YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK EVENTS
Join Us for the Western Slope YP Summit and BestSlope NextGen Awards! Get ready to connect, learn, and be inspired at the 2026 Western Slope YP Summit and BestSlope NEXTGen Awards on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at Colorado Mesa University! This dynamic event honors the Grand Valley’s brightest Young Professionals for a day of impactful conversations, networking opportunities, and a celebration of young minds shaping our community's future! The YP Summit is designed to empower the next generation of leaders, from thought-provoking keynote speakers to interactive and informative breakout sessions. Guest will hear from industry experts, local visionaries, and peers who are making waves in their fields. The day concludes with the BestSlope NEXTGen Awards ceremony to recognize and honor the impactful achievements young professionals are making in the Grand Junction community! If you are looking to grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, or celebrate with friends and colleagues - the YP Summit and BestSlope NEXTGen Awards is where you want to be! Join the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce for an unforgettable day full of inspiration, growth, and curating connections! Learn More about the Summit and Explore the Agenda Here. Event Details:
2026 Western Slope YP Summit
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 (8:00 AM - 7:00 PM)
(MDT)
Description
Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Corporate Sponsorship
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1100 North Ave
Grand Junction,
CO
81501-3122
United States
YPN offers monthly networking opportunities that are scheduled with a young professional's schedule in mind!
BEFORE
HOURS
Piping hot coffee or tea, with a little mix and mingle. Join YPN members and guests (are free) for this morning event. What a great way to start your business day with friends at this wildly popular event. Before Hours is held at various locations in Grand Junction beginning at 7am and wrapping up at 8:30am. This event is a drop-in event; come when you can, stay as long as you can! No RSVP required, just your smiling face.
LUNCH CONVERSATIONS
Participate in a monthly lunch with a local business owner, community leader, or elected official in our area. This is a great way to learn life lessons from those who've succeeded in their careers, built businesses from the ground up, or lead a thriving organization. Conversations have lunch included, are always kept to a strict one hour, and have limited spots. This keeps the intimate atmosphere and provides the ideal listening arena. RSVP is required. YPN members are free; non-member guests can attend for $10 to cover meal costs.
AFTER
HOURS
Held monthly by popular demand! After Hours is typically scheduled for the third Thursday of every month. After Hours is held at various cocktail and spirit establishments from 5:30 to 7:00pm. Free for members and non-member guests are welcome to attend with a $10 cover charge. Members enjoy a drink on us! Registration is encouraged; walk-ins welcome.
SPECIAL
EVENTS
YPN offers special events a few times a year. These events offer unique experiences for young professionals on a variety of topics; speed networking, pub crawls, volleyball tournaments, exclusive tours, and more! Keep an eye on our calendar for these upcoming opportunities. Many of these events require an RSVP and are member only events, so make sure you're an active member!