Ideas. Insights. Impact.
The Coachella Valley’s premier lecture series, Desert Town Hall, presented by The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, recently announced the 2026 season speakers. The series includes five renowned individuals who will appear before an audience of nearly 2,000 ticket holders at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells.
“For our landmark 2026 season, we’ve chosen speakers who bring insight, vision, and inspiration at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. KT McFarland will share her unparalleled perspective on global security and America’s role in the world. Bret Baier, Fox News chief political anchor, will provide trusted analysis that connects today’s challenges to the approaching 250th anniversary of our nation. World-renowned photographer Platon will remind us of the power of storytelling through images that capture the essence of humanity and leadership. And thought leaders Ben Shapiro and Van Jones—voices from opposite ends of the political spectrum—will come together for a dynamic conversation that challenges assumptions, sparks dialogue, and demonstrates the importance of open debate. Together, these voices will create an unforgettable season of learning, connection, and celebration,” said Board of Directors President Tim Pyne.
The 2026 season line-up includes:
K.T. McFarland on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Respected national security expert offering insider insights on global affairs, cyber threats, and America’s strategic future.
Bret Baier on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Trusted broadcast journalist and best-selling author offering clear, objective insights on politics, history, and the nation’s path forward on our 250th birthday.
Platon on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Platon is a world-renowned, award-winning photographer and founder of The People’s Portfolio.
Ben Shapiro and Van Jones on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Ben Shapiro, best-selling author, co-founder of The Daily Wire, and host of The Ben Shapiro Show, and Van Jones, CNN host, founder of DreamMachine.org, and founder of RAPPORT.co.
Desert Town Hall is recognized as one of the pre-eminent speaker series in the nation, featuring world-renowned speakers. Desert Town Hall also offers a Youth Town Hall program bringing 150 Coachella Valley high school students to join a special presentation by each speaker before the main speech. Desert Forum, Inc. (which produces Desert Town Hall) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational corporation. A portion of ticket purchases may be tax-deductible.
Serving as board officers for 2025-2026, the 34th season, are President Tim Pyne (Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa), Immediate Past President Scott Bailey (Independent Consultant), Vice President Brian Harnik (Roemer & Harnik LLP), Vice President Phillip K. Smith, Jr. (Sunrise Company), Treasurer Andy Clark (111 Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley), Secretary Judy Vossler (Landmark Golf), Josh Bonner (Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce).
Staff for the series includes Executive Producer Becky Kurtz, Chief Operating Officer Maria Cross, Youth Program Director Alexa Worman, and Program Assistant Irene Hernandez. Nearly 40 dedicated volunteers, many of whom have been with the series since its inception in 1993, help to make it a success every year.
Sponsors of the series include the presenting sponsor, The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, along with The City of Indian Wells, Renaissance Esmeralda, Roemer & Harnik LLP, Sunrise Company/Toscana/Andalusia Country Club, West Coast Turf/Foster-Gardner, Inc., Valentine-Dougherty-Clark-Wilson-Aguirre/111 Wealth Management Group. Media sponsors include, News Channel 3, K-NEWS 94.3|104.7 FM, Palm Springs Life, and The Desert Sun | LocaliQ.
A limited number of season tickets are available, beginning at $450, including all four speakers. Visit www.deserttownhall.org or call (760) 610-2852. Follow Desert Town Hall on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
