SVPF WELCOMES THE MANHATTAN INSTITUTE
2026 Winter Summit
SVPF and our Principal Institutional Partner, the Manhattan Institute, welcome Joe Lonsdale and Christopher F. Rufo for an evening program focused on principled leadership and the future of American institutions in an AI-driven era, as well as a morning Coffee & Conversation featuring Daniel DiMartino on Venezuela at a Turning Point: Prosperity, Freedom, and Regional Stability.
Joe Lonsdale, Founder and Managing Partner of 8VC and host of the American Optimist podcast, will examine how AI is reshaping innovation, industry, education, and civil society—highlighting both the opportunities and risks ahead. Christopher F. Rufo ,Manhattan Institute Senior Fellow, will deliver a keynote address on the principles and cultural forces shaping America’s institutional future. Daniel DiMartino, also a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, will draw on his firsthand experience escaping Venezuela to explore the devastating consequences of socialism and the path toward national renewal.
Morning Programming*:
10:00AM: Doors Open at the Argyros Performing Arts Center
10:30AM - 11:30AM: Coffee & Conversation with Daniel DiMartino
*Exclusive to Manhattan Institute supporters, Diamond, Platinum, Gold, and Silver SVPF supporters and Winter Summit pass holders.
Evening Programming:
4:00PM: Doors Open at the Argyros Performing Arts Center
5:00PM: Joe Lonsdale
Catered Intermission
6:00PM: Christopher F. Rufo
Concord Dinner to Follow at Private Venue
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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.
Coffee & Conversation with
Daniel DiMartino
Venezuela at a Turning Point: Prosperity, Freedom, and Regional Stability
Daniel Di Martino is a Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a PhD candidate in Economics at Columbia University, where his research focuses on immigration, particularly selection, assimilation, and highly skilled migration. Born and raised in Venezuela, he experienced firsthand the devastating consequences of socialism, which led him to leave for the United States in 2016. Since then, Daniel has dedicated his career to explaining how socialism destroyed his homeland, advocating for Venezuela’s freedom, and preventing similar policies from taking root in the U.S. He has appeared on Fox News and CNN and written for outlets including USA Today, National Review, City Journal, and the New York Post. Daniel founded the Dissident Project and serves on advisory boards promoting free enterprise and civil rights.
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.