The Colorado Health Symposium brings together nonprofit leaders, grassroots organizers, community advocates, funders, policymakers, and movement partners who are working to strengthen health equity across Colorado.
More than a conference, the Symposium is a gathering for shared learning, practical skill-building, and meaningful connection—where ideas are tested, partnerships grow, and new pathways forward begin to take shape. This year’s theme, Wisdom and Wonder: Weaving Generations Together for a Healthier Future, reflects both the challenges of this moment and the opportunities to draw on hard-earned experience and fresh imagination to move the work forward together.
This year’s Symposium focuses on three essential skills and practices for strengthening health equity work in Colorado:
- Strengthening nimble, durable, cross-movement coalitions – Timely approaches that help coalitions stay strong, coordinated, and adaptable across organizations and generations, especially during moments of political division, misinformation, funding challenges, and community crisis.
- Creating narrative power to counter misinformation and build collective will – Practical narrative strategies that help organizations respond to misinformation, stay aligned in their messaging, and build shared understanding and collective will in a rapidly changing information environment.
- Building Intergenerational partnership and collaboration – Concrete ways organizations can strengthen collaboration across generations and alongside communities by building trust, clarifying roles, and improving how people work together in changing conditions.
What to Expect
The 2026 Colorado Health Symposium is designed for practice, connection, joy, and renewal. Over three days, participants will move between mainstage experiences, hands-on workshops, peer learning, and informal spaces for connection. The Symposium blends structured sessions with opportunities for reflection, movement, and relationship-building, creating a rhythm that supports both learning and restoration. Across the experience, participants will engage in real-world scenarios, collaborative practices, and shared exchanges that strengthen both individual leadership and collective impact.
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.
Plenary Speakers
Capacity Building Workshops
To strengthen the skills needed to advance today’s health equity movement, Capacity Building Workshops will support organizations and movement partners. Attendees will gain insights on building durable coalitions that can work effectively under pressure, using narrative strategy to shift mindsets and build collective will for systems change, and strengthening intergenerational partnership and collaboration so communities are meaningfully connected to the work that affects their lives.
The Symposium will feature six Capacity Building Workshops, with each workshop offered on all three days of the event.
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)
Dates & Location
- Dates: July 29 – July 31, 2026
- Location: Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO
- Registration Deadline: Monday, June 22, 2026, or until sold out (Spaces fill quickly. Early registration is encouraged.)
- Organizational Limits: Note that a maximum of three individuals per organization may register.
Registration Fees
- General Admission: $575
- Nonprofit, Education, and Government Rate: $300
Registration fees do not include travel or lodging.
Please allow 15 minutes to complete registration.
Lodging
A limited number of accommodations are available at reduced Symposium rates until Wednesday, June 24. You will receive information on booking lodging with your registration confirmation email.
Accessibility
The Foundation is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible conference experience for all guests. Please share your needs during registration.
Language access
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.
Technical assistance and questions
For any other technical needs, or if you have any other Symposium-related questions, please email us at cohealthsymposium@coloradohealth.org. Please include your name and any details that may help us address your issue or question.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Wisdom and Wonder: Weaving Generations Together for a Healthier Future
July 29-31, 2026 at the Keystone Conference Center, 633 Tennis Club Rd, Dillon, CO.
Programming begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, and concludes by 12:30 p.m. on Friday, July 31. Breakfast is available at 8 a.m. daily.
The registration desk will open on the evening of Tuesday, July 28 from 4-7 p.m., as well as each morning beginning at 7:45 a.m. on July 29-31.
Attendance is limited and typically sells out early. All attendees must complete the online registration form prior to arrival.
Yes. Free parking with shuttles to the venue is available in the Lakeside Village lot.
Meals and Lodging
Yes. All registered attendees receive:
- Breakfast (Wed–Fri)
- Lunch (Wed-Fri)
- Dinner (Wed-Thu)
- Snacks and drinks throughout the event
No. Lodging is booked separately. Discounted rates and booking links are provided in the registration confirmation email.
Experience and Activities
Comfortable, layered clothing is recommended. Bring workout clothes if you plan to join movement or wellness sessions.
Yes. Expect guided wellness activities, peer connection spaces, and celebratory evening events to support reflection, rejuvenation, and joy.
Building on changes to the conference format in 2025 designed to better meet the moment and respond to community needs:
- Flash Talks (TED-style presentations) will be featured, highlighting bold ideas and insights.
- Poster Sessions will spotlight innovative community work and spark real-time conversation.
- Capacity-Building Workshops will provide hands-on, skill-deepening experiences.
- Exchange Sessions will not be featured this year, allowing more time and space for peer learning in other formats.
- In 2026, Improvements to the Symposium Fellowship program are designed to foster community and belonging.
Program Highlights
A full schedule will be posted to the event website prior to the Symposium.
Interactive displays of innovative community work that address health equity in action. Attendees can browse, engage, and connect with poster representatives.
Hands-on sessions designed to build real skills like storytelling, strategic messaging, working with media, and identifying audiences.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Yes. We are proud to partner with The Community Language Cooperative to provide interpretation in English and Spanish throughout the event.
If you noted an accessibility need during online registration, staff will reach out before the event and offer support at the conference.
Health and Safety
The Colorado Health Foundation is committed to producing a healthy and safe event, with the understanding that there is no way to eliminate all risk. Please ensure that your vaccinations and boosters are up-to-date.
- We encourage all attendees to take a COVID-19/Flu A&B 3-in-1 rapid test before traveling to Keystone. In general, we also encourage anyone feeling unwell to stay home.
- You will be required to complete an on-site COVID-19/Flu A&B 3-in-1 rapid test and show a negative test to get your name badge. Please plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before the first session you’d like to attend to complete the rapid test and check in with registration desk staff. Free COVID-19/Flu A&B 3-in-1 rapid tests for optional daily testing and KN95/KF94 masks will be available.
No. Weapons are not allowed anywhere on the premises.
Registration and Participation
No. All registration must be completed in advance.
A limited number of guest passes are available for access to all evening events only (such as receptions, dinners, and the dance party) and must be requested during registration. Guest passes are $50 per person, limited to one guest per registered attendee, and do not include access to daytime conference programming, breakfast, or lunch.
No. Registration is not refundable or shareable, regardless of late arrival or early departure; however, if you can no longer attend the Symposium, you may transfer your registration to another attendee by emailing cohealthsymposium@coloradohealth.org.
We aim to create a space for learning and joy. We ask that all Symposium attendees:
- Treat others with respect, inclusivity and consideration, recognizing that this event is a place for diversity of thoughts, organizations, and individuals.
- Communicate openly and thoughtfully with others, actively listen well to others, and be considerate of views and opinions that differ from yours.
- Respect the rules and policies of the conference center and lodging facilities.
In addition to organic networking taking place during breaks, lunch and receptions, there will be afternoon and evening activities available such as yoga and workshops. Check out the program for a list of activities.
No, your registration is valid for the entire conference regardless of attendance.
