2023 Colorado Capital Conference seeks participants

U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper – together with Colorado Mesa University, the University of Colorado and Colorado State University – invite state residents to apply to attend the Colorado Capital Conference, set for June 13-15, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

One hundred Coloradans from a diverse cross-section of the state will be selected through a highly competitive application process to participate in this bipartisan conference. During the event, participants will have opportunities to hear from and interact with the nation’s leaders in an informal setting.

“The Colorado Capital Conference exemplifies the best of American democracy,” Bennet said. “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. Hickenlooper, CMU, CU and CSU.”

Said Hickenlooper, “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.”

Colorado Mesa University President John Marshall said CMU is honored to host the Colorado Capital Conference along with Sens. Bennet and Hickenlooper, and 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,” Marshall said. “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., next summer.”

CU President Todd Saliman said the conference provides numerous benefits to Colorado residents.

“The Capital Conference offers citizens an excellent overview of our legislative process and insight into the workings of our government,” Saliman said. “This one-of-a-kind event fosters important conversations and the exchange of ideas spanning the political spectrum, while allowing us to celebrate our shared values as Coloradans and Americans. We are proud to partner with Sens. Bennet and Hickenlooper, as well as Colorado Mesa University and Colorado State University, to make this opportunity available.”

Colorado State University Chancellor Tony Frank agreed.

“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,” Frank said. “It is a unique public forum that 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.”

All applications must be received no later than March 21, 2023. Conference participants will be announced by April 14, 2023. Participants are responsible for their own accommodations (at a group rate) and airfare. The $500 registration fee covers most meals and conference materials. Guests are welcome to participate in evening events for a prepaid fee of $200.

For more information about the conference or to apply, visit www.coloradomesa.edu/capital-conference or call 970-270-5594.