May 1, 2026 |
Colorado SunFest 2026, hosted by The Colorado Sun at the University of Denver Josef Korbel School of Public Affairs will be a daylong event bringing Coloradans together to discuss what makes A Better Colorado on Friday, May 1.
Whether the conversation is centered on politics, outdoors, environment or education, all Coloradans have a say in how to make this great state even better.
Stay tuned for programming updates regarding Colorado SunFest 2026.
To receive information about Colorado SunFest 2026, please fill out this quick form.
Tickets
Become a member to unlock members-only offers and support local journalism.
Have questions about your membership status? Email kristina@coloradosun.com for help.
Schedule
- Doors and registration open at 8 a.m. in the Networking Lounge on the 1st floor.
- Breakfast will be served from 8-9 a.m. in the Maglione Hall on the 5th floor.
Keynote
Dean Baquet, former New York Times Executive Editor
9-10 a.m. in the Maglione Hall on the 5th floor
To open Colorado SunFest 2026, Baquet will sit down for a one-on-one conversation to discuss the current attack on the freedom of the press, the role journalists play in our democracy and will entertain questions from the audience.
Session 1
Colorado weather: Always pack a coat
10:15-11:15 a.m. in the Maglione Hall on the 5th floor
More details
Meteorologists Chris Bianchi from 9News, Mike Nelson, formerly with Denver7, and Joel Gratz from OpenSnow will join The Colorado SunFest 2026 lineup to discuss the challenges in predicting temperamental weather in Colorado as well as how to protect yourself.
Moderated by Sun reporter Tracy Ross.
The future of public service
10:15-11:15 a.m. in The Forum (SIE 1020) on the 1st floor
More details
Behind every thriving community is a network of public servants working to keep things running, yet many of these roles are now under strain as federal workforce reductions and shifting priorities reshape government. This panel, organized by the Josef Korbel School, looks at the challenges facing public service in Colorado and beyond, and examines what these changes mean for our state’s future.
Moderated by Fritz Mayer, dean of Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs
Session 2
How Coloradans are feeling heading into a big election year
11:30-12:30 p.m. in the Maglione Hall on the 5th floor
More details
Voters across the state will have some big decisions to make this year. Colorado Polling Institute and other polling experts will discuss what Colorado voters are feeling as two big elections approach.
Speakers include: Kevin Ingham, founder of Aspect Strategic, Lori Weigel, Director of New Bridge Strategy and Seth Masket, author and political science processor at the University of Denver.
Moderated by Sun reporter Jesse Paul.
Exploring 150 years of Colorado statehood
11:30-12:30 p.m. in SIE 1150 on the 1st floor
More details
Panelists Jason Hanson, chief creative officer and director of interpretation & research at History Colorado, and Annie Levinsky, vice president of History Colorado, will explore Colorado’s history and the current “heritage audit” going on at History Colorado.
Moderated by Sun reporter Parker Yamasaki.
AI in Colorado
11:30-12:30 p.m. in The Forum (SIE 1020) on the 1st floor
More details
Artificial Intelligence seems unavoidable if you’re plugged in, use a smart phone or interact with any sort of customer service system.
Speakers include: Dr. Mohammad Mahoor, the creator of AI Robot Ryan — a robot that likes to hang out at senior facilities, lead yoga classes and help staff in a pinch — as well and Jon Nordmark, founder of Iterate.AI.
Moderated by Sun reporter Tamara Chuang.
- Lunch from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Networking Lounge on the 1st floor.
- Behind the Scenes of The Colorado Sun from 12:45-1:15 p.m. (More details TBD)
Session 3
Housing: Any relief in the high country?
1:45-2:45 p.m. SIE 1150 on the 1st floor
More details
The housing crisis in the high country continues, but has anything taken place to take off some of the pressure? What’s happening to make it better after communities and the state implemented a litany of new laws and regulations? The panel will include Kimball Crangle, president of the Colorado market for Gorman & Company, and Tim Wohlgenant, CEO of Yampa Valley Community Foundation.
Moderated by Sun reporter Jason Blevins
Challenges and solutions for an aging population
1:45-2:45 p.m. in The Forum (SIE 1020) on the 1st floor
More details
Pam Holland, an expert on sorting a lifetime of household clutter; Alison Joucovsky, an entrepreneur who created a home-share business based on the “Golden Girls” model; and Barb Kreisman, cocreator of a University of Denver-based program to help navigate life’s third act, will speak at Colorado SunFest 2026 about the challenges Colorado’s aging population is facing. This conversation is also geared toward the generation caring for this population.
Basic income programs in Denver and beyond
1:45-2:45 p.m. in the Maglione Hall on the 5th floor
More details
Basic income and cash dividend programs are gaining attention as tools to address persistent economic insecurity, from housing instability to income volatility. This panel, hosted by the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy at DU’s Josef Korbel School explores the feasibility, considerations and impacts of these interventions.
Moderated by Naazneen H. Barma, founding director of the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy.
Session 4
“What is a River?” Visual Showcase
3-4 p.m.in the Maglione Hall on the 5th floor
More details
Photojournalist Mike Sweeney will present a visual showcase of the Arkansas River His work is regularly featured in The Colorado Sun and he is a crucial reporting partner for water stories in southern Colorado, including the “What is a river” series in 2025.
Child care in Colorado
3-4 p.m. SIE 1150 on the 1st floor
More details to come.
FAQs
What’s the address?
Colorado SunFest 2026 will take place in person May 1 at the University of Denver Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs:
Josef Korbel School School of Global and Public Affairs
University of Denver
Anna and John J. Sie International Relations Complex
2201 S. Gaylord St., Denver, CO 80208
Sessions will be scheduled throughout the entire day. A more detailed agenda will be available closer to the event.
Which membership levels have access to discounted tickets?
Discounted tickets are available for Colorado Sun members at the Basic, Basic Plus, Premium and Champion levels.
Not a member? Become one today.
Not sure if you’re a Colorado Sun member? Please email sunfest@coloradosun.com.
What are the lunch options?
INCLUDED
Every Colorado SunFest 2026 ticket includes a lunch option.
A Continental Breakfast including Fresh Slice Fruit, Individual Yogurt cups served with Granola and Assorted Fresh Pastries will be provided.
Boxed Lunches with options of Wrap, Sandwich or Salad will be served. These include chips, house salad and dessert.
Vegetarian/Vegan and Gluten-Free Available by Request
ON YOUR OWN
There are several restaurants along Evans Avenue and University Boulevard. Some of them include:
- Saucy’s Southern BBQ & Cuisine
- Ginza Sushi & Grill
- Tacos el Metate
- Tatsu Izakaya
- Fat Shack
- Pita Fresh & Catering
- Snarf’s Sandwiches
- Jerusalem Restaurant
- Spanky’s Roadhouse
- Chipotle
Transportation: Where can I park? How can I get there without a car?
Parking
Information for parking for Colorado SunFest 2026 will be updated soon!
How can I get there without a car?
In addition to the University of Denver light rail station on campus, the University of Denver has 2 main thoroughfares serviced by bus. These lines include the East-West bound Route 21: Evans Avenue and the North-South bound Route 24: University Boulevard.
DU Light Rail Station
The DU Light Rail Station serves as a stop on the E, F, and H lines
- Walk south across Buchtel Blvd
- Turn east on Iliff Ave
- The Korbel School is the building with a blue spire to the north of Iliff Ave
When will Colorado SunFest tickets close for purchase?
Online tickets for all levels will close April 26, 2026. You will still be able to purchase a ticket in-person day of the conference.
Are tickets refundable?
Tickets are not refundable. There are options to donate your ticket to a student, or switch the ticket holder name.
Please contact sunfest@coloradosun.com for further information.
Am I eligible for a student ticket?
Anyone attending a Colorado university or college is eligible for student tickets.
Please make sure to use your school’s email address during checkout to receive the discount. If you do not use an institution’s email, please be advised, you will be asked to show your student ID.
If you are a high school student and wish to attend, please email sunfest@coloradosun.com.
If you’re unable to purchase a student ticket, but wish to attend, please email sunfest@coloradosun.com.
Is re-entry allowed?
Yes. If you have your badge, you may leave and re-enter the building.
How can I get the latest Colorado SunFest 2026 updates?
Sign up for emails to stay updated on everything Colorado SunFest 2025, including speakers and sessions.
How do I become a volunteer?
Please email sunfest@coloradosun.com with your name and contact information.
Are there group ticket discounts?
Yes, to save 20% on purchases of 6 tickets or more, please use the promo code SF2026Group.
Are there discounts for nonprofits?
Yes, please use the promo code SF2026Nonprofit to receive 15%, and please purchase the ticket with your organization’s email address.
Sponsors
For inquires about sponsorships, please contact Sylvia Harmon, Director of Sales, at sylvia@coloradosun.com.
The Colorado Sun thanks the following sponsors for their support in making Colorado SunFest 2026 happen.
The Colorado Polling Institute (CPI) elevates the public dialogue and promotes informed decision making through timely, trustworthy public opinion research on the most important issues facing Coloradans. Since its inception in 2023, CPI has polled thousands of Coloradans to provide accurate and timely intelligence on public policy, political, and lifestyle issues. CPI is nonpartisan, nonprofit and dedicated to independence and transparency that is funded by Colorado civic, philanthropic and business leaders independent of any campaign or political party. Learn more about our work and sign up for our newsletter at COPollingInstitute.org.
Hosted by
The Colorado Sun thanks the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs at The University of Denver for hosting Colorado SunFest 2026.
Ranked 12th in the world for master’s programs in international relations and 20th for undergraduate programs in international studies by Foreign Policy magazine, the Korbel School shapes the next generation of global leaders through programs rooted in interdisciplinary education and experiential learning experiences. With world-renowned faculty, cutting-edge research centers, and an expansive global alumni network, Korbel equips students with the knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities needed to make a meaningful impact locally and globally.
Additional Sponsors
Watch previous Colorado SunFest sessions
The Colorado Sun is an award-winning news outlet based in Denver that strives to cover all of Colorado so that our state — our community — can better understand itself. The Colorado Sun is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 36-5082144
(720) 263-2338