WEDNESDAY
The conference kicks off Wednesday, October 15 with Pre-Conference Activities.
If you wish to participate in pre-conference activities, we recommend arriving in Denver on Tuesday (and yes some folks will be putting together attendee-led gatherings on Tuesday — check out the Bulletin Board launching this summer!).
On Wednesday, throughout the day you’ll be able to participate in pre-conference volunteer opportunities as part of Day of Service, field trips to visit local cool places and organizations, pre-conference panel discussions, and other attendee-led activities on the Bulletin Board such as a meditation or the bike ride our friends Steven Birenbaum (UCSF) and Cat Brozena (Color This World) have made a can’t miss tradition. For our First Timers attending ComNet, we'll have an interactive reception just for you from 3:30-5:00pm to kick off your conference experience.
The conference officially opens on Wednesday evening with an Opening Night Welcome Reception from 6-9pm. We will be at Meow Wolf — an immersive and interactive art installation by over 145 local artists.
Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station is a multiversal transit station where you will get to choose your own adventure and be transported through converged worlds. Meow Wolf expands worlds and minds through collaborative art and storytelling.
If that ain’t your thing (or you don’t like flashing lights) you can hang out and connect with folks on the onsite patio or cocktail bar. There’ll be food and drink throughout the exhibit space too.
Please note that specialty lighting, haze and other visual effects are used extensively throughout the exhibit. Check out their sensory guide to learn more.
THURSDAY
Thursday, October 16 will be a full day of conference programming — tentatively planned for 8:30am-7:00pm.
Keynote: Jonathan Capehart, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist and Author
ShowCase Posters: Learn from the real-world experiences of 70+ of your colleagues during these case study sessions. Here are just a few of the organizations presenting:
Learning Labs: You’ll get to join several expert-led deep dive learning sessions focused on topics applicable to your comms work.
Case Study Sessions: New this year! 65-minute sessions focused on lessons learned and key ideas from specific projects and activities (e.g., a challenge, celebration, etc.).
Here are some of the organizations presenting Learning Labs and Case Study Sessions:
Networking: Get your charm on and build your network! Connect with colleagues and peers at breakfast + lunch + Networking @ Night Happy Hour!
FRIDAY
Friday, October 17 will be a half day of programming —- tentatively scheduled for 8:30am-12:30pm (if you’re traveling home, we recommend flying out after 3pm on Friday!)
Keynote: Meeting the Moment
Join us for three TED-style talks that will explore perceptions, misconceptions, and how we build shared moments and social trust in today’s seemingly divisive times. Let’s explore how comms can create community. You’ll hear from Stephen Hawkins, More in Common, Reed Howard, Future Caucus, and Ashlin Malouf, Othering & Belonging Institute.
ShowCase Poster Sessions: More time to learn from the real-world experiences of your colleagues.
Learning Labs: You’ll get to join one final expert-led deep dive learning session!
Case Study Sessions: New this year! 65-minute sessions focused on lessons learned and key ideas from specific projects and activities (e.g., a challenge, celebration, etc.).
Keynote: 2025 Clarence B. Jones Impact Award Winner El Tímpano, a civic media organization created with and for immigrants who face systemic barriers to information, civic participation, and representation.
The program will wrap around 12:30pm.
