About the Aspen Ideas Festival

Imagine some of the most inspired and provocative thinkers, writers, artists, business people, teachers, and other leaders — all gathered in a single place.

History and Highlights

For over 60 years, the Aspen Institute has been the nation's premier gathering place for leaders from around the globe and across many disciplines to engage in deep and inquisitive discussion of the ideas and issues that both shape our lives and challenge our times.

In a ground-breaking extension of its mandate to create opportunities for deep dialogue, the Aspen Institute now seeks to engage a broader audience in a discussion of some of the significant ideas and issues that touch all parts of our society as found in the arts, science, culture, religion, philosophy, economics, and politics. We intend to offer a stimulating and invigorating celebration of some of the liveliest minds on the stage today. We invite you to join us.

Imagine some of the most inspired and provocative thinkers, writers, artists, business people, teachers, and other leaders drawn from myriad fields and from across the country and around the world — all gathered in a single place, ready to teach, speak, lead, question and answer — all interacting with an audience of thoughtful people who have stepped back from their day-to-day routines to delve deeply into a world of ideas, thought and discussion. The event promises to be thought-provoking, meaningful and fun — true to Aspen tradition.

— Elliot Gerson, Executive Vice President of Policy and Public Programs, International Partners, The Aspen Institute

At Aspen Ideas, big ideas come to light. Hear just a few of them delivered by our speakers.