Colorado SunFest 2026 is a daylong event bringing Coloradans together to discuss what makes A Better Colorado. Find out more about specific sessions planned for Friday, May 1 below.
Panel Name: Colorado Weather: Always Pack a Coat
Moderator: Reporter Tracy Ross
Meteorologists Chris Bianchi from 9News and Mike Nelson, formerly with Denver7, will join The Colorado SunFest 2026 lineup to discuss the challenges in predicting temperamental weather in Colorado as well as how to protect yourself.
Chris Bianchi, senior meteorologist, 9News in Denver
Before joining 9News in May 2021, Binachi worked for Spectrum Networks, and previously was a meteorologist for WeatherNation for six years. He has covered weather for outlets including The Denver Post, the Washington Post, the Boston Herald and the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Bianchi holds a Broadcasters’ Seal of Approval from the National Weather Association, and is a broadcast ambassador for the American Meteorological Society’s Committee for Hispanic and Latinx Advancement.
He graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University in 2009, and received a certification in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University in 2012.
Mike Nelson, former chief metrologist, Denver7
Nelson retired from Denver7 in 2024 after spending 20 years with the station. Prior to joining Denver7, Nelson was a television forecaster for 40 years, and forecasted weather in Colorado for more than 25 years.
Prior to moving to Colorado, he received his degree in Meteorology from the University of Wisconsin and worked at Weather Central, a private weather consulting firm. Nelson partnered with meteorologist Terry Kelly, and together created a computer weather graphics system for television, and helped install TV weather computers at more than 50 TV stations across the country.
Nelson has won 18 Emmy awards for Outstanding Weather Anchor, and was recognized in 2001 by The Colorado Broadcasters Association as “Citizen of the Year.”
The panel, “Colorado Weather: Always Pack a Coat,” is one of 11 conversations scheduled for Colorado SunFest 2026.
The fourth annual Colorado SunFest is Friday, May 1, at Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs on the University of Denver campus. Tickets for the event are available to purchase on The Colorado SunFest landing page.