Colorado Creative Industries Summit
Program Summary
The Creative Industries Summit is the annual event for Colorado creatives to connect, learn, and be inspired. More than 350 creative stakeholders from over 60 Colorado cities and towns attend the summit.
The two-day event offers exhibits, performances, networking opportunities, speakers, classes, and workshops.
The event is ideal for both early to late-career creative leaders including artists, board members, community leaders, creative entrepreneurs, creative industries advocates from all sectors, elected officials, emerging creatives, executive directors, municipal and nonprofit cultural workers, and program staff.
Thank you for your interest in attending the CCI Summit. The event is sold out. Sign-up for the CCI newsletter for the latest updates on grants, opportunities, and regional news.
2026 CCI Summit Program
Review the full CCI Summit session agenda or download the event app, Whova, to access the schedule, connect with other attendees, and receive organizer announcements.
Overview
Type: Summit
For: Cultural workers, creatives, artists, and industry leaders
Date: June 4-5, 2026
Location: Create Trinidad Creative District
OEDIT division: Colorado Creative Industries
2026 CCI Summit Program
Review the full CCI Summit session agenda or download the event app, Whova, to access the schedule, connect with other attendees, and receive organizer announcements.
Thank you for your interest in attending the CCI Summit. The event is sold out. Sign-up for the CCI newsletter for the latest updates on grants, opportunities, and regional news.
Those that have registered your ticket includes light breakfast on both mornings, the Governor’s Creative Leadership Awards Luncheon on June 4, and light appetizers during the Welcome Reception on June 4.
Lunch on Friday, June 5 is not provided for all attendees. Attendees can schedule lunch on their own or attend Warm Cookies of the Revolution’s Interdependence Day event (lunch provided). If you would like to attend the Interdependence Day event, please select that option on your registration form.
Check-In
Event check-in will be at The Commons @ Space to Create at 218 W Main St, Trinidad, CO 81082. Attendees arriving early for the full summit can check-in 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3 and beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5. The check-in table will be up for the duration of the event for general information and late check-in.
2026 CCI Summit Kickoff and Plenary Session
Join us at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 4 for the official summit kickoff featuring a plenary session focused on Colorado’s film industry and the 2027 Sundance Film Festival. Plan to arrive by 8 a.m. to check in and get seated.
Summit Location
Sessions and events will be held throughout the CREATE Trinidad Creative District. The Commons @ Space to Create will host the check-in table, exhibitor booths, The Governor’s Creative Leadership Award Luncheon, and will serve as a homebase for summit operations. A full schedule and map of events will be provided closer to the event.
Transportation
All session and summit events are held within walking distance of one another around the CREATE Trinidad creative district. There will be a free trolley running regularly on rotation between the local hotels and session locations throughout the downtown.
Parking
Free parking is available throughout downtown Trinidad, including along Main Street and Commercial Street. Additional public parking lots are located at Main Street and Church Street and at the corner of Main Street and Animas Street. Handicap, accessible parking spaces are available in these public parking lots to ensure convenient access for all attendees.
Lodging
There are various options for lodging available in Trinidad and we recommend reserving your lodging early. CCI has limited blocked rooms with special rates at the following local hotels. To reserve a room within the block, please call the hotel and mention you’re booking for the CCI Summit. The rates are available June 3-7 so you can extend your trip! The blocks are only available to book up until 2 weeks prior to the event, so please reserve your rooms early.
- Hilton Garden Inn Downtown $169/night 719-845-8000
- LaQuinta Inn & Suites $139/night 719-845-0102
- Holiday Inn Express and Suites $139/night 719-845-8400
- The Well Hotel & Taproom starting at $179/night 719-422-8030
- Quality Inn $129/night 719-497-1499
- Travelodge by Wyndham $129/night 719-846-2271
- Super 8 by Wyndham Trinidad $99/night 719-846-8280
2026 CCI Summit Program
Review the full CCI Summit session agenda or download the event app, Whova, to access the schedule, connect with other attendees, and receive organizer announcements.
Wednesday, June 3 - Pre-convening
- 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Creative District Pre-convening
- Only open to certified Creative District staff and representatives
- 10:30-6 p.m. Change Leader Alumni Pre-convening
Public Pre-convening Events
- 4-8 p.m. Registration and Event Check-In at The Commons @ Space to Create
- 4-8 p.m. bARTer Collective story collection and activation outside of The Commons @ Space to Create
- 6:30-8 p.m. Savoy Salon at The Commons @ Space to Create
- 6:30-8 p.m. Literary Arts Summit, Organized by Lighthouse Writers Workshop, at Mutiny Cafe
Thursday, June 4 - Day One
- 8 a.m. Event Check-In and Breakfast at The Commons @ Space to Create
- 9-10:15 a.m. Opening Plenary at The Commons @ Space to Create
- 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
- 12:30-2:30 p.m. Governor’s Creative Leadership Awards Luncheon at The Commons @ Space to Create
- 2:45-4:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
- 4:30-6 p.m. Welcome Reception at the Trinidad History Museum
- 6-8 p.m. Downtown Activations throughout the CREATE Trinidad District
- 6-7:30 p.m. Film Screening
- 6-8 p.m. After Party at Skate Land
Friday, June 5 - Day Two
- 8:30-10 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
- 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
- 12-2:30 p.m. Lunch on your own or Interdependence Day (optional registration required)
- Review Session Highlights for more details
- 1:30-2:45 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
- 3:00-4:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
- 4:45-5 p.m. Closing Performances and Remarks at The Commons @ Space to Create
Pinon Canyon: A Case Study for Art and Resistance
Presenters: Kaylinn Gilstrap, Rebecca Goodwin, Grady Grissom, Doug Holdread, Bill Sulzman, and Evan Weissman
In this session, panelists will discuss art as a tool for resistance and share the intriguing story of how ranchers and artists from southern Colorado joined forces to defeat the US Army. In 2006, the US Army set out to expand the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, a US Army training base located in Las Animas County. Local community members, many of them ranchers whose families had been on their land for generations, joined forces with artists and pushed back against the acquisition of their lands and destruction of their way of life by using art as a tool for political organizing and resistance. Join members of this unlikely coalition as they discuss this fascinating history; and together, let’s imagine the ways art might serve to bring together diverse coalitions and bring about change in the future.
Building Your Community's Music Scene
Presenters: Lisa Gedgaudas, Vidushi Goyal, Dave Heinrich, Sarah Hubbard, Melissa McGowan, Kenny Vasko, and Liz Vasko
Music programming and scene-building is one of the most effective ways to put energy into both arts and economic development initiatives. We'll discuss what programming has been successful in the City of Lafayette, and what lessons we've learned along the way. Including: knowing your audience (local, tourism, etc), taking inventory of your existing scene, expectations of musicians and crew for performances, exploring spaces for music programming, adding music programming to existing events and attractions, and partnering and collaborating to create organic momentum in your music scene. We will also include a short music performance by two of our panelists, who collaborate as "Mr. Knobs."
Cultural Movement Assembly
Presenters: Brian Corrigan, Jesse Martinez, Marissa Morrow, and Tanya Mote
This Cultural Movement Assembly (CMA) is designed to cohere the art and culture ecosystem as a frontline in the struggle for justice. Our goal is to build a collective political analysis of the current moment and the systemic root causes of our problems. We will envision the world we want to create and plan how to get there. From this initial assembly, we will design collaborations, develop and implement action plans and grow the cohesion and unity necessary for building power. Since we are gathering as a cross section of the field, our discussions will consider positions, precarity, and power. We won't walk out of this assembly with a laundry list of actions, but we will know how to become an unsettling force on the journey to collective liberation.
Interdependence Day
On Friday, June 5, from 12:30-2:30 p.m., in commemoration of the United States' 250th and Colorado's 150th birthdays, we're gathering for a picnic at the Trinidad History Museum to celebrate our Interdependence. Warm Cookies of the Revolution will lead an exploration of how much we rely on each other, how our neighborhood heroes past, present, (and future?!) keep us safe and inspired, and how truly interconnected we all are. Come enjoy local stories, culture, food and talent.
This event requires registration on a first come, first serve basis. The first 150 registrants to select that they would like to attend on their registration form will receive confirmation and information via email closer to the event. If you are not in the first 150 registrants, there are various sessions, as well as many wonderful local restaurants, you can participate in during the lunch block without registration.
2026 CCI Summit Tours
- East Street School and Artist Studio Visits
- Haunted Trinidad Walking Tour
- Oh Brothel, Where Art Thou?
- Temple Aaron Tour
- Underground Miners Museum Tours with the Hispanic Chamber
Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date for the 2026 CCI Summit.
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Exhibiting Sponsors
CREATE Trinidad and the surrounding community have so much to offer beyond the CCI Summit. We encourage attendees to consider extending your stay and exploring some of the options below.
- First Friday Art Walk: 5-8 p.m., July 5, 2026. First Friday Art Walk is the perfect way to experience our creative spirit—start the evening with a cocktail and bites at one of our downtown eateries, then stroll through the galleries to enjoy vibrant exhibits, meet local artists, and soak in the energy of our thriving arts scene.
- Historic Downtown Walking Tour: Trace the footsteps of early traders and settlers while learning about the city’s legendary architecture in a three-part, self-guided audio tour.
- Pottery Palace: Spend part of your day painting with friends in our historic downtown!
- Highway of Legends National Scenic Byway: This spectacular route winds through alpine forests, historic mountain towns, and sweeping views of the Spanish Peaks, offering a journey rich in scenery, history, and Colorado legend.
- Dad Lounge: Enjoy a game of pool and great live music.
- Hiking: Whether you're exploring the iconic paths at Fishers Peak State Park or enjoying a leisurely hike along the historic Santa Fe Trail, Trinidad offers unforgettable terrain for every level of outdoor enthusiast.
- Biking: Cyclists can ride straight from downtown into miles of scenic terrain, from smooth in-town routes to rugged singletrack with sweeping mountain views. Gear up at Tarantula Bike Rentals and hit the trails at Fishers Peak State Park or cruise stretches of the historic Santa Fe Trail for an unforgettable ride.
- Kayaking: Trinidad CO Kayak Company offers kayak and paddleboard rentals.
- Live Entertainment: Whether it be live music, a performance from our local theater, or belting out karaoke tunes, there’s something for everyone!
- Trinidad Triggers: Take yourself – or your family – out to a ball game!
- Checkout Visit Trinidad for things to do!
2025
Grand Junction
2024
Pueblo
2023
Crested Butte
2021
Steamboat Springs
2019
Salida
2018
Greeley
2017
Breckenridge
2016
Carbondale
2015
Fort Collins
2014
Salida
The summit is an annual opportunity for experienced creatives and emerging leaders to sit side-by-side, learn from each other, and improve Colorado’s statewide creative community.
All sponsors have the opportunity to include one giveaway in conference bags at their own expense. For the full sponsorship packet or to learn more, email Libby Barbee at libby.barbee@state.co.us.
Platinum Sponsor 1: Governor's Creative Leadership Awards Luncheon $5,500
This sponsorship supports the performers and keynote speakers for the Governor’s Creative Leadership Awards Luncheon on Thursday, June 4, 2026. As a platinum sponsor, you will receive:
- Special sponsorship recognition during the Governor’s Creative Leadership Awards luncheon on Thursday, June 4th.
- Speaking opportunity to briefly address all summit attendees during luncheon program.
- Five conference registrations.
- One vendor table.
- Name and linked logo recognition as a Platinum sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option.
- Reserved seating at head table during large group events, meals and Governor’s Awards.
Platinum Sponsor 2: Friday Plenary $4,500
This sponsorship supports performers and creative activations throughout the summit and will be recognized during the plenary session focused on Colorado’s film industry and the Sundance Film Festival. As a platinum sponsor, you will receive:
- Special sponsorship recognition during the morning plenary session on Thursday, June 4th.
- Speaking opportunity to briefly address all summit attendees during the plenary session.
- Five conference registrations.
- One vendor table.
- Name and linked logo recognition as a Platinum sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option.
- Reserved seating at head table during the Governor’s Creative Leadership Awards Luncheon.
Gold Sponsor 1: Opening Reception $3,000
This sponsorship supports local pop up performances and arts programming during the evening pop up events and welcome reception. As a gold sponsor, you will receive:
- Three conference registrations.
- One vendor table.
- Name and linked logo recognition as a Gold sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option.
- Reserved seating during the Governor’s Creative Leadership Awards Luncheon.
Gold Sponsor 2: Arts Engagement $3,000
This sponsorship supports up to 3 regional artists in providing engaging hands-on arts experiences during the summit. As a gold sponsor, you will receive:
- Three conference registrations.
- One vendor table.
- Name and linked logo recognition as a Gold sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option.
- Reserved seating during the Governor’s Creative Leadership Awards Luncheon.
Gold Sponsor 3: Arts Immersion $3,000
This sponsorship supports up to 2 art installations showcasing the innovative work of Colorado creatives. As a gold sponsor, you will receive:
- Three conference registrations.
- One vendor table.
- Name and linked logo recognition as a Gold sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option.
- Reserved seating during the Governor’s Creative Leadership Awards Luncheon.
Silver Sponsor 1: Sponsorship of a selected session $1,500
There are ten of these sponsorships available. The sponsoring organization selects a session from the summit program line up and has the opportunity to briefly address attendees of this session. Sessions are identified by a call for proposals and selected by a review committee. Sessions available for sponsorship will be available in March 2026. As a silver sponsor, you will receive:
- Two conference registrations.
- Name and linked logo recognition as a Silver sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option.
- Reserved seating during the Governor’s Creative Leadership Awards Luncheon.
Silver Sponsor 2: Scholarship Sponsorship $1,500
This sponsorship provides six need-based scholarships for conference attendees. There are five of these sponsorships available. As a silver sponsor, you will receive:
- Two conference registrations.
- Name and linked logo recognition as a Silver sponsor in event program, website, on-site signage and individually with selected sponsorship option.
- Reserved seating during the Governor’s Creative Leadership Awards Luncheon.
Contributing Sponsor $750
As a contributing sponsor, you will receive:
- One conference registration.
- Name and linked logo recognition as a Contributing sponsor in event program, website and on-site signage.
Exhibitor $500
As an exhibitor, you will receive:
- One conference registration.
- One vendor table.
- Company name on website as exhibitor.
Program Manager