Aspen Ideas Festival returns for its 20th year with thought-provoking discussions

Every year before the Fourth of July weekend, hundreds of intellectuals and curious minds descend on Aspen for the Aspen Ideas Festival at the Aspen Institute. This week-long event kicks off with Aspen Ideas: Health from June 20-23, and then the Aspen Ideas Festival runs from June 23-29. Tina Brown curates the festival, while Ruth Katz and her team again produce Aspen Ideas: Health.

The festival promises some of the most complex problem-solving and innovative discussions about today’s issues. 

“From the beginning, we envisioned ‘Evenings at Ideas’ as a magical night out. In addition to the fascinating panels and interviews people expect from the festival, we’ve added dinner, music, dancing, and opportunities to get a book signed by your favorite author,” said Graham Veysey, executive director. “This is all happening against the backdrop of the stunning Aspen Meadows campus, and we think guests will love the refreshed format and lively atmosphere stretching long into the night.”

“Evenings at Ideas” is a nighttime event program that brings attendees together at the Aspen campus. There will be dinner and drinks and opportunities to mingle with thought leaders during book signings and culinary conversations as well as gain deeper insights at an engaging Aspen Ideas panel discussion or interview. 

Highlights of the festival

Now in its 20th year, the Aspen Ideas Festival continues to attract some of the brightest minds in politics, economics, science, and culture. The festival is globally recognized for its in-depth discussions and debates on pressing contemporary issues, with over 100 sessions and 300 speakers.

Program tracks at the 20th year of Aspen Ideas Fest reads like a grocery list of everything everyone would want to know about and meet the thought leaders influencing these areas: genomic revolution, psyched about mental health, thriving at any age, healthcare dollars and sense, trendy or transformational, one health, voices and viewpoints, global affairs, arts and culture, business and economy, climate, politics and democracy, modern life, science, and technology. 

The overarching theme of this year’s festival is “Bright Minds for Dark Times.” As organizers put it, “we’re in an era of transformation and turbulence unfolding at breakneck speed.” But amidst “existential dangers,” the festival will salute the “creative thinkers ablaze with groundbreaking ideas and imaginative solutions who confirm our best impulses and lead us to new understanding.”

This year’s festival boasts a remarkable public event lineup featuring personalities like Sam Altman, Jane Fonda, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Common. These events are accessible to the general public at the Aspen Institute campus.

Altman’s OpenAI put artificial intelligence in everyone’s hands with the release of ChatGPT. Fonda will address climate change, a topic she has been passionate about.

Now 86, she recently said, “This is the moment I have to completely show up with everything I have. I want to be part of the generation that does something about it … because this is it.” 

Engaging sessions and activities

The festival will offer an array of activities and sessions. From guided nature walks and bird watching to morning yoga sessions, the festival integrates intellectual stimulation with physical well-being. These sessions are designed to provide a holistic experience for attendees, connecting mind and body in the serene environment of Aspen​. The schedule can be found at aspenideas.org/schedule​.

One of the most popular sessions was by Patric Gagne, the author of “Sociopath a Memoir,” former therapist and advocate for people suffering from sociopathic and antisocial disorders and who helped people recognize the nuance of psychopathy.

“It’s not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis,” she said. “And the more people become aware of this, the more effectively we will be able to treat it. Psychopathy was the first personality disorder ever identified — more than 100 years ago. Yet we are no closer to treating it than when it was first diagnosed. My hope is that “Sociopath” showcases the lived experience and helps others like me.”

What to expect

Networking is a significant aspect of the Aspen Ideas Festival. The event provides numerous opportunities for attendees to connect with speakers and fellow participants. From breakfast and lunch sessions to casual conversations over coffee, the festival is structured to facilitate meaningful interactions and discussions​.

Local residents can also participate in the festival’s offerings through publicly-ticketed sessions from now until June 29.

“Music in the Garden” features a one-hour performance by a celebrated musician. Public tickets to “Evenings at Ideas” are on sale at AspenShowTix.com.