Colorado Capital Conference seeks participants for 2024

U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper – along with Colorado Mesa University, the University of Colorado and Colorado State University – invite you to join them in Washington, D.C., to engage with our nation’s leaders during the annual Colorado Capital Conference.

At this year’s event, set for June 11-13, participants will hear from high-level speakers and will be given opportunities to ask questions as they gain a greater understanding of the federal legislative process.

Kathy Hodgson, city manager of Lakewood and a past Colorado Capital Conference participant, encourages those who have not previously attended to apply.

“This conference stands out,” Hodgson said. “You get an up-close-and-personal experience with the operations of the nation’s capital. The memories are unforgettable.”

Only 100 Colorado residents will be selected via a competitive process to attend this unique, bipartisan conference at our nation’s capital.

From the hosts:

Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo.
“The Colorado Capital Conference exemplifies the best of American democracy. It’s a time for Coloradans to come together to share ideas, and out of that, form a stronger, more reflective Colorado. I’m pleased to co-host this conference in person once again with Sen. John Hickenlooper, Colorado Mesa University, the University of Colorado and Colorado State University.”

Sen. John Hickenlooper. D-Colo.
“Our office represents Coloradans’ seat at the table. It belongs to everyone in our state. Welcoming the Colorado Capital Conference is a great way to involve folks with the work we’re doing.”

President John Marshall, Colorado Mesa University
“Colorado Mesa University is honored to host the Colorado Capital Conference along with both of our U.S. senators and our partners at CU and CSU. It’s never been more important for Coloradans of every stripe to learn more about our federal government and engage in conversation with one another. The Colorado Capital Conference is unique, and our nation is begging for citizens to get engaged and find common ground. No matter your party affiliation or geography, we hope all Coloradans apply to join us in Washington, D.C., this summer.”

President Todd Saliman, University of Colorado
“CU is excited to partner with Sens. Bennet and Hickenlooper, Colorado Mesa University and Colorado State University again this year to offer this unique opportunity. By providing insight into our democratic process and making space to engage around our shared values as Coloradans and Americans, the Colorado Capital Conference goes a long way in bringing us together.”

Chancellor Tony Frank, Colorado State University
“CSU is proud to participate in the bipartisan Colorado Capital Conference and help bring together citizens of our state with lawmakers in the nation’s capital. It is a unique public forum which gives voters of Colorado the opportunity to voice their ideas and concerns directly to lawmakers, and it gives lawmakers an opportunity to speak directly to citizens about the legislative process and how policy is — and sometimes isn’t — enacted. It’s a benefit for everyone involved, including CSU, and we’re grateful to Sens. Bennet and Hickenlooper for making it possible.”

Applications must be submitted by March 22, 2024, to be considered.

For more information about the conference and to access the application, please go to: www.coloradomesa.edu/capitalconference. If you have questions, please contact Natalie Barry in the CU Office of Government Relations at natalie.barry@cu.edu.