2024 Colorado Capital Conference seeks participants

U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., and John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., together with Colorado Mesa University, the University of Colorado, and Colorado State University invite all Colorado residents to apply to the Colorado Capital Conference to be held June 11-13, 2024, in Washington, D.C.

Some 100 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, they will have an opportunity to hear from and interact with our 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. John Hickenlooper, Colorado Mesa University, the University of Colorado, and Colorado State University.”

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

“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,” said Colorado Mesa University President John Marshall. “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., next summer.”

University of Colorado System President Todd Saliman believes the conference provides numerous benefits to Colorado residents.

“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,” Saliman said. “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.”

CSU System Chancellor Tony Frank agrees: “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 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 22, 2024. Conference participants will be announced by April 18, 2024. Participants are responsible for their own accommodations (at a group rate) and airfare. There is a $750 registration fee, which 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 251-767-5687.