2026 Winter Summit
SVPF and our Principal Institutional Partner, the Manhattan Institute, welcome Joe Lonsdale and Christopher F. Rufo for an evening on principled leadership and the future of American institutions in an AI-driven era.
Joe Lonsdale, Founder and Managing Partner of 8VC and host of the American Optimist podcast, will discuss how AI is reshaping innovation, industry, education, and civil society, offering insight into both the opportunities and the risks ahead.
Christopher F. Rufo will deliver a keynote address on the principles and cultural forces shaping America’s institutional future.
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Christopher F. Rufo
Keynote Speaker
Christopher Rufo is America’s leading voice defending free speech, freedom of opinion, and the pursuit of truth on campus and in the media. A Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, he fearlessly challenges once-taboo issues—from DEI to racial preferences—and helped inspire a presidential order and legislation in 15 states. A PBS and Netflix filmmaker, he directed America Lost about three “forgotten” cities. In an age of rising censorship and even violence against open debate, Rufo shows how to confront hard issues without silencing dissent.
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Joe Lonsdale
Featured Speaker
Joe Lonsdale is the Founder and Managing Partner of 8VC, an early-stage venture firm managing over $6 billion in capital. He founded companies including Palantir, Addepar, and OpenGov, and builds new ventures through the 8VC Build program. He was an early investor in Anduril, Oculus, Guardant Health, Flexport, and Joby Aviation. Joe and his wife Tayler lead philanthropic efforts including the Cicero Institute and the University of Austin, where he serves as founding chairman. They live in Austin with their six children as a happy family.
Free Speech in Action
The Sun Valley Policy Forum (SVPF) is a proponent of free speech. Citizens benefit when different perspectives are shared, including those with which they disagree. Society's greatest advances have been the result of debate and the clash of ideas.
SVPF speakers have expertise on a variety of issues, from the economy to the first amendment, to the rule of law. SVPF welcomes people to come learn and to help inform their opinions on the challenges impacting America today.