The Seattle AI event showcased a diverse panel of experts discussing the evolution and future of AI, highlighting how recent advancements in AI models and tools have democratized the development of AI-powered applications. The panelists, including leaders like S. Somasegar from Madrona and Alessya Visnjic from WhyLabs, explored how the accessibility of foundation models has drastically increased the capacity for companies to build AI applications, shifting the paradigm for developers. They noted that while large companies like OpenAI might dominate the model API market due to their resources, open-source models and specialized tools could offer competitive alternatives for smaller entities. The discussion underscored the importance of tools in deploying and managing AI models, regardless of the approach companies take, and emphasized the ongoing excitement and innovation within Seattle's AI community. The session also touched upon the significance of robust experimentation and testing in AI development, as illustrated by experiences shared from Statsig's projects and culture.