The Symposium opens by grounding participants in the realities and possibilities of this moment. A dynamic mainstage experience featuring short presentations, performance, and cross-generational dialogue sets a shared foundation for the days ahead by exploring identity, belonging, coalition-building, and the forces shaping our communities. Throughout the day, participants move into capacity-building workshops focused on coalition strength, narrative strategy, and collaboration, alongside opportunities for connection, reflection, and informal gathering. The evening offers space to continue building relationships, with optional shared experiences that extend learning beyond the formal program.

The second day centers on learning through practice and exchange. A powerful morning plenary invites participants into reflection, dialogue, and shared problem-solving grounded in the long arc of justice work, collective responsibility, and cross-generational perspective. Morning Poster Sessions create space for peer learning and storytelling, followed by workshops that deepen skills through applied tools and real-world scenarios. Throughout the afternoon, participants can engage in wellness activities, informal meetups, and connection spaces designed to restore energy and strengthen relationships. The day concludes with an evening gathering that balances joy, celebration, and connection, offering both lively and quieter spaces for participants to engage in ways that feel meaningful.

The final day focuses on how we collectively forge ahead. Workshops and conversations offer ways to help translate ideas into action, strengthen collaboration, refine narrative approaches, and identify next steps grounded in real-world conditions. The Symposium closes with reflections from The Colorado Health Foundation’s CEO and a forward-looking plenary that invites participants into reflection and conversation about how meaningful connection, intentional gathering, and shared purpose help sustain communities and movements over time. Participants depart with a shared commitment to continue the work and relationships built over the three days.

Strategic communications can do more than inform. It can shape how people think, what they support, and what becomes possible. In this interactive session, you’ll explore how campaigns can uplift narratives that build shared understanding and advance equity-centered change. You’ll strengthen your ability to balance short-term communications goals with long-term narrative change and learn practical strategies for communicating complex ideas in a noisy information landscape. 

Presenter: SE2

What if your data could move people, your stories could unlock resources, and your case could build the will for change? We’ll get real about why so many important health initiatives struggle to gain traction, and what it takes to change that. Together, we’ll explore how digital tools can help you translate your impact into a case people can see, feel, and act on. You’ll learn how to turn complex data into clear, human-centered “social math,” pair lived experience with evidence to build trust, and use digital strategies to move audiences from passive agreement to active commitment. Strengthen your ability to make a persuasive case with funders, partners, and communities. 

Presenter: Dr. Tiffany Manuel, TheCaseMade​​​​​​​

In today’s environment, it can feel like we're losing ground. Building stronger public support requires a deeper understanding of how people process complex social issues, including what is happening beneath the surface. Through hands-on application, you’ll leave with strategies to bridge division and reach persuadable audiences, moving them toward shared goals. Along the way, you might just discover that we all share more in common than expected.  

Presenters: Heartwired (Wonder and Goodwin Simon Strategic Research)

In this session, you’ll explore practices that advance both short- and long-term strategies, strengthen collaboration across experience levels, and foster knowledge transfer between emerging and seasoned leaders. This session will highlight approaches to building resilient movements in times of attack, drawing on decades of LGBTQ advocacy with a goal of fostering dialogue across movements.

Presenter: Movement Advancement Project (MAP)

Strong coalitions are built through trust, accountability, and meaningful community leadership. In this session, you’ll explore how community-centered leadership strengthens coalition effectiveness and long-term sustainability. Drawing on insights from a recent Advocacy Ecosystem Study commissioned by The Colorado Health Foundation, alongside lessons from Colorado Homes for All (COHFA), participants will examine what authentic accountability looks like in practice, why it matters, and strategies coalition members and funders can use to strengthen collaboration, shared leadership, and collective impact across Colorado and beyond.

Presenters: Colorado Homes for All (9to5 Colorado and United for a New Economy) and Grassroots Solutions

Strong youth engagement requires organizations to rethink how power, voice, and leadership are shared. This session will explore actionable strategies for building meaningful youth leadership across staffing, governance, and community engagement. Participants will learn how to authentically integrate youth into decision-making roles and create pathways for long-term leadership development, as well as how adults can better listen to and partner with young people in ways that recognize their expertise, respect their agency, and foster true multigenerational collaboration.

Presenter: Dr. Janiece Mackey, Young Aspiring Americans for Social & Political Activism (YAASPA)

All programming will take place at the Keystone Conference Center.

Keystone sits at 9,280 ft above sea level. Summer days are typically warm, with cool mornings and evenings. Afternoon thunderstorms can occur. We recommend dressing in layers, wearing sunscreen, staying hydrated, and bringing a light jacket.

Keystone's high elevation may affect some visitors. Drink plenty of water, avoid overexertion on your first day, and let staff know if you're feeling unwell. Supplemental oxygen is available at Registration.

Colorado business casual. We recommend dressing in layers, bringing sunscreen and a reusable water bottle, and wearing comfortable shoes.  

Optional: Wear purple clothing or accessories to Thursday evening's celebration honoring our retiring CEO, Karen McNeil-Miller. 

No. All registration must be completed in advance.

A limited number of evening guest passes were made available during registration for access to evening events only, including receptions, dinners, and the Thursday dance party. Evening guest passes do not include access to daytime programming, breakfast, or lunch. Evening guest passes are currently sold out. Symposium sessions and daytime activities are open only to registered attendees. 

Pre-approved guest passes can be picked up by your guest at the Keystone Conference Center during evening event hours with a photo ID after completing the required on-site COVID-19/Flu A&B 3-in-1 rapid test and receiving a negative result. 

Although we will have a designated lactation room on-site, we do not provide on-site child care. If you have access needs, caregiving considerations, or other circumstances that may affect your participation, please contact us at cohealthsymposium@coloradohealth.org. 

If you are no longer able to attend, The Colorado Health Foundation may allow another participant within the same organization to take your place on a case-by-case basis. To notify/request a transfer, please email cohealthsymposium@coloradohealth.org with “Ticket Transfer” as the subject line. 

Keystone Lodge and Keystone Condos have separate hotel check-in locations. Please refer to your lodging confirmation email for your property's check-in instructions. Hotel check-in is separate from Symposium registration. 

Early Check-In: Tuesday, July 28, 4-7 p.m. at Keystone Conference Center in Grays Peak Foyer. 

Standard Check-In: Registration is available each morning beginning Wednesday, July 29, at 8 a.m. If you do not check in Tuesday, please arrive at least 20 minutes before the first session you plan to attend to complete your required COVID-19/Flu A&B 3-in-1 rapid test and receive your badge. 

Daily Schedule (Wednesday-Friday):  

• Registration: 8 a.m. 
• Breakfast: 8 a.m. 
• First session: 9 a.m. 

The Symposium ends on Friday, July 31, at 1:30 p.m., following a book signing and lunch. 

Yes! Early check-in will be available Tuesday, July 28, from 4–7 p.m. at the Keystone Conference Center. You'll be able to complete your required COVID-19/Flu A&B rapid test, pick up your badge, and get settled before programming begins Wednesday morning. Symposium early check-in is for conference registration only. Hotel check-in takes place separately at your lodging property.

Your badge is required to enter Symposium sessions, meals, and evening activities.

To support community health, all attendees must complete an on-site COVID-19/Flu A&B 3-in-1 rapid test before receiving their Symposium badge.  

• We strongly encourage attendees to test for COVID-19/Flu A&B before traveling to Keystone. If you test positive or you’re feeling unwell, please stay home and contact the Symposium team.  
• Please allow approximately 20–30 minutes for testing and check-in, as wait times may vary depending on arrival volume.  
• Masks are welcome but optional. Complimentary KN95/KF94 masks will be available at Registration. 

• Complimentary day-use parking is available at the Lakeside Village Lot next to the Conference Center. 
• Overnight parking for Keystone Lodge guests is $15 per night. 
• Complimentary shuttles operate throughout Keystone. The conference shuttle schedule will be available in the mobile app. Keystone also offers complimentary on-call shuttle service from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Call 970-496-4200 to request a shuttle. Please specify if you need an ADA-accessible shuttle. 

Your registration includes: 

• Wednesday: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and refreshments 

• Thursday: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and refreshments 

• Friday: Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments 

If you have questions about dietary accommodations, or if your dietary needs have changed since registration, please contact us as soon as possible at cohealthsymposium@coloradohealth.org  

Meals and snacks at the Colorado Health Symposium have been curated with dietary accessibility in mind, including options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other common dietary needs.     

Please be aware that some foods (such as peanuts and shellfish) can trigger severe allergic reactions through airborne exposure. Due to known severe allergies, we ask that you do not bring these items, or tuna, into the conference venue.   

In alignment with our Health Policy, we also encourage all attendees to use sanitation stations after meals and snacks to help reduce the risk of additional contact-based allergic reactions. 

Visit the Registration Desk for assistance with a replacement badge. 

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the Keystone Conference Center. Network information will be available at check-in and in the mobile app.

The 2026 CHS Mobile App is your primary guide throughout the Symposium. Use it to: 

• View the latest agenda and build your personal schedule 
• Learn about speakers and sessions 
• Find the venue map and meeting rooms 
• Access conference shuttle schedules 
• Receive announcements and schedule updates 
• Connect with other attendees 
• Review event logistics   

 The agenda is also available on the Symposium website. 

The Symposium includes: 

• Keynote and plenary sessions  
• Capacity-building workshops  
• Poster Sessions  
• Flash Talks  
• Wellness activities  
• Wednesday film screenings 
• Thursday evening Dance Party  
• Networking opportunities 

We also encourage you to explore organic opportunities to discuss bold ideas, engage in narrative-shifting storytelling, and connect with advocates from across Colorado and beyond. 

No. Advance registration is not required for workshops or wellness activities.  

• Our six capacity-building workshops are offered each day of the Symposium, giving you multiple opportunities to attend. We recommend arriving a few minutes early to secure a seat in your preferred workshop. If a room reaches capacity, choose another workshop and return to your preferred session another day. 
• Wellness activities are optional, and some may have limited capacity.  

Details, locations, and any activity-specific instructions are available in the 2026 CHS Mobile App. 

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. 

Please wait until after the Symposium has concluded to post your experiences on social media. This year, we're asking attendees to refrain from posting photos, videos, or updates in real time during the Symposium. This temporary change reflects our commitment to safety for all guests, and to creating a space where participants can engage openly, build relationships, and focus on the experience together. After the Symposium concludes, we encourage you to share your favorite moments, photos, and reflections using the official Symposium hashtag #COHealthSymposium.

Yes. Photography and video will be captured throughout the Symposium for future communications. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let event staff know at check-in.

Use the app's networking features to connect with other attendees, exchange contact information, find people with shared interests, and continue conversations before, during, and after the Symposium.

These are conversation starters designed to help attendees connect with one another. Many attendees will wear "Talk to Me About..." buttons featuring a topic they're excited to discuss, and badges will include a "Talk To Me About..." section where attendees share topics they're interested in. They're a great way to break the ice, meet new people, and spark meaningful conversations throughout the Symposium. 

Badge ribbons identify attendees who speak Spanish, helping foster connection and informal language support throughout the event.

Welcome! Half of our attendees are also attending the Symposium for the first time. We encourage you to introduce yourself, visit the Poster Sessions, and strike up conversations using the "Talk to Me About..." buttons and badge prompts. The Symposium is designed to foster meaningful connections, and you'll find a welcoming community eager to learn alongside you.

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—such as mobility support, interpretation, or access to the lactation room—you'll receive additional information at check-in. If your accessibility needs change before or during the Symposium, please contact us at cohealthsymposium@coloradohealth.org  or visit the Registration Desk.

Poster Sessions are one of the Symposium's signature learning experiences, highlighting innovative, community-driven approaches to advancing health equity across Colorado. Posters remain on display throughout the event, with dedicated discussion times to meet presenters, ask questions, and explore ideas.

Our 2026 Symposium Fellows are emerging community leaders from across Colorado who are attending the Symposium for the first time as part of the Symposium Fellowship program. Fellows can be identified by their yellow lanyards.