Idea Fest

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courtesy Emporium Presents

A close-up of Judy Collins.

Judy Collins

This annual series of presentations coordinated by The Cap Times always features an intriguing array of political figures, writers and some wild cards, and this year is no different. The marquee names include longtime House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Colorado Rep. Liz Cheney (scheduled to speak Friday evening), historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, and musician and activist Judy Collins (Saturday evening), to name a few. But there are also many intriguing sessions with a local focus; still to come are panels on housing affordability, the craft beer scene, local theater, and a strategy discussion featuring state Democratic Party chair Ben Wikler and Republican Party chair Brian Schimming. Full fest tickets sold out well ahead of time, but a limited amount of general admission tickets were released Tuesday afternoon (check here) and virtual tickets are still available for some programs; find the schedule and info at captimesideafest.com.

media release: Join us for a week of powerhouse speakers and sessions exploring local, regional and national topics, Sept. 15-21. Every year, we bring together change-makers across multiple disciplines to discuss Wisconsin’s triumphs and failures to help “Reach a Better State.”

Confirmed speakers:

Journalist Peter Baker

Singer/activist Judy Collins

Author Samuel Freedman

Journalist Susan Glasser

Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson

Author Dan Kaufman

Washington Post associate editor David Maraniss

U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi

Historian/essayist Heather Cox Richardson

Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson

Ticket options:

Celebration of Journalism - $250

• Access to Cap Times Celebration of Journalism at The Edgewater Hotel featuring: Exclusive speakers Susan Glasser and Peter Baker, authors of “The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021,” interviewed by David Maraniss.
• Complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres all evening.
• Complimentary parking
• Complimentary copy of Susan Glasser/Peter Baker book 
• VIP Access to all Idea Fest 2024 sessions 

VIP - $60

• Access to ALL Idea Fest 2024 sessions both virtual and in-person.
• Access to select pre- and post-session cocktail hours with one (1) drink ticket per cocktail hour
• Early admission to Shannon Hall sessions.
• Does not include access to Celebration of Journalism

General Admission - $30

• Access to ALL regular Idea Fest 2024 sessions both virtual and in-person.
• Does not include access to Celebration of Journalism

Tuesday at Madison College South (free with advance registration): 5 p.m. and 7p.m. - Hosted Buffet at Madison College (by Ascendium) 6 p.m. - Unlocking Opportunity: How immigrants support education and the workforce 7:30 p.m. - “I need space … and money:” Tips from Madison entrepreneurs of color on starting a business. 7 -9:30 p.m. -Entrepreneurial resource fair

Tuesday at Overture-Playhouse (free with advance registration): 7:30 p.m. - Live theater in a digital age

Wednesday at the Barrymore - Free with registration, $5 at the door: 6 pm: "Has the craft beer bubble burst?" 7:30 pm: "How can we afford to live in Madison?"

Virtual Attendee Only - Free

• All virtual events screened on captimesideafest.com

Speakers subject to change; Cap Times members receive ticket discounts