FAQs

We will gather in Buena Vista, Colorado at the Surf Hotel from Monday, June 15th beginning at 5:30pm until Thursday, June 18th closing around 10:00am.

We understand that your time is valuable and that stepping away from daily responsibilities isn’t easy. But that’s exactly why this gathering matters.

For a few days, you’ll have the chance to pause, reflect, and engage with fresh perspectives—without the usual distractions. This event isn’t just about discussion; it’s about finding new ways to approach the challenges we face, exploring creative solutions, and building connections that can support and inspire you and your work long after it’s over. If you’re feeling the weight of this moment, this is an opportunity to step into a space designed for clarity, collaboration, and forward momentum.

Once you’ve filled out the registration (i.e., the Typeform) on this website, you’re all set! We will be in touch with attendees in the coming weeks about any additional important information. This site will also be regularly updated to share new details.

We’re expecting approximately 75-80 attendees. Other than being part of the Civic (Re)Solve community, the common thread uniting everyone in the room is a shared focus on supporting and uplifting a reflective democracy. This is a group of peers and partners. An entire facebook with all attendee headshots and bios will be published to the website once we approach the gathering date.

Due to limited capacity, this is a non-transferable invitation; please reach out to a C(R) team member if you would like to invite or bring another person.

Hotel: We have your food and accommodations covered for the duration of the trip. No need to reserve a room. Your room will be covered from Monday, June 15th until Thursday, June 18th. 

Please keep in mind that Buena Vista is at an elevation of 7,965 feet and this may affect your comfort level and experience of the retreat. If you have previously experienced altitude sickness, we recommend arriving one day early to acclimate to the area. If you’d like to arrive one day early, we will cover the cost of this night.

Otherwise, if you'd like to reserve any other additional nights either in advance or following our time together we will be happy to coordinate with the hotel to see if they can accommodate your stay. You will be responsible for the cost of any additional nights outside of our gathering.

Flights: Civic (Re)Solve will also cover airfare for guests. Our travel agent Lexi Selmi with Corporate Traveler will reach out to support you in securing your flight reservations. 

For any flight reservations made on your own:

• Please arrive no later than 12:00pm MT to DEN on Monday 06/15 if you’d like to ride the shuttle to Buena Vista.

• Please depart no earlier than 3pm MT from DEN on Thursday 06/18 if you’d like to ride the shuttle from Buena Vista.

Ground Transportation: Buena Vista, Colorado is about a 2.5-hour drive from the Denver International Airport. We will reserve shuttle bus rides for all guests between the airport and the hotel location. A complete ground transportation schedule will be shared once we have confirmed travel arrangements for all guests. 

If you are reserving your own ground transportation, we advise that your flight arrives no later than 1:30pm to DEN in order to ensure you have enough time to pick up your rental vehicle and make the drive to Buena Vista to arrive between 4:30-5:00pm. For any car rentals, we recommend using SIXT as they generally have the shortest wait times for vehicle pick-up.

Our gathering will center on meaningful connections and shared learning. Please see our itinerary page for more details. Through a mix of activities, speakers, and workshop formats, we’ll create space for inspiration, collaboration, and creativity. Here’s an idea of what to expect: 

• Inspiring Conversations: A select group of speakers will share insights and stories to spark ideas and energize our work.

• Workshops: Group discussions, workshops, and brainstorming sessions will allow us to dive deeper into this moment, opportunities for impact, and transformational ideas. We’ll create plenty of space to explore opportunities for collaboration.

• Informal Connections: Beyond the structured sessions, you’ll have plenty of time to connect with fellow attendees over breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and activities. 

• Wellness Offerings & Activities: Take advantage of wellness offerings and optional activities to recharge and reconnect in new ways.

We recommend freeing your schedule to stay fully engaged throughout the event. That said, there will be dedicated free time during the four days to check in on work and family as needed.

No dress code. Come as you are! Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Our events typically see a wide range of attire, so you can’t be underdressed! With an average high of 75°F and a low of 40°F, Buena Vista in June generally feels mildly cool and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a light sweater. See more details under the How can I prepare section.

There’s no need to bring anything special for the week’s activities. We suggest bringing your favorite items in the list below and anything else you need to be comfortable during the event. 

Packing List:

• Clothes for outdoor activities such as rafting, hiking, and/or visiting the hot springs, depending on your preference

• Hat

• Sunglasses

• Raincoat (just in case)

• Comfortable clothes for work sessions and moving and sitting outside — Ben is stressing that there is no way to dress too casually for our time together

• Comfortable shoes for walking that can handle uneven terrain (grass and gravel)

• Water shoes or sandals that will stay on your feet (not flip flops) or old shoes you don’t mind getting wet/dirty if you plan on whitewater rafting

• Warm layers for an evening stroll or sitting at the fire pit

• Notebook & pen

Again, please keep in mind that Buena Vista is at an elevation of 7,965 feet and this may affect your comfort level and experience of the retreat. Before your trip to Colorado, and while at the retreat, drinking plenty of water is the number one way to help your body adjust easily to the higher altitude and to stave off potential headaches, dizziness, tiredness, and/or nausea. The low humidity in Colorado keeps the air dry, like the desert, so you need about twice as much water as you would drink at home.