IN THE GAME Vibrant Downtown Event 2026
Location
Description
WHAT IS “IN THE GAME”?
IN THE GAME is a Vibrant Downtown Event that combines community problem-solving and cutting-edge ideas about what is next for downtowns and our state. This unique event will get participants out of their seats and into the host community, where they will explore the places and projects that vibrant downtowns love to see.
We invite you to join the fun and to learn and share at our 26th Annual IN THE GAME Vibrant Downtown Event on April 1-3, 2026, in Grand Junction, Colo.
DCI's IN THE GAME experience provides valuable educational opportunities and peer-to-peer exchange for the leaders of Colorado's communities who are responsible for economic and community development. The event annually features nationally recognized keynotes and Colorado-based speakers with the shared goal of inspiring participants to action.
DCI’s fun and diverse Dine-Around Lunch Sessions, get participants out of their seats and showcase Downtown Grand Junction, and Challenge Workshops, which allow community champions to share insights and solve challenges together, will be part of the program again. IN THE GAME, Grand Junction will also feature some cutting-edge ideas about what is coming next for downtowns and our state.
This year, we are hosting two Pre-Event Workshops on March 31st, and we are starting IN THE GAME on April 1. The Pre-Event Workshops incude (register for these events sperately):
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Small Scale Developers Program for small developers making a big impact. Downtown Colorado, Inc. (DCI) is launching an exciting new Small Scale Developer Program in partnership with Jim Heid of Building Small to empower Colorado’s “accidental developers” and equip them with the tools, training, and confidence to bring locally-driven projects to life.
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The Colorado Challenge Accelerator Program will be a one day exploration of the 2026 Challenge Communities to enhance and expand the feasibility of their projects and objectives. The Challenge Workshop will partner with KSU TAB, CDPHE, and DCI's private sector partners to work with communities. We welcome participation from partners and communities who are willing to dive in deep to the 2026 Challenges and sign up to review their projects in advance as they work to turn their catalyst site challenges into opportunities that strengthen their local economies.
Stay tuned to DCI’s website and newsletters for details on speakers, lunches, tours, Challenge Studio topics, and all things IN THE GAME!
STAY TUNED FOR MORE EVENT AND AGENDA INFORMATION!
EARLY-BIRD PRICING | OCTOBER 1, 2025 - DECEMBER 31, 2025
REGULAR PRICING | JANUARY 1 to MARCH 25, 2026
| MEMBERS | NON-MEMBERS |
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| IN THE GAME (April 1-April 3) : $495 |
IN THE GAME (April 1-April 3): $695 |
| First Half (Tues 3/31 Evening - Wed 4/1): $300 |
First Half (Tues 3/31 Evening - Wed 4/1): $425 |
| Second Half (Thurs 4/2 - Fri 4/3): $300 | Second Half (Thurs 4/2 - Fri 4/3): $425 |
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VIP MEMBERS |
JOIN TODAY AND SAVE! |
| Full Conference: Buy 3 @ $495, get 1 free |
Thank you for registering for DCI's upcoming conference! Your support helps us continue delivering meaningful programming that makes a difference.
To ensure that the bulk of your registration fee goes directly to funding our impactful programs, we kindly ask you to consider covering the small credit card processing fee when
completing your payment. By doing so, you enable us to allocate more resources to the programming and services that matter most to you and our community.