From summits on AI disaster preparedness and seminars on new economic metrics to a high-altitude literary festival—with lessons in leadership throughout—September is shaping up as an inspiring month at the Aspen Institute.
Leadership Getting a Job in Policy September 2, 2026; Virtual
Join Aspen Policy Academy to learn the key points for getting a job in the policy space, including an overview of the types of jobs, tips for networking, and navigating the application and hiring process. Learn more.
Artificial Intelligence AI For Disasters + Emergencies (AIDE) Summit 2026 September 9, 2026; Austin, Texas
As natural disasters grow in frequency and intensity, AI has the potential to protect lives, property, and livelihoods. Practitioners and leaders gather to share, learn, and commit to action aided by trusted applications guided by human values. Learn more.
Economic Opportunity Disposable Workers: A Book Talk with MIT Sloan Professor Paul Osterman September 9, 2026; Virtual
Join a discussion about Osterman’s book, Disposable Workers: The Transformation of Employment, which documents the deliberate choices behind the rise of contract workers, freelancers, and “marginal workers”—and the consequences for worker well-being, economic mobility, and the broader social contract. Learn more.
Leadership Leadership In Conflict: Through the Lens of Indigenous Experiences September 15 – 19, 2026; Santa Fe, New Mexico
This immersive seminar, limited to Aspen Fellows, explores governing amid contested sovereignty, cultural erasure, and competing legal systems. Informed by Pueblo nations’ centuries of experience, Indigenous leaders share lessons on resilience, continuity, and leading through perpetual structural conflict. Learn more.
Leadership Writing an Op-Ed September 16, 2026; Virtual
In this instructional webinar, participants learn how to draft an opinion piece to advance a broader goal of policy change. Learn the basics of clarity, voice, and audience, as well as strategies for pitching to reach the people who matter most. Learn more.
Culture Susan and John Klein Book Series featuring Scott Anderson on King of Kings September 16, 2026; Washington DC
Join a discussion on Iran’s last monarch with the author of King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution: A Story of Hubris, Delusion and Catastrophic Miscalculation. Learn how the fall of one of America’s strongest allies still shapes global politics. Learn more.
Societal Trust Religious Pluralism at America 250: Faith and the American Experiment September 23, 2026; Virtual
Filmmaker Ken Burns and author David Brooks engage in a conversation on faith, pluralism, and the American experiment in an event hosted by the Aspen Institute’s Religion & Society Program. Learn more.
Economic Opportunity Essential Wealth: Exploring a New Benchmark for Financial Security September 24, 2026; Virtual
“Essential Wealth” is a new metric that clarifies how much wealth families need to build resilience, prosperity, and financial well-being. Learn how this tool can help leaders clarify what they’re building toward, design effective wealth-building strategies, and measure progress. Learn more.
Culture Aspen Literary Festival 2026 September 25-27, 2026; Aspen, Colorado
Journey to the mountains for an unforgettable literary weekend filled with dynamic panels, lively parties, engaging conversations, and unexpected delights. Over three inspiring days, dozens of acclaimed authors gather to celebrate stories, ideas, and the power of words. Learn more.
Culture Susan and John Klein Book Series featuring Ben Macintyre on Redwood September 28, 2026; Washington DC
Join us for a conversation with the author of Redwood:The Untold Story of the Cold War’s Most Extraordinary Spy, a gripping true story of espionage and betrayal set against the turmoil of post-revolutionary Iran. Learn more.
Leadership Rooting Our Leadership in Humanity September 30, 2026; Virtual
In this one-hour seminar, experience the Aspen method of moderated, text-based dialogue, engaging with a short reading before exploring fundamental questions about humanity and leadership—transforming the ability to understand values and grow as a leader. Learn more.
Looking Ahead
Societal Trust Weave’s BIG READ October 1 – November 5, 2026; 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 Aspen Ideas: Economy October 13-15, 2026. Tulsa, OK
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.
Leadership Aspen Institute New Zealand Security Forum October 16, 2026. Queenstown, New Zealand
Join us as we bring together senior leaders from government, business, defense, and investment to examine the strategic shifts redefining security, resilience, and technological capability across New Zealand and 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 in an increasingly contested region. 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.
