communities across North Texas, the event signals a growing push to move beyond hype around AI and toward a serious examination of its human impact. As companies race to adopt new technologies, the conversation Hurt and Bailey are promoting raises questions about leadership, ethics and the kind of future that innovation should serve.
