The grandeur of OpenAI’s first brand trip for influencers was overshadowed by public disapproval, with concerns over environmental impact and the use of female creators to polish the company’s image.

Several influencers shared their experiences at the “Summer Club” weekend retreat, which took place outside New York City. Grace McCarrick and Nat Lucy, among others, posted photos and videos from their cabins, but reactions were lukewarm compared to usual sponsored content.

Commenters criticized the event’s environmental footprint and questioned why predominantly young women were invited, despite OpenAI stating that creators are an integral part of their community. McCarrick defended her participation, citing a lack of awareness about AI backlash and expressing shock at the negative responses.

The trip was relatively modest in terms of luxury, with rooms costing upwards of $2,000 per night. However, it lacked the usual flurry of content, with influencers focusing on aspirational lifestyle aspects rather than delving into OpenAI’s technology or capabilities.