Frequently asked questions about the Aspen Executive Seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society
About the Aspen Method
How are Aspen Leadership Seminars different from other leadership development programs?
Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions to leadership, our seminars support each participant in developing their own personalized tools for effective leadership. In recognizing that we all have purpose, drive, and things that matter to us, the Aspen Institute approaches people as fully realized human beings and helps them become more fully realized in their everyday work.
Through a holistic combination of experiences that includes thoughtfully curated texts introducing provocative ideas, discussions facilitated by Aspen’s expert moderators, and the ability to hit “pause” on the pressures of day-to-day work, participants are engaged in lively, brave spaces that allow them to zero in on the values that are important to them. They then have the tools to embed these values into their decision-making processes. Rather than provide all the answers, we help participants develop the questions they must ask and continue to ask in order to continually evolve as a leader.
Are Aspen Leadership Seminars professional or personal development?
Both. In order to be a good leader, one must make decisions from a place of strength and surety to lead with purpose and conviction in a complex world. The best leaders are self-aware: they know their strengths and their faults, they know what they value and what they are willing to sacrifice, they have developed the skills to listen to others, and they weigh competing points of view. Our seminars seek to bring personal and professional development into alignment to help individuals develop surety in their own values-based leadership philosophy.
About the Aspen Executive Seminar
Who teaches the seminar?
The seminar experience is a collaborative investigation into the ideas that have shaped the world and the questions of what makes a good leader and as such does not have traditional instructors because there is no single answer.
Instead, participants are guided in dialogue by highly-trained moderators, most of whom do not work for the Aspen Institute. Instead, they have high-powered jobs in a variety of fields and choose to take time away from their work to moderate because they believe in the importance of humanistic leadership.
Most of our moderators have been with us for 10+ years and at one time were participants of an Aspen Leadership Seminar themselves.
How many people are at each seminar?
Our seminars provide an intimate small-group experience. We cap enrollment of our on-campus seminars to 23 participants.
Do I have to be present for the entire seminar, or can I attend on select days?
We ask that you be present for the entirety of the experience and try your best to not check in with work or answer work emails during the week in order to experience the full benefit of the seminar. We know that leaders are expected to constantly make decisions and act in the moment. One of the benefits of the seminar is the gift to step back, pause, and take time away from everyday concerns by immersing yourself in the process.
Do you have scholarship options to attend?
Yes. To make our seminar experiences accessible to all, limited scholarship funds are available to individuals who work for nonprofits, in government, as clergy, artists, or journalists, or corporate leaders with financial need.
How are participants selected for the Aspen Executive Seminar?
While most of our seminars allow anyone interested to enroll, the Aspen Executive Seminar includes an application process. This is not meant to deter any senior leaders from participating but rather ensures the curation of a room of people who bring diverse viewpoints and experiences to the table in order to foster deepened, authentic dialogue. Areas of diversity can include everything from race and gender to industry and ideological background.
How can I learn more?
If you have questions that we haven’t answered, please reach out to our team at seminars.info@aspeninstitute.org.
Once Accepted
Helpful information about preparing for the Aspen Executive Seminar after you’ve been accepted.
Booking Travel
Can I stay for an extra night or two at the front or the back of my seminar?
We are happy to help add extra nights at the Aspen Meadows Resort to your reservation. Contact your Seminar Coordinator with the dates you’re considering and they can reach out to the Resort.
Please note that any additional night(s) will be the responsibility of the participant to cover and is NOT included in the seminar tuition.
What time does the seminar week begin on Saturday?
Each Aspen Executive Seminar begins with a Saturday reception that starts at 5:15pm MT. You can check in to your room starting at 4pm MT.
What time does the seminar week end on Friday?
Each Aspen Executive Seminar ends on around noon on Friday. Some participants choose to stay an extra day but others leave right after the seminar ends.
If you wish to stay an extra day, contact your Seminar Coordinator to arrange an extended reservation. Please note that any additional days are the financial responsibility of the participant and are not covered in the seminar tuition.
Can I bring a guest, my partner, or family?
Yes. While they are not permitted to attend any seminar sessions, they are welcome to attend meals and excursions for an additional fee. Please contact your Seminar Coordinator for additional information and pricing.
Seminar Prep
When can I see the names and bios of the people who will be taking the seminar with me?
You will receive an onboarding packet with the readings, seminar expectations, and other materials to help you prepare and be ready to participate fully in the seminar experience. This will allow you to meet your fellow participants and develop authentic relationships person-to-person rather than bio-to-bio once the seminar begins.
When do I receive my readings?
Your readings will be mailed after your deposit has been received and no later than 6 weeks before the seminar.
Reminder that these texts are complex and cannot be read at the last minute. Therefore, it is extremely important that you read these texts at least once BEFORE coming to the seminar.
I’ve lost or misplaced my readings, can I get replacements?
Yes. Replacement copies of the readings are available for a small fee. Please contact your Seminar Coordinator for more information.
What is the dress code for the seminar week?
Attire for the seminar is casual. Sneakers and jeans are welcome in the seminar room and temperatures in the seminar room can vary, so we recommend dressing in layers. There’s no need to pack formal business attire for the entire week. However participants may wish to bring business casual clothes for the opening and closing receptions.
The resort health club and pool area is complimentary for guests, so bring athletic and swim wear if you plan on using it.
What is the weather like in Aspen, CO?
The weather in Aspen can be chilly in the shade and warm in the sun. The Meadows Resort has an extensive campus, so be prepared to walk outside even in colder conditions. Be sure to pack lots of layers, including sweaters and a coat. We will also spend some time outside hiking, so bring waterproof hiking shoes/boots and comfortable clothing for outdoor activities.
Additionally, sunscreen and sunglasses are highly recommended as the sun is very strong in Aspen.
Cancelling or Transfering
I’ve accepted my spot in a seminar but a conflict has arisen, can I transfer my registration to another seminar or cancel outright?
Our program has specific policies in place to manage unforeseen circumstances, including transfer fees for participants if they need to reschedule or cancel.
