With webinars on the basics of policy, the return of Aspen Ideas: Economy, a nation-wide book reading, and a host of intimate events all over the globe, the Aspen Institute is bracing for an awe-inspiring autumn.
Societal Trust Weave’s BIG READ October 1 – November 5; Virtual
Healing our social fabric won’t happen overnight, but weavers are working across the country to improve their communities every day. What if one book could help us become better neighbors, colleagues, leaders, and community builders? Let’s all open the same book and start a shared conversation. Learn more.
Economic Opportunity The People Who Feed Us: Building a Food System That Works for Workers October 1; Virtual
They make up one of the country’s largest and most essential workforces, but food workers often face low wages, instability, and poor working conditions. Explore ways to build a food system that shifts power and opportunity to the people who grow, prepare, ship, and serve our food. Register here.
Economic Opportunity Building Economic Security: A Book Talk with Arindrajit Dube and Carrie Joy Grimes October 7; Virtual
For millions of working families, stagnant wages and precarious jobs collide with the daily grind of managing money, and stability starts to feel like a lottery. Join two authors as they offer a blueprint for security that starts at the policy level and ends in people’s pockets. Register here.
Leadership Policy 101 October 7; Virtual
This starter course for Aspen Policy Academy teaches the basics of the policy process, including thinking about policy expansively, working to change policy on issues that matter, and defining the six steps of policy impact. Continued training with the Academy is strongly encouraged. Register here.
Economic Opportunity Aspen Ideas: Economy October 13-15; Tulsa, Oklahoma
Through signature roundtables, unexpected mainstage pairings, and immersive experiences in and around this storied city, the three-day event anchors the story of our global economy in real people, real places, and real dialogue, opening the door to a deeper understanding of the forces of change in our economy and our lives. Register here.
Societal Trust Our Society Reimagined 2026: Can the Idea of America Last? October 14, 21, 28, and November 4; Aspen, Colorado
This four-week discussion series brings community members together to explore the issues that shape our modern society. Reading materials are used as background for lively, moderated discussions that help participants gain perspective on the underlying values and ideas that we hold as individuals and as a society. Register here.
Societal Trust Socrates Germany and Ukraine 2026 Seminar October 14 – 16; Weimar, Germany
“The Ethics of Cause and Conduct – Reflections on Contemporary War” brings together participants from diverse professional backgrounds and perspectives to examine the principles, tensions, and trade-offs that shape decisions before, during, and beyond conflict. Learn more.
Leadership Scam Fighters Workshop October 15; Virtual
Learn how to advocate for stronger scam fighting and cybersecurity implementation to city councils, school boards, and utilities commissions, and how to translate ideas into action through written letters and public comments. Participants are considered for 1:1 advocacy coaching upon completion. Register here.
Societal Trust 2026 Socrates Moldova Seminar October 15 – 16; Chisinau, Moldova
The first Regional Socrates Seminar in the Black Sea region tackles how Republic of Moldova could strengthen its response to the challenges it faces regarding energy security, critical infrastructures, regional interconnections, and societal resilience—with support from its neighboring countries. Learn more.
Societal Trust Aspen Institute New Zealand Security Forum October 16; Queenstown, New Zealand
Leaders from government, business, defense, and investment examine the strategic shifts redefining the Pacific region. Modeled on the Aspen Security Forum, the program reflects the urgency for smaller advanced economies to remain technologically capable and strategically connected. Learn more.
With the release of groundbreaking new research, Aspen Conexión’s two-day event explores how US Hispanic business leaders, communities, and consumers are shaping the future of cross-border commerce and innovation in the Americas. Register here.
Societal Trust Rooted + Rising: The Role of Trust in Rural Education October 20; Virtual
Join an inspiring, intergenerational conversation exploring how deep-rooted trust shapes the future of education, particularly across rural America. Community leaders, education experts, and youth voices discuss actionable strategies for fostering authentic relationships, bridging generational divides, and supporting the next generation of leaders. Register here.
Economic Opportunity WIN Summit October 22; New York, New York
The WIN Summit spotlights the awardees and breakthrough ideas surfaced through the $60 million WIN Challenge and brings together private-sector leaders, investors, and philanthropic organizations and funders to talk about the future of the workplace. For information on registration, speakers, and agenda, visit the Summit website.
Rising Generations 2026 Fall Hurst High School Great Ideas Seminar October 26 – 29; Aspen, Colorado
Modeled after the Aspen Institute’s prestigious Executive Seminar, this immersive four-day seminar strengthens leadership, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills for high school students in the Roaring Fork Valley. Through guided, text-based dialogue, participants are challenged to examine their values, question assumptions, and explore the ideas that shape a good society. Register here.
Leadership Running for Office October 28; Virtual
Aspen Policy Academy and former Mayors London Breed and G.T. Bynum teach the fundamentals of running for elected office, from building a campaign strategy to understanding what it takes to launch a competitive campaign, including practical guidance to help you assess whether running is right for you. Register here.
Leadership Rooting Our Leadership in Humanity October 28; Virtual
In this one-hour virtual flash seminar, participants experience the Aspen method of moderated, text-based dialogue, engaging with a short reading before exploring fundamental questions about humanity and leadership. The dialogue transforms their ability to understand their own values and grow as leaders. Learn more.
Looking Ahead
Societal Trust Aspen Cyber Summit November 18; Washington DC
This annual event is the nation’s premier technology and cybersecurity policy gathering, bringing together the top voices from government, industry, and civil society to create a safer world, online and off. Register here.
Leadership 2026 Aspen Security Forum: DC Edition December 9; Washington DC
ASF is the premier national security and foreign policy conference in the United States, providing a nonpartisan public venue for domestic and global leaders to discuss the key national security and foreign policy issues of the day. This year’s Forum features decision makers and thought leaders from Washington, DC and around the world. Learn more.
Join a collaborative event for participants from different fields, each contributing understanding of and reactions to readings with the guidance of expert moderators. Explore the topics, “Is Human Connection Worth Fighting For? Collaboration, Leadership, and Communication” and “How Long Should We Live? Medicine, Longevity, and the Politics of More Time.” Register here.
