Connecticut Forum

Founded in 1992 by Richard and Doris Sugarman, the Connecticut Forum is a nationally recognized, one-of-a-kind 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Hartford, Connecticut. The Forum serves Connecticut and beyond with live, unscripted panel discussions among renowned experts, celebrities, and leaders in public policy, the arts, science, technology, popular culture, the media, current events, and more. Forums are presented four times per year to audiences of more than 10,000 annually at the historic Bushnell Theater in Hartford.

In 1993, in an effort to promote and encourage community outreach, the Connecticut Forum created The Connecticut YOUTH Forum that connects teenagers across geographic, economic, social and racial divides to engage in meaningful discussion. The YOUTH Forum currently brings together nearly 800 students from over 40 high schools and community organizations that serve youth in discussion of important issues, sharing, learning, and interaction, in monthly meetings and a leadership network that includes field trips as well as workplace and college visits.

The Forum’s Ticket Outreach Program offers 250 tickets per theater event to individuals who might not otherwise take part in Forum evenings. Tickets are offered to YOUTH Forum members, to other youth and to community residents through community based organizations, civic associations, and grassroots neighborhood groups.

In 2009, The Connecticut Forum began offering free, streaming Forums online at The Forum Channel. Featured Forums include The Power of Music, with Trey Anastasio, Bob Weir, Nicholas Payton and Beverly Sills, Behind the Scenes with the Simpsons, and A Conversation Between Ann Coulter and Al Franken.