UNC student group Sunrise UNC, former faculty members and other activists blocked the street as police set up barricades and redirected traffic.
Several officers stood guard outside while tech leaders inside discussed the importance and future of AI technology.
Isabelle Lynn, a spokesperson for Sunrise UNC, said the group wanted to make its presence known.
"We're basically here to make noise, and to show Lee Roberts and the tech billionaires that we're paying attention," she said.
Two retired UNC faculty members expressed concerns about the rapid growth of financial markets tied to emerging technologies and the broader societal effects they fear could follow.
Kathleen Dalton, a retired faculty member, said she worries about economic fallout.
"They're not going to care when it collapses. People's pension funds. And so in case all of those things are going to collapse with it, and the rest of us will pay the price," she said.
Sally Stearns, who worked in the School of Global Public Health and taught health policy, said she is focused on environmental and equity issues.
"Environment, economic disparities. Employment, housing, you can list a whole number of things that could be focused on," she said.
Some students viewed the event differently.
Lochlan McQueen, who worked for a tech company this summer, said he hopes to pursue a career in AI and is proud that UNC is hosting the global gathering.
"I want to go into AI," he said. McQueen added that he wished he could get closer to the event. "This is unfortunately as close as we can get, but whether you like the people or not. I'd love to just at least see them."
Chapel Hill's mayor said police presence around campus will increase during the forum.
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