Know Before You Go

CWA FAQs

Welcome to the CWA 2026! Below please find information on a variety details to help you plan your attendance. Whether you're navigating between the Limelight Hotel and on campus venues or looking for information on parking and transportation, below you can find the information which will ensure you have everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable conference experience.

Review the information. Still have questions? Use the button below or chat with our bot at the lower right corner of this page.

What is new in 2026?

The biggest change in 2026 is that most daytime programming will take place at the in Boulder. CWA will still host some events on campus, but is excited to partner with Limelight to deliver an exceptional conference experience.

The Limelight is located at 1295 University Ave, Boulder, CO, on the edge of campus.

CWA is proud to serve as the official launch of the University of Colorado’s 150th Anniversary celebration. 150th-related programming is open to all attendees and will explore CU’s legacy and future through topics such as the state of democracy, CU’s military history, the history of CWA, and conversations with past presidents and the chancellor.

Please check the to register for these sessions.

Additional special events and evening programming throughout the week (see below for more details).

Special Events and Evening Programming

We partnered with numerous groups on and off campus to bring a wide variety of additional programming outside of the daily conference sessions to the community.

Some events may require separate registration.

April 13, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Film Screening and Discussion - One of CWA’s longest traditions, this year’s edition of Ebert Uninterruptus will feature a screening ofNamibia: Struggle for Liberation, followed by a discussion with Oscar winning director Charles Burnett.

The event will be held in the Chancellor’s Auditorium in the Center for Academic Success (CASE) building on CU‘s main campus.

April 13, 7 p.m. – Campus Liberty Tour Debate - The Steamboat April 13, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. – Campus Liberty Tour Debate - The Steamboat Institute, in partnership with CWA, ӽ紫ý’s Bruce D. Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization welcome John Bolton vs. Susan Rice to campus for a foreign policy will debate entitled: Is the United States in the process of committing superpower suicide? Moderated by CWA speakerCarine Hajjar of The Washington Post.

The event will be held in the Glenn Miller Ballroom at the University Memorial Center on ӽ紫ý’s main campus.

Advance Registration with Steamboat Institute is limited and required:. In-person and available.

April 14, 5:30 p.m. – The America of Folk Music - In partnership with ӽ紫ý’s Bruce D. Benson Center, the community is invited to eTown Hall in Boulder for a conversation exploring America’s history and identity through folk music as well as a performance from artist David Howley.

April 15, 5:30 p.m. – Future of Film in Colorado - Join host Ryan Warner (Colorado Public Radio) for a conversation on the future of film and independent storytelling. This free, public discussion will feature producer and Sundance Institute board member Gigi Pritzker, acclaimed filmmaker LuLu Wang and ӽ紫ý cinema student Kate Yezzi from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Limelight Hotel on ӽ紫ý’s campus.

At 7:30 p.m., ӽ紫ý’s International Film Series will host a free of Wang's award-winning film, “The Farewell,” at Muenzinger Auditorium. Seats will be released at the door 30 minutes before showtime. Auditorium seats 400 – arriving early is recommended.

Conference Logistics

Event Registration:

All CWA attendees must register for the conference, either in advance or on-site. Registration is free.

All attendees must check in on-site to receive a printed badge with a unique code required for entry into sessions. We encourage attendees to arrive early to allow time for check-in and to get settled into sessions.

Confirmation emails and Confirmation Numbers:

Once registered, conference attendees receive a confirmation email with the subject line, “Registration Confirmed - Conference on World Affairs 2026.” The email will contain your confirmation number and directions to sign up for sessions on our website and in the Attendee Hub app.

Do I have to register for each panel?

All CWA attendees are required to register for the conference. Guests can register in advance or on-site. Once registered, CWA will scan your badge upon entering the panel. for each panel is not required, although highly encouraged and appreciated by CWA. Guests have the option to sign-up for panels and manage their schedules in the Attendee Hub

Will panels be livestreamed?

All sessions taking place at the Limelight Hotel between Tuesday and Thursday will be live-streamed and/or recorded. Live stream availability varies by session and venue, however. Livestream details will be shared on our website during the conference.

Once available, livestream information will also be available in your Attendee Hub on Cvent!We encourage guests to, review the sessions and select panels you'd like to attend. If you sign up for specific sessions the livestream link will automatically be sent to you within those session details.

Will the closing speaker Malala’s talk be livestreamed?

Malala Yousafzai’s Keynote speech will not be recorded or livestreamed. Tickets for Malala Yousafzai sold out within minutes, and we regret that space is limited. While the waitlist is also full, we encourage you to check back periodically in case additional tickets become available:

We also invite you to explore and register for the many other engaging panels and events taking place throughout the week:/cwa/

Pre-registering for individual panels is not required, but it is encouraged and appreciated. Attendees can sign up for sessions and manage their schedules through theConference Website:

Helpful tips:

  • Arrive early for parking, check-in, and seating
  • Bring your registration confirmation and a reusable water bottle if desired
  • Sessions are first come, first served
  • Pre-registration does not guarantee a seat

The Attendee Hub is the official conference app used to help you navigate and make the most of CWA. Through the app, you can connect with other attendees, browse and sign up for sessions, view your personal schedule, and access helpful information like maps and floor plans.It’s a useful tool for staying organized, discovering events, and getting real-time updates during the conference.

How do I download and log into the Attendee Hub on Cvent?

  1. Open the app and search for“Conference on World Affairs 2026”
  2. Select and download the event
  3. If you are not automatically prompted to log in, tap the profile icon in the top right corner
  4. Go to theProfile tab and selectLog In
  5. Enter your first name, last name, and the email associated with your registration

If you are already registered, you may be automatically prompted to log in when opening the event. Further instructions on how to download the CWA (attendee hub) app.

How do I build my schedule in Cvent?

Attendees can sign into theConference Website by following the “manage your registration” link in their confirmation email or by following the directions below:

  1. Go to the
  2. Sign in: Click on the link below the "Register Here" button titled, “Already Registered? Click here to view and modify your schedule.”
  3. Select "Build or Modify Your Schedule"
  4. Review and select the sessions you'd like to attend.
  5. Once you’ve made your selections, scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Next”
  6. Review your registration details and schedule and Click “Submit” to finalize your selections

Limelight Hotel and Conference Center
Address: 1295 University Ave, Boulder, CO 80302

University Memorial Center (UMC)
Address: 1669 Euclid Ave, Boulder, CO 80309

CASE Auditorium
Address: 1725 Euclid Ave, 4th Floor, Boulder, CO 80309

eTown Hall
Address: 1535 Spruce Street, Boulder, CO 80302

Macky Auditorium Concert Hall
Address: 1595 Pleasant St, Boulder, CO 80309

Navigating Campus:

We encourage attendees to utilize ӽ紫ý's interactive campus map:/map

Please visitthe CWA Parking and Transportation websitefor on-campus parking and transportation information.

Transportation options:

CWA conference attendees have access to free transportation on the! Just show your CWA registration or the CWA app when boarding to ride to and from the conference at no cost. If you choose to park at the 29th Street Mall, attendees could choose to take the following:

  • Clockwise Route — depart at(.3 mile distance to Limelight) or at (.4 mile distance to Limelight).
  • Counterclockwise Route – depart at(.4 mile distance to Limelight) or (.4 Mile distance to Limelight).

Parking Options:

In addition to parking at the 29th street mall, paid parking is available at the Limelight Hotel’sGrandview Parking Garage (Lot 296), located directly next to the Limelight Hotel, or street parking on University Ave. Download the ahead of time to view paid parking locations.

CWA is committed to providing inclusive and accessible programs, services, and activities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals who require accommodations to participate are encouraged to contact the ADA Compliance Office at adacoordinator@colorado.edu or 303‑492‑9725.

For captioning and Sign Language accommodations,please submit requests for captioning or sign language interpretation at least seven days in advance of the scheduled event by contactingcwa@colorado.edu.

For more information on campus accessibility visit:/campus-accessibility

Free and open to all, the Conference on World Affairs is planned and delivered through the hard work and dedication of dozens of students and community volunteers, with support from ӽ紫ý faculty, administration and a dedicated team of event and communications professionals.

While the CWA planning team collectively strives to make the week as seamless as possible, we are grateful for your patience with the inevitable bumps we may experience along the way.

We ask that CWA attendeestreat each other, CWA speakers and all CWA staff and volunteers with courtesy and respect at all times. We also ask that — while engaging in CWA programming — you abide by ӽ紫ý’s guiding principles of curiosity, courage, care and consistency in engaging infree expression and civil discourse.

Thank you for helping to enable a welcoming and friendly atmosphere at the conference!

Closing Speaker – Malala Yousafzai

Tickets for Malala Yousafzai sold out within minutes, and we regret that space is limited. Malala Yousafzai’s Keynote speech will not be recorded or livestreamed. While the waitlist is also full, we encourage you to check back periodically in case additional tickets become available:

For those individuals who will be attending the closing event featuring Malala Yousafzai here are a few details regarding the event:

  • Each participant is required to present a separate ticket for admission to the event, which will be distributed through Eventbrite. Tickets will be sent to the email address provided during the ticket registration process.
  • The event will be held at Macky Auditorium on CU’s main campus. The address for Macky is: 11595 Pleasant St, Boulder.
  • The event will include security screening, so please allow enough time when arriving. Screenings will begin at 5:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m.
  • The event has a strict no bag policy. There will be a free bag check service available for attendees who need to secure their bags prior to the event. They may be picked up at the conclusion of the event.
  • No video or photography will be allowed during the event.
  • Parking on campus is extremely limited and attendees are encouraged to take public transportation or rideshare to Macky. Those who drive to the event should park at the Limelight Hotel Grandview parking garage and walk to Macky Auditorium. The Grandview garage is located just north of the Limelight Hotel off Broadway. Individuals should proceed to the 3rd floor for the public pay parking area.