Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder
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Seminars

Our leadership and topical seminars emphasize text-based dialogue in small-group settings to facilitate knowledge sharing, values exploration, and both personal and collective awareness. 

“As CEO, taking the time to sharpen the saw is critical. The Aspen Executive Seminar is the best whetstone out there.”

Reed Hastings, Founder and CEO of Netflix

Invest in Your Leadership

Our Public Seminars

Since 1950, the Aspen Institute has held a wide range of seminar experiences that empower participants to become more self-aware, self-correcting, and self-fulfilling. Grounded in the Aspen Method of moderated, text-based dialogue our seminars offer dynamic, challenging environments for participants to reflect on the values and purpose that inform their actions in the world.

These seminars are open to the public, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds who seek a meaningful space for reflection and growth.

Socrates Seminars

The Socrates Program is a forum for leaders from various professions to convene and explore contemporary issues through expert-moderated dialogue.

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The Aspen Executive Seminar

Our flagship seminar that challenges senior leaders to explore the ideas that underpin our society, the values that inform their individual and organizational decisions, and the ways in which their actions shape what it means to live justly in a good society.

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Teen Socrates

A three-day seminar is dedicated to enhancing leadership, problem solving, and critical thinking skills for high school students in a setting conducive to thought and fellowship.

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Custom Seminars

Our Custom Aspen Leadership Seminars team creates leadership programs tailored to achieve your organization’s strategic goals, including helping organizations, teams, and groups collectively explore values, build a common language, and strengthen trust.

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The Seminar Experience

Aspen Institute seminars offer more than conversation—they’re immersive experiences that blend meaningful dialogue with the inspiration of place. Set against the backdrop of Aspen’s natural beauty and other inspired locations, participants engage in rich discussion, shared meals, and curated excursions that foster connection, reflection, and renewal.

“Socrates is more than just a seminar. It’s a space where ideas collide, leaders expand their thinking, and lifelong connections are made.”

Ricardo Julian Salcido, Hunt-Aspen Fellow

Attend a Seminar

Seminars at the Aspen Institute refine participant’s ability to think deeply, listen attentively, and act boldly within their organizations and communities. Explore our upcoming seminars to discover what’s right for you.

Flash Seminar: Rooting Our Leadership in Humanity – August 2025

Get a glimpse into what the Aspen method of text-based dialogue can do to strengthen the connection between your leadership and your values

Socrates Montenegro Seminar

Organized in partnership with Aspen Institute Germany and Aspen Institute Romania, the first-ever Socrates seminar in Montenegro will bring together leaders to explore the challenges of democratic backsliding, the importance of rule of law, and the essence of values-based leadership.

Socrates 2025 New Zealand Seminar

Join us for this exclusive Critical Conversation, moderated by Vivian Schiller, internationally renowned former media executive, current Aspen Institute Vice President and Executive Director of Aspen Digital. ‘Will We Ever Trust the News Again’ will examine the challenges facing the industry – and crucially, the promising paths towards a solution.

2025 Socrates Romania Transatlantic Seminar

This Transatlantic Socrates Seminar will discuss ways to advance the development of a comprehensive and dynamic yet operational approach to resilience. As the current security crisis has driven historic developments in Europe and beyond, it is now increasing pressure to demonstrate that liberal democracy delivers, including security and defense.

2025 Socrates Moldova Seminar

Over the 3 days of the Seminar, we will explore, in a tense geo-political and geo-economic regional context, how the resilience of our societies, certainly in the countries in Central-Eastern Europe, must be constantly strengthened.
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Flash Seminar: Rooting Our Leadership in Humanity – May 2025

Get a glimpse into what the Aspen method of text-based dialogue can do to strengthen the connection between your leadership and your values

Socrates Colombia 2025

Join the Socrates Program for the first Socrates seminars to be held in Medellín, Colombia on May 15-17, 2025!

2025 Socrates España Seminar

Set at the El Vilar de la Duquessa in Cardona, our seminar “RISING GENERATIONS: Imagining the Human Future” explores the what humanity’s future will look like and how we can prepare.

Flash Seminar: Rooting Our Leadership in Humanity – March 2025

Get a glimpse into what the Aspen method of text-based dialogue can do to strengthen the connection between your leadership and your values
Blavatnik School of Government Oxford

Socrates UK 2025 Seminar

In an era of rapid technological change, shifting political landscapes, and increasing scrutiny, leadership requires a delicate balance – navigating complex regulations while fostering innovation and strategic agility.

Socrates Program: 2025 Summer Seminars

The Socrates Program is excited to host our annual Summer Seminars this July 11th-14th! The seminar tuition is $2,500. Limited scholarships are available by application.

2025 Socrates Central Europe Seminar

Digital technology is radically changing just about everything we do, from raising families to running businesses. Optimists welcome this shift, arguing that technology is growing up and starting to take care of us. Are they right? What are the specific ways in which technological change is improving our individual and collective lives? What are the dark sides? Do the new technology trends we hear so much about have costs as well as benefits?

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