The secret dossiers of a 'Silicon Valley salon' for the global elite

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Hidden behind a low public profile, Dialog functions as a private matchmaking service for the world's most powerful figures. From tech titans to elected officials, members gather for off-the-record retreats to discuss everything from artificial intelligence to the afterlife, all while being graded by an internal AI-assisted ranking system.

Founded in 2006 by Peter Thiel and Auren Hoffman, Dialog is an invitation-only organization often compared to the Bilderberg Group or the World Economic Forum. It operates as a 'nomadic' series of retreats—held in locations like California, Arizona, and Italy—designed to foster candid, non-attributed discussion. Participants are coached to avoid 'status signaling,' focusing instead on shared interests in artificial intelligence, longevity, and the near future. The organization is currently transitioning toward an institutional phase, with plans for a campus near Washington, D.C. in 2026.

The group's internal mechanics are highly structured. Leaked documents reveal that staff use artificial intelligence tools to create dossiers on every member and potential invitee. These dossiers assign a letter grade: 'C' for the most famous and influential figures, 'A' for established but less notable members, and 'B' for the majority. These grades determine the cost of attendance; lower-graded individuals typically pay full price—often exceeding $10,000—while higher-graded members receive discounts. The dossiers also track assets under management, trust scores, and even political leanings, which the organization occasionally adjusts from what members self-report.

While critics point to the organization's elitism and the secrecy surrounding its membership, defenders argue it provides a unique space for authentic expression without fear of reprisal. High-profile participants include figures like Elon Musk, Ted Cruz, and various European leaders. Despite the secrecy, a 2026 data leak exposed a directory of over 100 people and registration records for a Dublin retreat. The leak also highlighted the group's matchmaking service, which uses algorithms to pair about 10% of members who opt into a pool of singles, while strictly excluding spouses and professional associates.

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