2024 Program Page

 

 

2024

 

 

Scott Dikkers | Opening Keynote

Macky Auditorium | Tuesday, April 9 at 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

The Funny Story Behind the Funny Stories
Cry with laughter at the opening keynote by founding editor of The Onion, Scott Dikkers. Dikkers is bound to ignite thought-provoking discussions and provide valuable insights into the world of media, humor and social commentary.

Live Stream Link: https://livestream.com/LoclyzMedia/KickoffKeynote 

Coach Prime | Closing Keynote

Macky Auditorium | Friday, April 12 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Leadership on and off the field: A Conversation with Coach Prime
Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders will be a keynote speaker this year in a co-hosted event with the Center for Leadership. The center’s director, Stefanie Johnson, will engage coach in a discussion about his leadership on and off the field. 

 


Thursday, April 9

UMC Patio

Description: Join us for a vibrant street art event with speaker Nico Holderbaum on April 8–10.

Presented by BMoCA

Description: A beloved tradition of the conference, Ebert Interruptus is a four-part event showing a film along with in-depth analysis. This year’s edition of Interruptus will feature The Babadook, the 2014 Australian horror film written and directed by Jennifer Kent. Learn more

Speakers:
Josh Larsen

Wednesday, April 10

Apocalypse Now: The Real Big Threats to Humanity

UMC Center Ballroom

Description:  Some people say that the world is more peaceful than ever. Others say that World War III is imminent. Is international peace achievable?

Moderator:
Charlie Stein

Speakers:
Joe Cirincione
Morgan Keay
John Spencer
Sarah Yager

Watch recording


How Will Emerging Technologies Change What It Means to Be Human?

UMC 235

Description: How will new technologies be a service to humanity and make the world a better place.

Moderator:
William Doe

Speakers:
Amber Case 
Moses Ma
Eliot Peper 
Jake Sally

Watch recording


Let's Talk About It: Building Empathy and Relationships for A Better World

 

UMC West Ballroom

Description: How we communicate and relate to each other is important. This panel will explore the importance of developing the capacity to have empathy with others. In a world that is both technology connected and socially distant, how do we build community for a better future?

Moderator:
Annie Margaret

Speakers: 
Heidi Basch-Harod
Rengin Firat
Ted Schmitt
Ty Tashiro

Watch recording
 


Making Cities and Towns Better for People

 

UMC East Ballroom

Description: How will urban planning, policy and new technologies transform the cities of the future and make them more livable? In particular a focus on urban mobility and other technology that makes cities more livable, equitable, efficient, safe and inclusive.

Moderator:
Harmon Zuckerman

Speakers: 
Christine Chang
Hunter Leggitt
Aarian Marshall
Natalie Stiffler

Watch recording


 

Pride for All or Pride for None: LGBTQIA+ Rights in 2124

 

Macky Auditorium

Description: In 1924, Henry Gerber, a German immigrant, founded the first gay rights organization in Chicago, Illinois. One hundred years later, a century of progress is threatened as anti-inclusion sentiments rise worldwide. What is the current state of the LGBTQIA+ rights today, and what are the challenges to overcome by 2124.

Moderator:
Sonja Benton

Speakers:

Mardi Moore
Rebecca Buckwalter-Poza
Eli Hans

Watch recording


What’s Next for College Athletes? Discussion on Name, Image, Likeness

UMC Center Ballroom

Description: Now that NIL is almost 3 years old, what has been its impact on college sports, and what impacts should we expect in the future?

Moderator:
Carl Quintanilla

Speakers:
Anya Nelson
Jim Martin
Kindyll Wetta
Rick George
Tad Boyle
 

Watch recording


Fox vs. CNN vs. The People

 

UMC 235

Description: Are Fox and CNN more closely related than many like to admit ... with the common enemy being the American people?

Moderator:
Ralph Gregory

Speakers:
Benjamin R. Teitelbaum
Marcus Brauchli
Lisa Graves
Max Towey

Watch recording


Housing (Not) For All

 

UMC West Ballroom

Description: A panel exploring the homelessness crisis within the United States.

Moderator:
Megan Newton

Speakers:
Asia Eaton
Devon Gray
Yvonne Vissing

Watch recording


Incredible Reach of Storytelling

 

UMC East Ballroom

Description: When sharing culture, promoting science or advocating for change, how intriguing stories inspire, persuade and motivate us.

Moderator:
Ron Bostwick

Speakers:
Danielle SeeWalker
Mary Reynolds Thompson
Kika Tuff
Matt Williams

Watch recording

Want to Make Street Art?

UMC Patio

Description: Join us for a vibrant street art event with speaker Nico Holderbaum on April 8–10.

Presented by BMoCA


 

Racial Literacies: How to Talk, Teach, and Learn about Race, Racism and Anti-Racism

Macky Auditorium

Description: CU Racial Literacies Program is a collaboration of Center for Teaching and Learning, College of Arts and Sciences, and Center for Humanities & Arts.

Moderator:
John-Michael Rivera

Speakers:
Cheryl Matias
Jennifer Ho
Lee Boubout
Sylvester Johnson

Watch recording


From Red, White and Blue to Red vs. Blue: A Satirical Look at How Polarized We Are

UMC Center Ballroom

Description: Can humor bridge our polarization to allow conversations about politics, outlooks and cultural beliefs?

Moderator:
Erin Ashbaugh

Speakers: 
Lisa Graves
Michael Spencer
Scott Dikkers

Watch recording


Want to Thrive? First, Learn to Fail

UMC 235

Description: Leadership: A conversation on what it means to thrive after experiencing failure or setbacks.

Moderator:
Joseph Bennett

Speakers:
Wisdom Cole
Devon Gray
Florencio (Flo) Mazzoldi
Ty Tashiro

Watch recording


Psychedelics: Science, Therapy, and Policy

 

UMC West Ballroom

Description: Next 100 Years, policy change for psychedelic therapy, this is science and therapy and not recreational.

Moderator:
Jonathan Singer

Speakers:
Carillon Skrzynski 
Nate Klemp
Scott Thompson
Taylor West

Watch recording


ChatGPT, a Science Fiction Writer and a Venture Capitalist

 

UMC East Ballroom

Description: Next 100 Years, Global Equity, Leadership: Two futurists discuss AI, its impact on society and business, and what’s going to happen next.

Moderator:
Shay Castle

Speakers:
Seth Levine
Eliot Peper

Watch recording


 

WalkTalk | CU: A Visual Celebration of Black Womanhood, Presence, and Connectedness

 

CU Boulder Art Museum

Description: A first-of-its-kind art exhibit on display at the University of Colorado Boulder celebrates Black women and explores the contributions of Black people to the university’s history. ***First come first serve event, limited to 20 guests*** Learn More

Gaming in Immersive Spaces

 

Macky Auditorium

Description: A look into the future of gaming.

Moderator:
Chris Lessard

Speakers:
William "Billy" Carney
Moses Ma
Jake Sally

Watch recording


AI and Robotics: Displacing or Enhancing Our Quality of Life

UMC Center Ballroom

Description: Next 100 Years: Are these technologies really improving our quality of life?

Moderator:
Jon Carroll

Speakers:
Amber Case
Christine Chang
Dr. Mohammed Mahoor
Ted Schmitt

Watch recording


Freedom of Expression: Don’t Tell Me What to Say, Read, or Think

UMC 235

Description: Between school boards, parents, and governors, who should be making decisions on book banning, freedom of expression, and revisionist history?

Moderator:
Braden Deffenbaugh

Speakers:
Hadar Harris
Leo Glaze
Ian Millhiser
Marcus Brauchli

Watch recording


Leadership in Business: What Separates Great Leaders From the Rest?

UMC West Ballroom

Description: A discussion on the skills and strategies that make the best leaders in the business world stand out from the rest.

Moderator:
Scott Schaefer

Speakers:
Lucy Lawrence
Charles Mslinga
Carl Quintanilla
Nancy Wang

Watch recording


A Dying Art: Are Books, Theater, Radio, Movies, Museums and TV Now Dinosaurs?

UMC East Ballroom

Description: Now that everyone can stream everything, are other forms of entertainment obsolete?

Moderator:
Matt Benjamin

Speakers:
Dean ​Sobel
Michael Spencer
Maya Ward
Matt Williams

Watch recording


 

WalkTalk | CU: A Visual Celebration of Black Womanhood, Presence, and Connectedness

CU Boulder Art Museum

Description: A first-of-its-kind art exhibit on display at the University of Colorado Boulder celebrates Black women and explores the contributions of Black people to the university’s history. ***First come first serve event, limited to 20 guests*** Learn More

Leadership for a Sustainable Future

Macky Hall

Description: “Leadership for a Sustainable Future” and the questions will be centered on coupled human-environment systems and the complex challenges and solutions associated with ensuring both people and our planet thrive.

Moderator:
Seth Webb

Speakers:
Veronica Estrada
Meghan Fall
Kaela Gero
Nicole Woods

Watch recording


Cybersecurity, Threat Intelligence and Espionage: What’s Happening in the World?

UMC Center Ballroom

Description: Next 100 Years, Leadership: What are the current and future threats in this modern cyber age?

Moderator:
Albert Hand

Speakers:
Joe Cirincione
Laura Harder
John Spencer

Watch recording


Taking Up the Torch: How the Growing Power of Women Is Remaking Politics

UMC 235

Description: What trends are we seeing and what initiatives are countries taking or not taking to increase women’s participation in government positions?

Moderator:
Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde

Speakers:
Morgan Keay
Alexander Verbeek
Rebecca Buckwalter-Poza

Watch recording


How I Built This: Immersive Experiences AI, Street Art, Drones and Stages

UMC West Ballroom

Moderator:
Lauren Click

Speakers:
Charlie Billingsley
Nico Holderbaum
Hunter Leggitt
Aarian Marshall
Emma Needell

Watch recording


Fashion Week Follow-up: It's Function, the Trends & Working It

UMC East Ballroom

Description: Understanding the current trends from the runways, why these weeks are important to the industry and what it means to work the week.

Moderator:
Ava Deith

Speakers:
Daniel Herranz
Laura Melendrez
Stephanie Tricola

Watch recording



 

Mobilizing Youth: Encouraging Democracy and Election Turnout

UMC Center Ballroom


Ebert Interruptus

UMC 235

Description: A beloved tradition of the conference, Ebert Interruptus is a four-part event showing a film along with in-depth analysis. This year’s edition of Interruptus will feature The Babadook, the 2014 Australian horror film written and directed by Jennifer Kent. Learn more

Speakers:
Josh Larsen


Fashion Show with ROAM Boulder

UMC West Ballroom

Description: ROAM Boulder, CU's premier lifestyle and fashion magazine, is partnering with CWA to present their Spring Fashion Show on Wednesday the 10th. Anyone aspiring to join the fashion industry can join a Q&A session with CWA fashion experts. ROAM members and attendees will engage in workshops covering fashion photography, styling, writing, and brand building.

Thursday, April 11

Nationalism Is Growing, Politicians are Stymied: Global Migration IS Fueling Political Divide

UMC Center Ballroom

Description: What is the relationship between nationalism, globalization and migration? How does it affect politics worldwide?

Moderator:
Vara Reom

Speakers:
Alexander Verbeek
Hadley Heath Manning
John Heffernan
Ben Teitelbaum

Watch recording


Entrepreneurship and Social Good

UMC 235

Description: Venture capital, social entrepreneurship and making an impact through business.

Moderator:
Nikhil Mankekar

Speakers:
Asher Jay
Florencio (Flo) Mazzoldi
Charles Mslinga
Kika Tuff
Nancy Wang

Watch recording


Banning Diversity: The War on DEI

UMC West Ballroom

Description: Global Equity: A roundtable discussion about the rise of anti-DEI efforts in legislatures, education and everyday life.Moderator:
Alphonse Keasley.

Speakers:
Wisdom ​Cole
Leo Glaze
Von Ross
Yvonne Vissing

Watch recording


Building Your Brand in Creative Professions

UMC East Ballroom

Description: Finding the beat of your brand in fashion, music, media and art.

Moderator:
David Spiro

Speakers:
Matt Jones
Hunter Leggitt
Max Towey
Stephanie Tricola

Watch recording


 

AI: Friend or Foe?

Boulder High School

Description: This panel will focus on how AI will impact our relationships in everyday life, in school and in the workplace.

Moderator: 
Benjamin Hesse

Speakers:
Christine Chang
Laura Harder
Moses Ma
Eliot Peper

In-person attendance only. 



 

Getting Out of the Way: Empowering Youth to Take On Global Change

Macky Auditorium

Description: Leadership, Next 100 Years: What kind of future are we preparing our youth for? And how?

Moderator:
Mario Martinez-Varelas

Speakers:
Heidi Basch-Harod
Wisdom Cole
Devon Gray
Maya Ward

Watch recording


Colorado—the Quantum State

UMC Center Ballroom

Description: Next 100 Years, Global Equity, Leadership: The science and business impacts of quantum computing on our global community.

Moderator:
Tyler Scripps

Speakers:
Dana Anderson
Corban Tillemann-Dick

Watch recording


How Do Other Countries View U.S. Foreign Policy Considering Our Upcoming Presidential Election?

UMC 235

Description: With the upcoming election, what does the future hold for global cooperation, agreements and conflict resolution? Is the world ambivalent? Terrified? What does the 2024 presidential election hold for our foreign relations?

Moderator:
Barry Baer

Speakers:
Benjamin R. Teitelbaum
Morgan Keay
Alexander Verbeek
Sarah Yager

Watch recording


Democratic Backsliding: The Rise of Authoritarianism and Autocracy

 

UMC West Ballroom

Description: The global rise of authoritarian movements is gaining traction at the cost of democracy.

Moderator: 
Kylie McKee

Speakers:
Hadar Harris
Joe Cirincione
John Heffernan
Rachel Sigman

Watch recording


Art-Making: The Best Antidepressant Ever

UMC East Ballroom

Description: Creativity as therapy: writing, journaling, art-making, theater and dance.

Moderator:
Jan Burton

Speakers:
Eli Hans
Danielle SeeWalker
Ty Tashiro
Mary Reynolds Thompson

Watch recording



 

AI, Quantum and Technology Innovation: Will the Rich Get Richer?

 

Macky Auditorium

Description: Next 100 Years, Global Equity, Leadership: How the disparate development of AI and quantum computing will affect global equity.

Moderator:
Sam Weaver

Speakers:
Eliot Peper
Heather Demarest
Nancy Wang
Natalie Garrett

Watch recording


Access to Reproductive Health Care in Post-Roe America

 

UMC 235

Description: This conversation will explore how our new reality impacts all aspects of reproductive health care.

Moderator: Shaunti Meyer

Speakers:
Asia Eaton
Karen Middleton

Watch recording


Why Are Grandma and Grandpa Running the Country?

 

UMC West Ballroom

Description: With aging politicians running the show, how do we make elected officials more representative.

Moderator:
Jill Adler Grano

Speakers:
Ian Millhiser
Rebecca Buckwalter-Poza
William "Billy" Carney
Devon Gray

Watch recording


Personal Finance: Planning for Success

 

UMC Center Ballroom

Description: The Future of Personal Finance Gen Z and Millenials are anxious about their financial futures - buying a home and retiring seem out of reach. This panel addresses the current state of the economy and personal finance, as well as strategies for successful personal financial planning economic concerns and discussing strategies for effective personal financial planning for Gen Z and Millenials.

Moderator:
Peter Braun

Speakers:
Carl Quintanilla
Harry Mohr Starn Jr.
Joaquin Cuevas
Kian Salehizadeh

Watch recording


What’s So Funny?

 

UMC East Ballroom

Description: How does an audience respond to humor? Humor as a universal language that all can respond to.

Moderator:
Philip Ogren

Speakers:
Lisa Graves
Eli Hans
Ty Tashiro
Matt Williams

Watch recording


 

Want to Make Street Art?

UMC Patio

Description: Join us for a vibrant street art event with speaker Nico Holderbaum on April 8–10.

Presented by BMoCA

Global Conflict 101: The Cycle Continues

 

Boulder High School

Description: This panel will address global conflicts, how they have repeated themselves throughout history and why it's important to youth today.

Moderator:
Ryan O'Block

Speakers:
Heidi Basch-Harod
Joe Cirincione
Paul Richards
Sarah Yager

In-person attendance only. 

Our Supreme Court: On the Docket or in Someone's Pocket?

 

Macky Auditorium

Description: Can our federal courts be respected or have they become overly politicized?

Moderator:
Adam Kendall

Speakers:
Rebecca Buckwalter-Poza
Lisa Graves
Ian Millhiser

Watch recording


Old News/New News: The changing landscape of how we consume news

 

UMC Center Ballroom

Description: The downfall of “old news” forms; a dissipation of newspapers, magazines and television; and how the next decade will reshape the way we consume news.

Moderators:
Stacy Feldman

Speakers:
John Spencer
Marcus Brauchli
William "Billy" Carney
Carl Quintanilla

Watch recording


Business Breakthroughs: New Science and Technology Changing the Economy

 

UMC 235

Description: From R&D to consumer technology. Science and research has an impact on global industries and is changing how we fundamentally do business.

Moderator:
Dan Caruso

Speakers:
Laura Harder
Moses Ma
Florencio (Flo) Mazzoldi

Watch recording


DEI and the Bottom Line: What It Means for Businesses

 

UMC West Ballroom

Description: Unraveling the successes and shortcomings of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in corporations.

Moderator:
Stefanie Johnson

Speakers:
Rengin Firat
Asher Jay
Nancy Wang

Watch recording


In the Hot Seat: How Climate Change Affects Planetary Security

 

UMC East Ballroom

Description: As the global temperature rises, extended droughts, rising sea levels, and more frequent and intense storms are affecting all corners of the globe.

Moderator:
Jon Leslie

Speakers:
Amber Case 
Rachel Sigman
Alexander Verbeek

Watch recording
 


 

Ensuring a Livable Planet for All: Journalists’ Perspectives From Global Reporting

 

Macky Auditorium

Description: Scripps Fellows in Environmental Journalism discuss their reporting on existential environmental threats around the globe and share insights about the quest to make a just transition to a sustainable future.

Moderator:
Luke Runyon

Speakers:
Kara Fox
Chris Lett
Hillary Rosner
Luke Runyon
Ishan Thakore

Watch recording


 

The Importance of Truth, Honesty and Integrity in US Politics

 

UMC Center Ballroom

Description: How can we, as U.S. citizens, foster an environment of truth, honesty and integrity - which is critical to our democracy?

Moderator:
Tina Mueh

Speakers:
Devon Gray
Marcus Brauchli
Leo Glaze
Manny Rutinel

Watch recording


Artificial Intelligence: The World's Greatest Writing Assistant

 

UMC 235

Description: Doyle will work with the crowd to generate ideas for a story/world while Emma and Jake screenshares and turns the crowd's ideas into a treatment for a story/world including logline, characters, visuals and story arc. At the end, we'll share a story/world building template that attendees can take home with them for their own creative endeavors.

Moderator:
Doyle Albee

Speakers:
Emma Needell
Jake Sally

Watch recording


Counting Votes and Making Your Vote Count

 

UMC West Ballroom

Description: How can we put voter confidence, respect, civility and trust back into our democratic elections?

Moderator:
Molly Fitzpatrick

Speakers:
Lisa Graves
Junie Joseph
Ian Millhiser
Max Towey

Watch recording


Global Hegemony: Who Gets a Seat at the Table?

UMC East Ballroom

Description: While the United States and China vie to be the sole superpower, what role do other nations play in impacting global hegemon.

Moderator:
Gunars Platais

Speakers:
Joe Cirincione
Rowena He
Charles Mslinga

Watch recording


 

Disengaged Democracy: You May Not Be Into Politics But Politics Is Into You

 

UMC Center Ballroom

Description: In the panel, BridgeCU wants to make politics accessible for everyone, breaking political engagement down to simple, “dinner table talk.” The impacts of political decision, division, and discussion can be felt by all; yet there is growing disinterest and decreasing incentive to participate in levels of governance. BridgeCU is seeking to discuss why engagement in politics matters. “Bridging” political polarization is not just a step for those passionate about politics, but an effort from society as a whole. Our panel would seek to highlight that civic engagement can be accessible without being overwhelming, alongside the role the next generation plays in finding a path to progess through using dialogue over debate. It is commonly understood that political polarization is reaching extremes, with many fearing the direction in which the United States will go – regardless of whether one’s political idealogy falls left or right. Moving into, first, the coming election and eventually the years to come engagement from young generations is more critical than ever. Populations that have grown up knowing polarization as a norm must now begin to determine the kind of future that will be built within the United States. Will rising generations work to “bridge” polarization, or will we inevitably continue to fuel the discourse occurring? Leadership must come from students, the newly educated, and the rising workforce. But there must be equal effort from experienced leaders. Sustainable collaboration cannot be achieved without initiative from everyone.

Moderator:
Krystal Tanner and Abby Schaller

Speakers:
Janet Donovan
Mark Gerzon
Molly Fitzpatrick
Tom Cosgrove


Ebert Interruptus

 

UMC 235

Description: A beloved tradition of the conference, Ebert Interruptus is a four-part event showing a film along with in-depth analysis. This year’s edition of Interruptus will feature The Babadook, the 2014 Australian horror film written and directed by Jennifer Kent. Learn more

Speakers:
Josh Larsen


CWA Book Club Discussion: Apeirogon by Colum McCann

UMC West Ballroom

Description:

The CWA Book Club is back with the book, Apeirogon by Colum McCann.

This 2020 novel is based on the true story of the fraternal relationship between Bassam Aramin, a Palestinian Muslim, and Rami Elhanan, an Israeli Jew who both lost daughters in violence in the West Bank. Aramin co-founded the activist group Combatants for Peace; Elhanan joined up after his son Elik brought him to a meeting, some seven years before Abir’s death. By the time Abir was shot, Elhanan and Aramin were close friends. The new loss made them brothers. Since 2007 they’ve traveled all over the world together, speaking about what they experienced.

The book is divided into 1001 short chapters crossing history, geography, art and nature. Ultimately creating a great novel that is both heart-breaking and hopeful and showing the power of Storytelling to respond to grief.

Written before the current crisis, it is truly a work for our times.

You can watch the author and protagonists in discussion here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TooOTITvrk0

Open conversation about the book during this event.

Speakers:
Mary Reynolds Thompson

Sarah Yager


 

Friday, April 12

Immigration on the Southern Border: Broken Borders, Shattered Hearts

 

UMC Center Ballroom
 

Description: Is the United States’ seemingly “open” border a national security issue, or an economic and social phenomenon?

Moderator:
Jan Burton

Speakers:
Brandon Warmke
Lee Boubout
Rebecca Buckwalter-Poza
Ian Millhiser

Watch recording


Working, Learning, and Thriving in a New Country

 

UMC 235

Description: A roundtable of expats who share firsthand accounts of living away from their home country. Gain insights into their challenges and triumphs while navigating a new cultural landscape. Listen to students, diplomats and expats share their experiences living away from their home country.

Moderator:
Marina LaGrave

Speakers:
Rengin Firat
Charles Mslinga
Suma Sathyanarayana

Watch recording


Exit Through the Gift Shop: Where does funding come from?

 

UMC West Ballroom

Description: Philanthropy: is it still needed? How must non-profits rely on the donations and/or grants to stay afloat. Is the model created in other countries viable for US?

Moderator:
Mark Ragan

Speakers:
John Heffernan
Lucy Lawrence
Dean Sobel
Maya Ward

Watch recording

All's Whale that Ends Whale: Conserving Our Wildlife Heritage

UMC Center Ballroom

Description: Next 100 Years: Unlocking the potential of DNA, genetic engineering and related technologies to conserve nature.

Moderator:
Jennifer Neale

Speakers:
Asher Jay
Florencio (Flo) Mazzoldi
Ted Schmitt
Kika Tuff

Watch recording


Does Capitalism Pay?

 

UMC 235
 

Description: Across the globe, how is capitalism working with respect to quality of life, longevity, income equality, advancement, health care, etc.?

Moderator:
John Tayer

Speakers:
Leo Glaze
Rowena He
Rachel Sigman
Alexander Verbeek

Watch recording


Violence Is Never the Answer: Addressing the Rise of Physical and Virtual Violence

 

UMC West Ballroom

Description: Next 100 Years: Gender-Based Violence. Sexual Violence. Physical Violence. Cyber Violence. A conversation on why there is a rise of violent crime in our communities and online, and how the education, legal, and nonprofit sectors are responding.

Moderator:
Beverly Kingston

Speakers:
Heidi Basch-Harod
Asia Eaton

Watch recording


Technology, Ethics, & Privacy

 

UMC East Ballroom

Description: Next 100 Years: How can we make sure emerging technology will benefit society?

Moderator:
Aaron Brockett

Speakers:
Christine Chang
Dr. David Caswell
Laura Harder
Eliot Peper

Watch recording


 

Should TikTok Be on the Chopping Block?

 

UMC Center Ballroom

Description: Data exploitation (TikTok, Meta, Google, etc.) Political bans (federal, individual states) Are content creators monetizing or exploiting the situation? Algorithms tailored to social media users.

Moderator:
Bettina Swigger

Speakers:
John Heffernan
Kian Salehizadeh
Max Towey

Watch recording


Human Rights Across the Globe: Progressing or Regressing?

 

UMC 235

Description: How relevant are the U.N. Human Rights Council, Amnesty International, and other international organizations? How are Things Working Relative to Enforcement of international law and international humanitarian law The relevance of the UN in today’s multipolar world Israel did not destroy Hamas but it destroyed Gaza. Now what? How long can Russia be allowed to attack all of Ukraine before the world steps in?

Moderator:
Jim Anaya

Speakers:
Hadar Harris
Rowena He
Sarah Yager

Watch recording


Performance: Rhythm and Words: A Smile Can Change Everything

 

UMC West Ballroom

Description: Improvisational potpourri and performance by speakers with hidden and known talents.

Speakers:
Benjamin Burney
Darren Kramer
Laura Deal
Matt Jones
Michael Spencer
Nicholas Pope

Watch recording


Fashion-Forward: The Global Fashion Industry's Future

 

UMC East Ballroom

Description: How will the business of fashion change in the face of ethical and sustainability concerns?

Moderator: 
Robin Luff

Speakers:
Daniel Herranz
Asher Jay
Lucy Lawrence
Laura Melendrez

Watch recording


 

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Leadership on and off the field: A Conversation with Coach Prime

Macky Hall

Descriptions: Leadership on and off the field: A Conversation with Coach Prime
Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders will be a keynote speaker this year in a co-hosted event with the Center for Leadership. The center’s director, Stefanie Johnson, will engage coach in a discussion about his leadership on and off the field. The event is free and open to the public, with 40 percent of the tickets reserved for CU students. In-person attendance only  



 

The Future of Music

 

UMC West Ballroom 

Description: The magic of immersive experiences such as the Sphere, festivals, locker rooms, and drones?

Moderator:
John Davis

Speakers:
Markus Braun
Matt Jones
Hunter Leggitt

Watch recording


Across the Globe: What’s in the News?

 

UMC Center Ballroom

Description: Open potpourri forum for issues in the news / of high interest. Some possibilities: Current and future risks confronting modern Africa Afghanistan and the evacuation/the resettlement of Afghan Economic (tariffs, $, food supplies) Energy (mass production of EVs, Green energy, reliance on oil).

Moderator:
Gary Garrison

Speakers:
William "Billy" Carney
Max Towey
Alexander Verbeek

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Horror Genre in Art, Theater and Film

 

UMC 235

Description: Why are younger audiences so attracted to the horror and supernatural genres in the arts?

Moderator:
Jezy Gray

Speakers:
Josh Larsen
Tiel Lundy
Michael Spencer
Shay Wescott

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CIRES Distinguished Lecture Series

 

CIRES Auditorium, Room 338

On behalf of the CIRES DLS committee, we would like to cordially invite you to our upcoming Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) with Dr. Paul G. Richards on Friday, April 12th at 3pm in the CIRES Auditorium, Room 338 with a reception following in the CIRES Atrium. 

**No registration required**

Questions? Contact event organizers Linda Pendergrass or Lornay Hansen.

Speakers:
Paul G. Richards

 

 

Ebert Interruptus

 

UMC 235

Description: A beloved tradition of the conference, Ebert Interruptus is a four-part event showing a film along with in-depth analysis. This year’s edition of Interruptus will feature The Babadook, the 2014 Australian horror film written and directed by Jennifer Kent. Learn more

Speakers:
Josh Larsen


 

Bridging Divides While Challenging Narratives With the Hosts of Politically Correcting and The Free Mind Podcasts

 

UMC Center Ballroom

Description: A live podcast discussion of the controversial issues Americans don’t know how to talk about, and why we don’t know how to talk about them. The Politically Correcting podcast hosts Jose Peo and Lavelle Lewis will join CU Boulder’s Free Mind podcast host Matt Burgess in a unique platform highlighting the importance of civil discourse. A Democrat, a Republican, and a Canadian walk into a bar... we’ll let you guess who is who. No topic will be off limits.

Speakers:
Jose Peo
Lavelle Lewis
Matthew Burgess

Livestream Link: https://livestream.com/loclyzmedia/podcast


Out of the Blue | Dairy Arts Center

 

After the Conference is over, CWA panelist Eli Hans, will be presenting a one-man musical play at the Dairy Arts Center. The play, called Out of the Blue, will be performed at the Dairy on:

  • Friday, April 12 at 7:00 PM
  • Saturday, April 13 at 7:00 PM
  • Sunday, April 14 at 2:00 PM

The musical is autobiographical. Eli shares with his audience growing up as a gay boy in a conservative Mexican-Jewish community; maneuvering through the AIDS crisis in the 1980s; dealing with the suicide of a partner; and overcoming a dire cancer diagnosis. While this might sound a bit depressing, it is actually an uplifting (and sometimes funny) story of overcoming adversity through hope and perseverance. The musical originated in Mexico and has won awards, including at the Hollywood Fringe Festival.

This will be its Boulder premiere. All proceeds benefit Out Boulder County.


2024 Speakers