America at 250: The Next Chapter of the American Experiment

🇺🇸 About:

📍 Austin, Texas
📅 Saturday, August 15, 2026

Dream for America (501c3) and Dream for Action (501c4) are proud to present DemocracySummit 2026 — our first-ever in-person national conference, bringing together the next generation of pro-democracy leaders for a powerful day of organizing, learning, and civic renewal.

250 years ago, a group of young Americans made a bet on the future. They were imperfect, contradicted themselves, and left the work unfinished — because they knew it was never meant to be finished. Democracy isn’t a destination — it is a promise, renewed by every generation that inherits it.

This August 15th, that renewal comes to Austin. And we want you in the room to be part of the discussion on the work to create a more perfect union.

500 of the most engaged young leaders in the country will gather to mark America’s 250th anniversary not with nostalgia, but with urgency. Panels on gun violence, reproductive rights, energy, antisemitism, civil rights, and the future of our democracy. Keynotes from national leaders. Workshops that hand you real tools for true citizenship. And a room full of people who showed up because they actually give a damn.

Dream for America was founded in 2023 by then-16-year-old William He with a simple conviction: that young people aren’t apathetic — they’re just waiting for something worth showing up for. Last year, DFA summit attendees heard messages from Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Mark Kelly, Governor Andy Beshear, Rep. James Talarico, and 39 other exemplary national leaders.

This is our generation’s moment to be part of something that will outlast the news cycle.

Our Founding Fathers launched an experiment. Generations fought to expand it.

At a time when others are mobilizing young people toward division and extremism, DemocracySummit is mobilizing a generation to defend democracy, expand liberty, and carry forward the promise of the American dream.

If you want to hear from the biggest names in progressive politics and connect with young leaders from every corner of America — this is where YOU need to be.

🎟️ Get Tickets!

Journalists and creators looking to cover DemocracySummit 2026 can request a press pass by filling out this form: Request a Press/Creator Pass.

If your company/organization is interested in becoming a sponsor of DemocracySummit 2026, please reach out to us directly at democracysummit26@dreamforamerica.org.

2026 Speakers – More to be announced!

Location

The AT&T Hotel and Conference Center is located downtown on the northwest corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and University Avenue, at the south entrance to The University of Texas at Austin. The Center is four blocks from the Texas State Capitol and eight miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Parking is available in the attached Conference Center Garage. Guests may self-park or use valet services at the University Avenue entrance.

Hotel Room Block

Dream for America has a hotel room block at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center for Friday (8/14) and Saturday (8/15) night. Participants will receive a discounted rate and easy access to the Summit on Saturday. Rooms can be reserved here: https://book.passkey.com/go/DREAMS0826 until July 22nd!

Travel

The AT&T Hotel and Conference Center is located 8 miles from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The Capital Metro bus Route 20 costs just $1.25 and departs directly from the lower level at AUS and drops off directly outside the Center. Various shuttles and ride share options are also available.

FAQS

Accessibility

The AT&T Hotel and Conference features wheelchair-accessible public entrances, accessible routes throughout the building, and ramps at both main and side entrances. Elevators feature Braille, and accessible rooms, business centers, and fitness facilities are available. All meeting rooms and the main ballroom area are fully ADA-compliant for attendees and event guests. There will be an ASL interpreter and live closed captioning for programming at the Summit.

Dress Code

The dress code is business casual. Members of the DFA team will be in suits but please wear whatever makes you comfortable!

Food and Beverage

Breakfast and Lunch will be provided on Saturday. Vegetarian and gluten free options will be available.

Contact

Have questions? Email us at democracysummit26@dreamforamerica.org and a member of our team will be happy to help!

Past Speakers at Democracy Fest 2025