2025 Registration is officially sold out!
The 2025 Colorado Health Symposium is a space for action, collaboration and bold conversations.
Hosted by The Colorado Health Foundation, this annual convening unites health equity advocates, grassroots leaders, policymakers and changemakers who are working to address pressing issues and drive meaningful change.
More than just a conference, the Colorado Health Symposium is a space where new ideas take shape, partnerships are strengthened and innovative solutions emerge. This year’s theme, Fortifying the Movement in Volatile Times, reflects the urgency of the moment and the strategies needed to protect progress, amplify impact, and build long-term resilience.
Dates & Location
- Dates: July 30 – August 1, 2025
- Location: Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO
- Registration Deadline: Registration has officially sold out
Language and Accessibility
In our commitment to language justice and providing an inclusive and accessible conference experience, you can share your needs during registration.
Servicios de Interpretacion, traducción, asistencia técnica y preguntas
La Fundación tiene un firme compromiso con la justicia de idiomas y se esfuerza en ayudar a nuestros huéspedes a participar en el idioma de su corazón. Los servicios de interpretación y traducción estarán disponibles para asistirle durante el proceso de solicitud y de forma presencial para apoyarle durante el transcurso de la conferencia. Envíenos un correo electrónico a cohealthsymposium@coloradohealth.org con su nombre e idioma preferido, y un miembro de nuestro equipo se pondrá en contacto en un plazo de 24 horas laborables.
Translation Services, Technical Assistance and Questions
The Foundation strongly believes in language justice and strives to help our guests participate in the language of their hearts. Interpretation and translation services are available to assist you throughout the registration process and onsite to support you throughout the conference. Please email us at cohealthsymposium@coloradohealth.org with your name and preferred language, and a member of our team will contact you within one business day.
2025 Schedule at a Glance
Full agenda coming soon!
DAY 1Wednesday, July 30
Framing the Moment & Setting the Stage
Kick off with Flash Talks (TED-style presentations) and a keynote conversation to set the tone. Afternoon Poster Sessions and Capacity Building Workshops provide hands-on learning and real-time collaboration. The day concludes with wellness activities and social gatherings to foster meaningful connections.
DAY 2Thursday, July 31
Interactive Learning & Collective Strategy
An interactive plenary prioritizes audience participation and real-time dialogue. Afternoon Poster Sessions and Capacity Building Workshops deepen learning, while movement-based activities and networking spaces sustain engagement. The evening closes with a celebratory gathering filled with music, movement and community.
DAY 3Friday, August 1
Turning Ideas into Action
A day of practical application and strategy, featuring workshops that refine advocacy efforts, explore sustainability solutions and strengthen long-term planning. The event closes with a keynote session, offering reflections and next steps to sustain momentum.
DAY 1Wednesday, July 30
Fortify the Core—Truth, Power and Purpose We open the Symposium by strengthening the core of our work: clarity, courage and collective purpose.
In the face of rising disinformation and fractured public discourse, we’ll sharpen our tools for policy advocacy, build new skills and deepen our capacity to organize around equity and justice. We’ll explore durable strategies for justice while staying anchored in shared truth and bold vision.
Mainstage Fireside Chat: Truth, Power & the Role of Narrative in Democracy
Featuring Joy-Ann Reid, National Political Analyst & Commentator, in conversation with Karen McNeil-Miller, President and CEO, The Colorado Health Foundation
In this opening-day conversation, renowned journalist and political commentator Joy-Ann Reid and CEO of The Colorado Health Foundation, Karen McNeil-Miller, explore the urgent intersection of truth, equity and narrative in our democracy. Together, they’ll unpack the role of media, movement-building and philanthropy in protecting democratic values, advancing racial and social justice and reshaping the public square in Colorado and beyond.
Other Day 1 Highlights:
- New! Poster Sessions Open: Engage directly with leaders from across Colorado as they share bold, innovative solutions and invite dialogue around real-world challenges and strategies.
- Capacity-Building Workshops: Build advocacy and communications strategies to meet the urgency of this moment.
- Evening Welcome Reception: Engage and reconnect with peers and enjoy the beauty of Keystone in a relaxed setting.
DAY 2Thursday, July 31
Shift the Story—Narrative Power for a Just Colorado
Narratives don’t just describe reality, they define what’s possible. Day 2 focuses on how to reclaim the narrative, counter harmful stories and tell authentic, community-rooted truths. We’ll explore how to influence public perception, reframe dominant narratives and tell truer stories about who we are and what we deserve.
Mainstage Fireside Chat: Rewriting the Narrative—Belonging, Power & Possibility
Featuring José Antonio Vargas, Pulitzer Prize–Prize-winning journalist & Founder of Define American, in conversation with Jazmín Chávez, Community Leader & Advocate, and David Breña, Trans Rights Leader & Colorado Organizer
Nationally, immigrant and trans communities are navigating a rising tide of legal attacks, distorted narratives and targeted disinformation challenges that threaten both safety and belonging. In this timely and powerful fireside chat, José Antonio Vargas will share insights from across the country on how storytelling, media and movement work intersect in the fight for truth and dignity. He’ll then moderate a conversation with two Colorado leaders—Jazmín Chávez and David Breña—on what it means to push back against harm, build cross-movement solidarity and shape a future where everyone can thrive.
Other Day 2 Highlights:
- Poster Sessions Continue: Engage directly with presenters to learn practical, transferable solutions.
- Capacity-Building Workshops: Deepen skills in narrative strategy, organizational sustainability, and policy impact.
- Evening Celebration: Unwind with music, dancing, and spontaneous joy—you’ve earned it!
DAY 3Friday, August 1
Sustain the Work as a Force for Change
Movements are not only built on strategy but on soul. As we close the conference, we turn to what sustains us—radical love, courageous storytelling and aligned action–for our communities, our movements and ourselves. Let this be our charge: to resist burnout, reclaim joy and lead forward with fierce compassion.
Closing Keynote: Revolutionary Love as Strategy for Social Change
Featuring Valarie Kaur, Civil Rights Leader, Lawyer, Filmmaker & Founder of the Revolutionary Love Project
As we conclude our time together, Valarie Kaur offers a galvanizing vision for the road ahead, one rooted in revolutionary love as a powerful practice for social change. Drawing on her work at the intersection of law, storytelling and activism, Valarie will speak to the urgent need for nonprofit leaders to ground their policy advocacy, narrative change and organizational sustainability in love—love for others, for our opponents and for ourselves. In a time of burnout and polarization, her message calls us to reimagine our work not only as resistance but as a long labor toward justice, wholeness and belonging. Leave inspired, renewed and ready to lead with fierce compassion.
Other Day 3 Highlights:
- Final Poster Session Engagements
- Closing Reflections and Community Gathering: Take time to celebrate, connect and prepare for the road ahead.
- Personal Renewal in Keystone’s Natural Beauty: Before you leave, breathe in the Colorado mountain air and reflect on the purpose and power you’re taking home.
Throughout all three days, there will be space for movement, reflection and rejuvenation, ensuring this is not just a conference—it’s an experience. Join us for an opportunity to learn, connect and act! Together, we will fortify our organizations, strengthen our leadership and build a movement that drives lasting change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Theme: Fortifying the Movement in Volatile Times
Dates: July 30–August 1, 2025
Location: Keystone Conference Center | 633 Tennis Club Rd, Dillon, CO 80435
Event Logistics
All programming will take place at the Keystone Conference Center. Maps and directions are available on the Symposium website.
Check-in and breakfast begin daily at 7:30 a.m. in the Shavano Foyer. Programming starts at 9:00 a.m. The Symposium concludes by noon on Friday, August 1.
Free parking is available in the Lakeside Village Conference Center lot. Complimentary shuttles run throughout the resort.
Colorado business casual. We recommend dressing in layers, as temperatures can fluctuate indoors and outdoors. Bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and comfortable shoes for optional wellness activities like yoga and hiking.
The full agenda, including session descriptions, speakers, and locations, is available on the Symposium website and in the 2025 CHS Mobile App. We encourage you to download the app prior to arriving and log in to access personalized scheduling, networking tools, and updates.
COVID-19 Protocols
To support community health and safety:
- Arrive at least 20 minutes early on your first day for a required on-site COVID-19 test, OR
- Present a photo of a self-administered negative COVID test taken within the prior 24 hours.
Security and Safety
- Attendees must wear their Symposium badge at all times.
- Individuals without a badge will not be permitted to enter the venue.
- Plainclothes security personnel will be onsite throughout the event.
- Weapons of any kind are not permitted on the premises.
Please be mindful of your surroundings. If you see something concerning, notify event staff immediately.
Participation and Inclusion
The Symposium includes a range of offerings:
- Keynote and plenary sessions
- Interactive workshops
- Poster sessions
- Flash talks
- Networking and wellness activities
- Rejuvenation and reflection time
- Dance Party on Thursday evening
- We also encourage exploring organic opportunities to discuss bold ideas, engage in narrative-shifting storytelling, and connect with other advocates from across Colorado and beyond.
We are committed to creating a space of belonging. All attendees are expected to:
- Treat others with respect and care
- Listen actively and consider diverse perspectives
- Communicate with openness and thoughtfulness
- Uphold the policies of the venue
Together, we can co-create an environment rooted in justice, restoration, and collective learning.
Language and Accessibility
Yes. Spanish/English and ASL/English interpretation will be available throughout the Symposium, provided by the Community Language Cooperative.
If you indicated a need during registration (e.g., mobility support, lactation room, interpretation), you’ll receive more info at check-in.
Community and Connection
Yes! The 2025 CHS Mobile App is your go-to guide for:
- The full agenda and speaker info
- Maps and session locations
- Attendee list
- Messaging and networking tools
You’ll receive download instructions by email. Be sure to sign in to access all features.
Use the app’s Networking feature to share contact info, find people with shared interests, and start conversations before, during, and after the event.
Special Programs
Selected organizations will share innovative approaches to advancing equity through posters displayed throughout the event. Designated discussion times allow attendees to learn directly from presenters.
Our 2025 Symposium Fellows are community leaders from across the state who are new to the Symposium.
Need Help?
Email us at cohealthsymposium@coloradohealth.org with any questions or concerns.