SEPTEMBER 19TH, 2026
EFF UP ROYALLY? WEAR A CROWN MEANT FOR ROYALTY.
LIVE TOASTS TO FAILURE
Industry leaders celebrate their stories on stage that we’re never “supposed to” say out loud. Because sharing dissolves shame & community is a balm for embarrassment.
FANCYPANTS SNACKS
Mingle, nosh & nibble on a 5-hour smorgasbord of elevated hors d'oeuvres, small plates, and curated dishes from our local crew of culinary geniuses.
COMPLIMENTARY COCKTAILS
Sip on our collection of boozy & non-boozy signature concoctions, tea, coffee, and bubbly water while raucously celebrating failure.
IRL SILENT AUCTION
Bid on top secret items & services from your favorite companies as we continue to raise cash for suicide prevention.
VENTURE X
At the Dairy Block
Revel in this iconic downtown Denver space. You’ll step straight into a fantasy world of neon lights, leather couches, and twinkle lights.
There’s also an on-site hotel that’s rated as #2 best hotel in the whole world (attendees save 15%!), cocktail bars, and roughly a bajillion restaurants & small businesses on the ground floor.
IT’S AN ENTIRE FAILURE VILLAGE, ALL IN ONE BUILDING.
“YOU’LL FEEL LIKE AFTER ALL THIS TIME, YOU’VE FINALLY FOUND YOUR PEOPLE.”
“I FEEL SO MUCH LESS ALONE NOW. I AM SO MUCH LESS ALONE NOW.”
“I LAUGHED. CRIED. MADE FRIENDS. AND I’M LEAVING MORE INSPIRED THAN I’VE BEEN IN YEARS.”
“THIS IS LITERALLY THE BEST EVENT I’VE EVER BEEN TO.”
“THANK YOU FOR THE FAILURE BALL. I FEEL LIKE I FINALLY HAVE HOPE AGAIN.”
“THIS GAVE ME THE COURAGE TO START THERAPY. THE FAILURE BALL SAVED MY LIFE.”
TWLOHA is an astounding American nonprofit that invests in hope, treatment, & recovery for folks navigating tricky mental health matters.
Around here, we know for a fact that taking care of business starts with caring for our brains. We’re so honored to partner with them on this, y’all.
TO DATE, WE’VE DONATED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.
TO WRITE LOVE ON HER ARMS
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Currently, we’re not offering a virtual attendance option.
Since this event (and the stories shared within it) are so private for our speakers and personal to attendees, we’re very much living by the rule: What happens at the Ball stays at the Ball.
That said, you can certainly ask your friends for stories about what happened. 👀
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Tickets are $220 across the board — except for speakers & their chosen guest (who both get a golden ticket, totally free).
The cover charge goes towards fancypants snacks & venue fees, with any profits headed directly to To Write Love on Her Arms, an incredible charity focused on mental health for whole humans.
(We keep it scrappy on our side so we can donate the max amount.)
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Very! The entire event space & bathrooms are wheelchair accessible with elevators.
Need an ASL interpretor? We’ve got you covered. Just get in touch via our contact page and let us know!
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Refunds aren’t on the table this time, but if something truly bizarre happens that keeps you from attending the event, reach out to us and let’s talk. The policy is officially no refunds for ticket sales, but we’re also people, y’know?
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The short answer? Negative, Ghost Rider.
The longer answer? When it comes to bevs, your ticket gives you access to unlimited signature mocktails, tea, coffee, soda & bubbly water.
There’s a myth on the interwebs that mocktails cost less to serve than traditional cocktails, and we know from past years that they’re actually a little pricier usually.
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Interested in speaking? Just head over here to get more details. If you’d like to become a sponsor (and see all that entails), here’s the info.
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Oh man, do we have a treat for you. There’s an entire page of attendee logistics (how to get there, where to stay, where to park, etc.) that you’ll get access to when you buy your ticket.
The short answer: Parking is paid (which we hate, but alas). The venue is also right across the street from Union Station, a major transportation hub. There are a TON of nearby AirBnBs & hotels. You’ll be totally covered. -
Yes and no. While this event is specifically designed for freelancers, contractors, and business owners of all sizes, ultimately it’s about celebrating the gallant act of TRYING. If you’re a try-er and want to pal around with a group of likeminded humans, you’re definitely welcome.
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Ball gowns, boas, and black ties are all encouraged. Failing is something pretty dang special, and it deserves the pomp & circumstance of a little glitz and glam. Or in other words: This is your excuse to wear That Dress or suit in your closet. Here’s our outfit inspo.
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Don’t know anyone? Don’t sweat it! So many folks come every year and don’t know a single soul in the room (yet).
It’s an outrageously safe, warm, and trusting environment — attended by some of the very best people on the planet. You may show up not knowing anyone, but you certainly won’t leave that way.
