Today, we're proud to announce our newest signature event, Aspen Ideas: Economy.

Taking place October 20–21, 2025, in Newark, New Jersey, Aspen Ideas: Economy will bring together leaders and innovators to explore the profound economic transformations reshaping our world, from seismic shifts in technology and trade to the evolving roles of policy and politics.

Designed to tackle first-order questions about the role of the economy in society, this convening will foster meaningful dialogue around vital issues: What really drives economic growth, and how can more people have a real stake in the upside of economic prosperity? What should we measure to define success in an economy? And how do economic choices shape broader societal outcomes?

“Aspen Ideas: Economy will provide a distinctive forum for dialogue on how we can build a global economy that works for everyone,” said Dan Porterfield, President and CEO of the Aspen Institute. “We could not be more excited to join our partners in Newark to hold this new convening, through which we hope to create new possibilities for economic opportunity around the world.”

Tickets will be limited for this inaugural event and released on a rolling basis—sign up here to stay informed about event updates, speakers, and opportunities to participate.

Upcoming Events

Leadership

Socrates Summer Seminar: "What Does The Future of Work Look Like—And Who Gets To Shape It?"

July 11-14, 2025

Aspen, CO

Roy Bahat, known for his work at Bloomberg Beta and his advocacy for labor rights in the tech industry, will lead this Socrates Summer Seminar, guiding participants through an exploration of how work is evolving, who has the power to influence its future, and how to prepare our kids for the changes to come.​ The Socrates Program also offers a limited number of partial scholarships.

Economic Opportunity

How Good Jobs Support Small Business Success

May 21, 2025

Washington, DC / Virtual

Only 56% of full-time workers in the United States make enough money to cover their families’ basic needs, a problem that is particularly acute at small businesses. Join the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program for a discussion on small business support strategies that allow businesses and workers alike to thrive.

Economic Opportunity

The Potential and Peril of AI for Women in the Economy

May 15, 2025

Virtual

Generative AI is rapidly reshaping our nation’s economic landscape — but what does the new wave of technological innovation really mean for women in their many roles as workers, managers, entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders? Join the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program for a conversation with tech experts about what the future may hold.

Big Ideas

Aspen Ideas: Health

June 22-25, 2025

Aspen, CO

From the rich and creative programming that fills the agenda to the unparalleled Rocky Mountain setting, Aspen Ideas: Health is not your ordinary health conference. This summer's program will feature conversations with more than 150 innovators reimagining the future of health, medicine, and science.

In Focus: Igniting Leadership

Anne Mosle serves as a vice president of the Aspen Institute, founding executive director of Ascend at the Aspen Institute, and co-chair of the Aspen Institute Forum on Women and Girls.

In the latest episode of In Session, she shares her views on what it takes for all leaders to thrive, and finding leadership everywhere you look.

Leadership is at the heart of our collective future. We’re exploring the many dimensions of effective leaders and leadership through our In Focus Series on “Igniting Leadership."

Around the Institute

Leadership

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Wins Big

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, one of 16 colleges in the Wisconsin Technical College System, is the winner of the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation's signature recognition for high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges.

Economic Opportunity

10 Years of the Financial Security Program

Co-Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program (FSP) Ida Rademacher reflects on 10 years at Aspen FSP and the importance of understanding the multi-faced ways that people's financial lives are impacted by broader changes in the economy and society."

Leadership

It's Just Our Turn To Serve The World

For Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute, writer, teacher, speaker, and consultant Margaret J. Wheatley shares her abundance theory of leadership—that a leader is anyone willing to help.

Leadership

Honoring the Legacy of Lola Adedokun

The Aspen Global Innovators Group (AGI) has announced the establishment of the Lola Adedokun Aspen-Doris Duke Award in honor of the life and legacy of Lola Adedokun. This award will celebrate and support exceptional leaders who embody her values of social justice, collaboration, and bold leadership in advancing community-driven solutions.

In the News

Arts & Culture

Kirkus Reviews covered the announcement of the 2025 Aspen Words Literary Prize, awarded to Tommy Orange for his novel, Wandering Stars, which depicts the stories of a Native American family through multiple generations shaped by the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864. 

Climate & Energy

NBC News sat down with Arnold Schwarzenegger following his appearance at This is Planet Ed’s Planet Media Summit, an initiative of the Aspen Institute Energy and Environment Program.  

Economic Opportunity

ImpactAlpha detailed why employee ownership is breaking through typical political boundaries in their coverage of the third annual Employee Ownership Ideas Forum, co-hosted by the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program and Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing.  

Rising Generations

Spotlight on Poverty & Opportunity delved into Ascend’s recent “2Gen Investment Case” report which analyzed the more than $500 million investments over the past decade in 2Gen approaches that advance well-being by simultaneously supporting children and adults.

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