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Convenings

Sustainability

Where leaders shape the future

Sunnylands hosts invitation-only convenings for select leaders from government, science, academia and the non-profit and private sectors. These gatherings foster deep connections, inspire innovative solutions, and drive transformative change. 

Our mission
Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, president of The Rockerfeller Foundation, shakes hands with former President Barack Obama at Sunnylands in March 2024.
Former Secretary of State John Kerry, then U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, and his counterpart from China, Minister Xie Zhenhua, negotiated a landmark agreement on methane emission reductions at Sunnylands in November 2023.
Singer Joan Baez speaks with the Rev. Gerald Durley at a January 2019 convening of the close friends of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Annual Letter from President David Lane

At Sunnylands, we see what is possible, and say, let’s do this together.

This year, we want to offer a look at some of the solutions created at Sunnylands over the past twelve months, along with the different convening formats we employed to achieve them.

Read the full letter

  • “Sunnylands is not just a beautiful place, but a destination … where the POWER of the place … is an inspiration in and of itself. It’s where thinking, visioning, and the ART of collaboration all meet.”

    –

    Ms. British A. Robinson, former President & CEO, Barbara Bush Foundation

  • “When we come together here … at Sunnylands, we speak as equals toward one another. We give each other respect; we look for the best ideas and this is a place that enables that sort of search.”    

    –

    General Jim Mattis, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)

  • “We built bridges across sectors, organizations, and individuals. We had diverse perspectives and experiences which made for a robust, candid set of discussions … The entire experience at Sunnylands was extraordinary.”

    –

    Michelle Grogg, Executive Director, The Cargill Foundation

  • “We have experienced what I call the ‘Sunnylands effect’—translating big ideas into action for the public good. Everyone leaves with a sense of shared commitment to advance a cause and inspired by beauty and hospitality that are unrivaled in America.”

    –

    John Bridgeland, CEO, More Perfect

Areas of Focus

Sunnylands hosts exclusive two- to three-day convenings at its historic estate in Rancho Mirage, California, as well as other locations around the world. Designed for reflection and collaboration, these gatherings unite top leaders to tackle critical issues in three focus areas. Each convening is carefully curated, combining expert insights, strategic partnerships, and a proven convening model.

Global Cooperation

Our Global Cooperation convenings bring together leaders and experts from around the world to engage in candid, solution-oriented discussions on today’s most pressing international challenges. We focus primarily on the Indo-Pacific and Latin America regions, leveraging California’s strategic position as a natural gateway to both.  

Civic and Democratic Engagement

Convenings in this area are focused on advancing the ideals and promises of a democratic system of government, including access to high-quality, unbiased news and information, civics education, community engagement, and fair elections.   

Food Security and Health

Convenings inspire global leaders to tackle challenges in food security and health. These discussions spark innovative, collaborative solutions to enhance food security, agricultural practices, and health systems at home and abroad.  

Convenings

Our Strategy Group works collaboratively with partner institutions to design, plan, and execute convenings that foster meaningful dialogue and positive real-world impact.  

Sustainability at Sunnylands

Sunnylands leads in sustainability with initiatives like removing 60+ acres of turf, conserving water, and more. Explore how we’re conserving natural resources for future generations.

Learn about our Green Vision
  • Partners and Collaborators

    Partners and Collaborators

    Sunnylands curates a full range of convenings–from traditional meetings and roundtable discussions to intimate brainstorming…

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  • Standards

    Standards

    In keeping with the aim of translating ideas into action for the betterment of the…

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  • Distinctive Features

    Distinctive Features

    Sunnylands is known for its distinctive features, which include: These elements contribute to the unique and…

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Past Convenings

  • Disruptive Geopolitical Implications of Artificial Intelligence

    Disruptive Geopolitical Implications of Artificial Intelligence

    From December 12-14, Sunnylands partnered with RAND, a non-partisan research organization with extensive expertise on…

    Convening details

See other convenings

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my organization book Sunnylands for an event or conference?

Sunnylands is not a hotel, conference center, resort, or venue for hire. The estate cannot be booked for corporate or private events.

Can my organization propose a convening?

Sunnylands convenings are by invitation only; we do not administer an open application process. 

How can my organization apply for a grant?

The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands is not a grantmaking organization.

Are all convenings held at Sunnylands?

While most convenings are held at the historic Sunnylands estate in Rancho Mirage, Calif., under certain circumstances we will host convenings at venues around the world.