About

Democracy360: Democracy from Every Angle

Welcome to Democracy360, a vibrant exploration of democracy from every angle. The free three-day event (October 19–21) brings together thought leaders, journalists, policymakers, scholars, activists, artists, and students  in Charlottesville, VA, to imagine how we can collectively shape a thriving democratic future. Attendees can curate their own event itineraries based on their interests and will have opportunities to build generative relationships with others who care deeply about democracy.

The Atlantic is the official media partner of Democracy360 and VPM is the streaming partner.

FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions. Is there anything else that you would like to know? Email us at karshinstitute@virginia.edu. 

Q1: Does registering for a session mean that I’m guaranteed a seat at that session? 

Registration is required to attend Democracy360 but registering for an individual session does not guarantee you a seat at that session. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive early to events of interest. 

*Exception: People who have indicated accessibility requirements in their registration forms by October 12, 2023, will be provided with seating to accommodate their needs. 

Before traveling to your sessions, please check the schedule page to ensure times and locations have not changed. 

Q2: What is the cost to attend Democracy360? 

A: Democracy360 is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive early to events of interest. 

Q3: What are the locations for Democracy360 events? 

A: Main-stage events take place at the Paramount Theater on the Downtown Mall; Light House Studio will also host an event. All other events are being held at various locations at the University of Virginia.

Q4: What is the bag policy? 

A: There is no clear-bag policy for Democracy360. Attendees may be required to pass through metal detectors and undergo bag searches.   

Q5: Is any of the programming virtual?  

A: Five sessions at the Paramount Theater, our main-stage venue, will be livestreamed via VPM. Registration is not required to watch VPM’s livestream of the following sessions: 

• Big Tech's Effect on Democracy 
• Public Media and Democracy  
• Stories of America: Democracy, Identity, and Culture 
• Covering the White House 
• A Global Imperative: Free Press, Free Flow of Ideas 

Approximately a week after Democracy360 wraps up, you’ll find recordings of all mainstage sessions on VPM’s YouTube channel, VPM's website, and on the Karsh Institute of Democracy’s YouTube channel.  

Two other Democracy360 sessions are available to the public ONLINE only: Toward a More Responsible and Effective Presidency (Day One) and Toward a More Responsible and Effective Presidency (Day Two). Your access to the livestream will begin five minutes before start time, at which point you will see a “JOIN NOW” button. If you can't attend in real time, you can watch the recordings on the Karsh Institute's YouTube page or the Miller Center's YouTube page within approximately a week of the events.

If you plan to watch the conference LIVE on your mobile device…

1. Access the App Store or Google Play Store and search for and download the free Cvent Events app. Open the app.
2. Enter "Democracy360" and tap the download icon.
3. Log in to the Cvent Events app by entering your name and email address used at registration. A verification code will be sent to your mobile device (via text message and email). Enter that code to access the event.
4. Your access to the livestream of the presidency conference will begin five minutes before start time, at which point you will see a “JOIN NOW” button.

If you plan to watch the conference LIVE on your desktop computer…

1. Click on the Cvent website.
2. Log in by entering your name and email address used at registration. A verification code will be sent to your email address. Enter that code to access the event.
3. Your access to the livestream will begin five minutes before start time, at which point you will see a “JOIN NOW” button.

Q6: How can I get the latest updates for Democracy360? 

A: Register for Democracy360 to get updates delivered right to your inbox. You also can find the latest on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using the hashtag #Democracy360. 

Before traveling to your sessions, please check the schedule page to ensure times and locations have not changed. 

For the best Democracy360 experience, download the Cvent Events app from the AppStore or Google Play and use it during the three days. Pull it up on your mobile phone to change or add sessions and to access full descriptions of each Democracy360 event, speaker bios and photos, and links to helpful maps, the Karsh Institute’s social media channels, and more.

Q7: How can I register? 

A: Go to the Democracy360 website to review the details of each event. Then click on the orange "register” button in the top right corner. Fill out the registration form and select which sessions you are interested in attending. 

Registration is required but does not guarantee a seat. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive early to events of interest. 

Q8: Where can I pick up my Democracy360 badge for entry? 

Badges are required for entry across Democracy360. Starting on October 18 at 9:00 AM, you can pick up your badge—along with a printed program and a FREE Democracy360 T-shirt—at either of these two locations: 

• The Paramount Theater box office (215 E. Main St., Charlottesville) 

  • Oct. 18: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM 

  • Oct. 19: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM 

  • Oct. 20: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM 

  • Oct. 21: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM 

• Garrett Hall on UVA Grounds (235 McCormick Rd., Charlottesville) 

  • Oct. 18: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM 

  • Oct. 19: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM 

  • Oct. 20: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM 

Q9: Am I able to add or remove sessions from my schedule once I’ve registered?  

You can access and change your schedule through the Cvent Events app or via the corresponding website: 

1. On your mobile device, access the App Store or Google Play Store and search for and download the free Cvent Events app.   

2. Return to your device’s home screen and open the app.   

3. Enter "Democracy360" and tap the download icon. 

4. Log in to either the app or the corresponding website by entering your name and email address used at registration. A verification code will be sent to your inbox and/or mobile device (good for 24 hours on the same device). Input that code to access the event and your personal agenda. 

Q10: Who will be speaking at Democracy360? 

A: Check out the full list of speakers announced to date. 

Q11: Is there a shuttle bus? 

A: On Thursday, October 19, and Friday, October 20, there will be several shuttle buses running to and from UVA Grounds and the Paramount Theater on the Downtown Mall. Look for digital signage on the buses that says "Democracy360."

Here is the shuttle bus schedule:

October 19:

• 12:55 PM: Madison Hall on UVA Grounds
  1:00 PM: Emmet St/Bavaro Hall on UVA Grounds
  Drop off: Market Street and 2nd Street on the Downtown Mall, ½ block from the Paramount Theater
• 2:55 PM: Madison Hall on UVA Grounds
  3:00 PM: Emmet St/ Bavaro Hall on UVA Grounds
  Drop off: Market Street and 2nd Street on the Downtown Mall, ½ block from the Paramount Theater
• 7:55 PM: Pickup at Market Street and 2nd Street on the Downtown Mall, ½ block from the Paramount Theater
  Drop off: Madison Hall and Bavaro Hall on UVA Grounds

October 20:

• 12:55 PM: Madison Hall on UVA Grounds
  1:00 PM: Emmet St/Bavaro Hall on UVA Grounds
  Drop off: Market Street and 2nd Street on the Downtown Mall, ½ block from the Paramount Theater
• 2:55 PM: Madison Hall on UVA Grounds
  3:00 PM: Emmet St/ Bavaro Hall on UVA Grounds
  Drop off: Market Street and 2nd Street on the Downtown Mall, ½ block from the Paramount Theater
• 4:30 PM: Madison Hall on UVA Grounds
  4:35 PM: Emmet St/Bavaro Hall on UVA Grounds
  Drop off: Market Street and 2nd Street on the Downtown Mall, ½ block from the Paramount Theater
• 7:55 PM: Pickup at Market Street and 2nd Street on the Downtown Mall, ½ block from the Paramount Theater
  Drop off: Madison Hall and Bavaro Hall on UVA Grounds

Q12: Where can I park?

A: If you are driving, finding parking in downtown Charlottesville and on Grounds at the University of Virginia can be challenging. We encourage you to plan ahead. Use this map of pay parking lots to determine the closest options to your event venues. 

Q13: What accommodations are being offered to make Democracy360 accessible to attendees with disabilities? 

A: UVA’s Karsh Institute of Democracy aims to make this an inclusive and accessible experience for everyone. An American Sign Language interpreter will be present at all mainstage events at the Paramount Theater. Should you require disability-related accommodations to participate in Democracy360, please indicate them in the text box on the registration page no later than October 12 at noon, so that we have time to arrange for the necessary accommodations. Questions related to accessibility can be sent to karshinstitute@virginia.edu.  

Q14: How can I become a sponsor for Democracy360? 

A: Sponsors are an important part of Democracy360. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, email karshinstitute@virginia.edu.  

Q15: I’m a member of the media. How can I obtain press credentials?  

A: For media inquiries or information on media partnerships, please contact Communications Director Erin Tor at erin.tor@virginia.edu.  

Q16: May I be a volunteer? 

A: Democracy360 is not accepting volunteers at this time. We thank you for your interest and hope you still will be able to attend the events. 

Q17: How can I stay connected to hear about new events from the Karsh Institute of Democracy? 

A: UVA’s Karsh Institute hosts events year-round both in person and streaming online. Browse our full list of upcoming events or subscribe to our events newsletter so you will be the first to hear when new events are announced. Many previous events are also available to watch on demand. 

Q18: What hotels are close to Democracy360 events? 

A: The Omni Hotel on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall is within walking distance of the main-stage venue, the Paramount Theater. Other options include Kimpton The Forum Hotel, which is located on Grounds at UVA, and the Graduate and Quirk hotels, which are also centrally located. 

Q19: What is the dress code? 

A: Charlottesville weather can be unpredictable in October, but highs usually peak around 70°F and lows fall to about 45°F. Because Democracy360 requires walking between venues, we suggest comfortable shoes and casual to business casual dress. 

Q20: May I come and go? Is reentry allowed? 

A: Yes, with your Democracy360 badge, you may come and go as you please, as space and seating allow. Hop around to catch your favorite sessions or step out to take a meeting or to take in some sights. 

Q21: What is the official hashtag for Democracy360? 

A: Our hashtag is #Democracy360. You can follow our latest updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Questions?

Contact karshinstitute@virginia.edu.

Democracy360 is hosted by the Karsh Institute and produced in partnership with schools and units across UVA, including the Center for Politics, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, Karsh Center for Law and Democracy, and Miller Center of Public Affairs.