Join us Saturday, April 25, 2026, as we toast excellence in journalism at the 2026 Top of the Rockies Awards Reception in Denver, sponsored by the Society of Professional Journalists Colorado Pro Chapter.

We’ll celebrate our colleagues’ work in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming as we present the four-state Top of the Rockies Awards. We’ll also present the SPJ Colorado Pro Chapter’s individual awards to Colorado journalists whose work and commitment rise above and beyond. And we’ll announce our 2026 SPJ Colorado Pro scholarship recipients.

The awards reception is free, but we ask that you RSVP by visiting tinyurl.com/SPJ2026AwardsReception. If you are bringing a guest, please indicate on the form. (Multiple guests should RSVP separately.) 

Award certificates will be available at the reception. If you are not able to attend, we will mail you the certificates after the reception. A list of awards and winners will be posted after the reception at spjcolorado.org.

SPJ membership is not required to attend the reception, but we’d love non-members to join us! For more information, visit spjcolorado.org/about/.

If you have questions about the event or the award, contact SPJ Colorado Pro President and Awards Committee Chair Deb Hurley Brobst at deb.hurley.brobst@gmail.com.

WHERE: The Slate Hotel Denver Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, 1250 Welton St., Denver, CO 80204. The hotel is across Welton Street from the Colorado Convention Center and two blocks from the Denver Press Club.

WHEN:  Saturday, April 25, 2026, 5:30-9 p.m. Networking at 5:30 p.m., awards presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.

PARKING/PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: The Slate Hotel offers valet parking at a rate of $20 for up to four hours, $28 for four to eight hours, and $64 for overnight. There are paid surface lots nearby at 12th and Welton streets,13th and Welton and 13th and Glenarm, among others. The hotel is near the RTD Light Rail Theatre District/Convention Center station (D and H lines) and the 16th Street free shuttle bus.  

PROVIDED: Heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash-only bar at the reception. (Sorry, no credit or debit cards or payment apps accepted.) The hotel’s Teachers’ Lounge restaurant and bar is upstairs.

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UPCOMING SPJ COLORADO EVENTS:

• T-Storms, Trends & Trolls: Broadcast Meteorology in 2026 — Join us March 24 for a conversation on reporting the weather in today’s climate. Featuring Chris Bianchi (KUSA 9NEWS, Denver), Lauren Brand (KOAA NEWS5, Southern Colorado) Jaden Knowles (KUSA 9NEWS) and Mike Nelson (recently retired; former KMGH Denver7 chief meteorologist).Details here.
• Spring Portfolio Review — Students, get expert advice on your portfolio on April 3 at our Spring Portfolio Review. Details here.

STAY IN TOUCH WITH SPJ COLORADO PRO: Online, Facebook, LinkedIn, Bluesky.

JOIN US: Become a member of national SPJ and add Colorado Pro chapter membership for free. Details here.

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