2026 GABF Judging Schedule

All judging sessions, breakfast, lunch and Judge Orientation will be held at the Westin Westminster Hotel (this is a NEW venue for 2026).

If booking at the Hyatt Regency Hotel – here is a direct link for a block set aside for judges during judging days.

To make hotel reservations after judging closer to the festival venue in Denver, you may visit the event Hotel & Travel page here to view all hotels

Sunday, October 4

Some overseas judges may arrive on this day

Monday, October 5

All remaining judges will arrive on this day

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Judge Welcome Reception – Location TBD

Tuesday, October 6

Daily theme: Coming Soon

7:00 am	Judge check-in opens for badge & breakfast voucher pickup
6:30 am – 8:00 am	Judge Breakfast – Westin Westminster Hotel – Legacy Ballroom Foyer
8:00 am	Judges gather in judging rooms after picking up daily judging schedule at judge concierge desk – Legacy Ballroom
8:15am	Judge orientation (30 minutes)
8:45 am – 12:00 pm	Judging Session 1
11:30 pm – 1:00 pm	Judge and Competition Staff Lunch – Westin Westminster Hotel – Legacy Ballroom Foyer
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm	Judging Session 2

Wednesday, October 7

Daily theme: coming soon

6:30 am – 8:15 am	Judge Breakfast – Westin Westminster Hotel – Legacy Ballroom Foyer
8:30 am	Judges gather in judging rooms after picking up daily judging schedule at judge concierge desk – Legacy Ballroom
8:45 am – 12:00 pm	Judging Session 3
11:30 am – 1:00 pm	Judge and Competition Staff Lunch – Westin Westminster Hotel – Legacy Ballroom Foyer
1:00 pm – 4:45 pm	Judging Session 4

Thursday, October 8

Daily theme: coming soon

6:30 am – 8:15 am	Judge Breakfast Westin Westminster Hotel – Legacy Ballroom Foyer
8:30 am	Judges gather in judging rooms after picking up daily judging schedule at judge concierge desk – Legacy Ballroom
8:45 am – 12:00 pm	Judging Session 5
11:30 am – 1:00 pm	Judge and Competition Staff Lunch – Westin Westminster Hotel – Legacy Ballroom Foyer
1:00 pm – 4:45 pm	Judging Session 6