Conversations with
Exceptional Women
The Pursuit of Happiness — For We the People
August 27–28, 2026 · Argyros Performing Arts Center · Ketchum, Idaho
A two-day think tank on democracy, service, and the American story.
For sixteen years, Conversations with Exceptional Women has brought together some of the most remarkable voices in American civic, academic, and professional life. What began as a gathering in Idaho has grown into a sold-out institution — a two-day think tank where the stories, careers, and convictions of extraordinary women become a catalyst for the conversations our communities need most. She joins Dr. Fiona Hill, national security adviser to three presidents; Dr. Caitlin Gustafson, a leading advocate for women's health care; Joanne Freeman, the acclaimed Yale historian; and Ivy Meeropol, director of the award-winning film Ask E. Jean — currently in the headlines after Donald Trump was ordered to pay E. Jean Carroll $5.6 million for sexual assault and defamation.
The 2026 event returns to Sun Valley for the twelfth time, exalting democracy, women's rights, equal protection of the law, women's health, public service, national security, scholarship, and the arts.
"With all of the craziness in the world today — and as America approaches its 250th anniversary — I believe it has never been more important to sit down together, to listen, and to talk honestly about what this country means and what We the People are going to do about it."
Exceptional Women
Nationally and internationally recognized leaders across national security, history, law, medicine, film, athletics, and public service.
Additional speakers to be announced.
Two Days in Sun Valley
Wednesday, August 26 · 6:00 PM — Private Evening Reception (separate ticket)
- 9:00 – 9:10
Welcoming Remarks and Introductions
- 9:15 – 10:15
“All the World's a Stage”
An hour with Fiona Hill on the challenges and threats to American democracy
- 10:20 – 11:45
“The Pursuit of Happiness and the American Character: Who Are We?”
Fiona Hill · Joanne Freeman · Caroline Heldman · Christine Walker · Caitlin Gustafson · Lisa Cornwell · Sasha Larkin
- 11:45 – 1:00
Lunch on your own
- 1:10 – 1:55
“Rewriting History: Sacajawea's Descendant Tells a Different Story”
Rose Ann Abrahamson and Karen Day
- 2:00 – 3:40
“The Pursuit of Happiness: Evolving”
Sasha Larkin — “From Showgirl to Sheriff to FIFA Security”
Lisa Morton — “From the Dallas Cowboys to Pilates Guru”
Samantha Maloney — “Marching to the Beat of a Different Drummer”
Caroline Heldman — “Defending Women's Rights—Everywhere”
Presentation of the John and Abigail Adams Award
- 3:45 – 4:00
Introducing Ivy Meeropol
- 4:00 – 4:50
No-Host Reception in the Lobby
- 5:00 – 6:30
Film: “Ask E. Jean”
A film about E. Jean Carroll's career as a journalist and her court victories against Donald Trump for sexual abuse and defamation
- 6:30 – 7:00
A Conversation with Ivy Meeropol about her film
- 9:00 – 9:10
Welcoming Remarks
- 9:15 – 10:15
“The State of Women's Health Care”
Featuring Dr. Caitlin Gustafson
- 10:30 – 12:30
The Pursuit of Happiness
Joanne Freeman — “Threats to our Democracy and the Role of the People”
Lisa Cornwell — “Speaking Out and Standing Up”
Christine Walker — “Advancing and Defending Artistic Expression”
Ellen Ochoa — “Beyond the Stars: An Interstellar Perspective”
- 12:30 – 1:30
Lunch on your own
- 1:40 – 2:30
“The State of Women's Rights in America”
Caroline Heldman · Lisa Cornwell · Christine Walker · Caitlin Gustafson
- 2:40 – 3:40
“The Pursuit of Happiness: How Shall We Live?”
Joanne Freeman · Caitlin Gustafson · Ellen Ochoa · Caroline Heldman · Lisa Cornwell · Christine Walker
- 3:40
Closing Remarks
Argyros Performing Arts Center
Sun Valley's premier cultural venue, the Argyros brings world-class production to the heart of Ketchum. The Tierney Theater seats 330 and offers an intimate setting for two days of conversation that deserves to be heard clearly.
120 Main StreetKetchum, Idaho 83340View Venue
Private Evening Reception
An intimate evening with our speakers at a private Sun Valley residence. Wednesday, August 26 at 6:00 PM — the evening before the conference begins. Includes book signings, individual photos, and the kind of direct conversation that simply doesn't happen in a larger room. Your ticket also includes full admission to both days of the conference. Limited to 25 guests.
Includes a full two-day conference pass
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