Name: Relational Intelligence, not Artificial Intelligence: Embodying the Fungal Wisdom of Connection
Start: 2026-08-14T11:00:00-0600
End: 2026-08-14T12:00:00-0600

SCHEDULE LAUNCH IS JUNE 21st, 2026

Welcome to the largest wild mushroom happening in North America, the 46th Annual Telluride Mushroom Festival! This program of the Telluride Institute, a 501c3 non-profit, offers a plethora of events ranging from foray and mushroom ID sessions, to hands-on demonstrations and lectures—all led by regionally, nationally, and internationally-known experts, (and we cannot forget the wide variety of social and cultural events offered, along with the famous Mushroom Parade!) there is plenty for everyone, every day.

On this website, you can filter your search by events, venues, presenters, etc. Each year the Mushroom Festival features many wonderful presentations on “all things fungi.” Presentations on similar topics are grouped together at the same venue so that attendees interested will be able to spend more time learning and interacting, and less time walking between venues. See who else is interested in each event and interact with our extended Mushroom Family.

See you soon!

Relational Intelligence, not Artificial Intelligence: Embodying the Fungal Wisdom of Connection

Friday August 14, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Ah Haa School - Transformation Studio @ 155 W Pacific Ave, Telluride, CO 81435

Beneath the forest floor, ancient wisdom is at work - inviting us to learn its ways. Fungi silently work their magic, weaving vast mycelial networks—living systems of exchange, communication, and mutual support. In this engaging and interactive talk, we’ll explore what fungi—the master connectors of the forest—can teach us about human relationships.

This talk is an invitation to rewild the way we connect. To step out of overly managed, over-performed social habits—and remember a more instinctive, embodied way of relating. One that’s less about getting it right, and more about being real. Less transactional, more alive.

Drawing inspiration from the fungal kingdom and grounded in the practices of Authentic Relating, we’ll explore how to build more mycelial relationships to each other and the world around us.
This isn’t about becoming better at networking. It’s about remembering how to belong. Participants will gain a new perspective on how to cultivate relationships that are nourishing, adaptive, and deeply rooted.

Rewild your relational intelligence and transform your social ecosystem the way fungi connect and transform the web of life around us.

All presentation in Transformation Studio are first come first serve. A line will be formed outside of Ah Haa for this presentation. There will be limited seats so please plan for a different event if this is full.

Speakers

Gabe DeRita

Goal Whisperer, Fungi Academy, Effective Connection

Gabe DeRita is a goal whisperer and mushroom nerd who left his "fancy tech job" in 2018 to travel the world by bicycle. In the process, he found his calling helping individuals and groups create effective connections with self and others through coaching & facilitation.

Drawing on... Read More →

Friday August 14, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Ah Haa School - Transformation Studio

Passholder Event (included in Festival Pass)

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46th Telluride Mushroom Festival

Gabe DeRita

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46th Telluride Mushroom Festival

Gabe DeRita

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