The Teton Range beneath a star-filled evening sky
Humanitas Colloquium logo

Humanitas Institute 2026 Colloquium

Colloquium of Leaders
for Learning

A convening of classical education leaders

October 1–3, 2026Jackson Hole, Wyoming
FULL PROGRAM72 pages · Read online or download

A time to gather

Welcome to
Jackson Hole.

Below is essential information for guests attending the convening of classical education leaders in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on October 1–3, 2026.

Please bookmark this page and return periodically, as it will be updated with important event details and announcements.

Beyond the conversation

Thursday and Friday
Evenings of Wonder

Two evenings to reflect on leadership,
beauty, and the world beyond ourselves.

Grant GolliherThursday · October 1
Lessons in leadership

Thursday: Wonder Through Human Formation

A Horse Whisperer Demonstration

For centuries, horsemanship has offered profound lessons about human nature, leadership, and the cultivation of virtue. True leadership is not exercised through force, but earned through trust, patience, and self-mastery.

About the evening: Thursday human formation

On Thursday evening, veteran horse whisperer Grant Golliher will bring these timeless principles to life in a live round pen demonstration, where the process of gentling a wild horse becomes a powerful lesson in trust, respect, and connection. As we observe the subtle dialogue between horse and trainer, we will be invited to consider how genuine influence is born not of coercion, but of character, empathy, and disciplined attentiveness.

Far more than a demonstration of exceptional horsemanship, the evening offers an opportunity to reflect on the enduring qualities of wise leadership and the remarkable relationship between human beings and one of their oldest companions.

As the renewal of classical Christian education continues to grow, how do we lead with conviction without becoming rigid, with gentleness without surrendering truth, and with the quiet confidence that inspires trust rather than demands it?

Snow King ObservatoryFriday · October 2
Look to the heavens

Friday: Wonder Through the Stargazing

An Evening of Wonder

The classical tradition teaches that wonder is the beginning of wisdom. Before there is knowledge, there is awe. As our world becomes increasingly distracted by what is immediate and practical, we seldom pause to lift our eyes to the heavens and contemplate the grandeur of the cosmos.

About the evening: Friday stargazing

On Friday evening, we will gather for dinner at the Friess Family Office, nestled at the base of Snow King Mountain. Following dinner, we will ride the gondola to the Snow King Observatory & Planetarium for a private evening of discovery and contemplation.

Our experience will begin with an exclusive presentation in the planetarium theater, followed by the opportunity to observe the night sky through the observatory's research-grade telescope. Together, we will gaze upon planets, moons, star clusters, galaxies, and nebulae, remembering that modern science, at its best, does not diminish wonder, but deepens it.

To conclude the evening, we will gather at the scenic Aurora Restaurant atop Snow King Mountain for drinks and dessert, where panoramic views of the surrounding mountains will provide a fitting setting to continue our conversations and reflect on an evening devoted to awe, beauty, and discovery.

Make yourself at home

Before You Arrive

Everything you need to prepare for the
Colloquium can be found below.

Travel Information

The closest airport is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), located approximately 20 minutes from Mountain Modern. This is the only commercial airport located within a U.S. national park and offers nonstop service from many major cities.

Visit Jackson Hole Airport (external website)

Hotel Information

Mountain Modern is a contemporary mountain lodge located in the heart of Jackson at 380 W. Broadway, Jackson, Wyoming. The Humanitas Institute is pleased to provide accommodations for guests from October 1–3, 2026. Guests wishing to extend their stay should contact the hotel directly at (307) 733-4340.

View Hotel Website (external website)

Colloquium Event Schedule

A preliminary schedule is available below, providing a broad overview of the Colloquium's events and featured sessions.

Schedule of Events

October 1–3, 2026

Colloquium
Schedule of Events

All times Mountain Time FULL PROGRAM72 pages · Read online or download
October 01

Thursday

An afternoon of welcome. An evening of wonder.

  1. 2:00 p.m.Optional Tour of Jackson Hole Classical Academy (by advance sign-up)
  2. 3:40 p.m.Welcome Reception in the Lobby
  3. 4:30 p.m.Journal Branding (at the round pen, 30 minutes before or after Grant Golliher’s demonstration)
  4. 4:50 p.m.Proceed to the Round Pen
  5. 5:00 p.m.Grant Golliher’s Horse Whispering Demonstration
  6. 6:00 p.m.Q&A with Grant Golliher
  7. 6:30 p.m.Passed Hors d’oeuvres in the Dining Room
  8. 7:00 p.m.Welcome from Polly Friess
  9. 7:15 p.m.Dinner & Introductions
  10. 8:45–9:30 p.m.Dessert & Reflections with Os Guinness
October 02

Friday

Conversation, reflection, and a night under the stars.

  1. 9:00 a.m.Breakfast Conversation
  2. 9:50–10:50 a.m.Morning Presentations
  3. 10:50–11:00 a.m.Break
  4. 11:00–11:50 a.m.Morning Presentations
  5. 11:50 a.m.–12:20 p.m.Reflections with Chris Perrin
  6. 12:20–12:30 p.m.Break
  7. 12:30 p.m.Lunch
  8. 1:20–2:20 p.m.Afternoon Presentations
  9. 2:20–2:30 p.m.Break
  10. 2:30–3:20 p.m.Afternoon Presentations
  11. 3:20–3:50 p.m.Reflections with Os Guinness
  12. 3:50–4:00 p.m.Closing Logistics
  13. 4:00 p.m.Dismissal
  14. 5:30 p.m.BBQ Dinner at Friess Family Office
  15. 6:30 p.m.Ride Gondola
  16. 7:00–9:30 p.m.Stargazing, Drinks, Dessert, Fellowship atop Snow King Mountain
  17. 9:30 p.m.Return on Gondola
October 03

Saturday

Wisdom to carry forward. Time to explore.

  1. 9:00–9:45 a.m.Breakfast Conversation
  2. 9:50–10:40 a.m.Morning Presentations
  3. 10:40–10:50 a.m.Break
  4. 10:50–11:30 a.m.Morning Presentations
  5. 11:30–11:40 a.m.Wisdom from Lynn Friess
  6. 11:40 a.m.–12:20 p.m.Reflections with Polly Friess (with reflections from participants)
  7. 12:20 p.m. onwardEnjoy Jackson Hole!

What to bring

Attire for
the Colloquium

To assist you as you prepare for our time together, please find the suggested attire for each gathering below.

Back to the schedule
Thursday, October 1

Smart Business Attire

Polished and professional; jackets or blazers encouraged, ties optional.

Friday, October 2

Business Casual

Professional yet relaxed; collared shirts, blouses, slacks, skirts, or dresses.

Friday Dinner, October 2

Western or Business Casual

Western-inspired attire is welcome but not required; boots, denim, and Western shirts are appropriate.

Saturday, October 3

Business Casual

Professional yet relaxed; collared shirts, blouses, slacks, skirts, or dresses.

Stay a little longer

Explore Jackson Hole

Make the most of your time in Jackson Hole
with these local activities and destinations.

Elk Bugling

For a quintessential Jackson Hole experience, take an evening drive along Spring Gulch Road, roll down your windows, and listen for the distinctive bugle of elk echoing through the valley.

Watch the Elk Bugling Video (external website)

Humanitas Institute · October 1–3, 2026

We look forward
to gathering with you.