It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of speakers, panels, events and parties at CPAC. So much to do, so little time. Luckily for you, Red Alert’s staff spent the week pouring over the CPAC schedule so you don’t have to (your welcome!). Here’s our list of must-attend CPAC events.
TOP 5 SPEAKERS
- Is America Still An Exceptional Nation? – The Honorable Marco Rubio (R-FL), United States Senator – Marriott Ballroom, Thursday 10:35 am
- Presidential Banquet – The Honorable Paul Ryan (R-WI), United States Representative and Chairman, House Budget Committee – Marriott Ballroom, Thursday 7:30pm
- The Honorable Mike Huckabee, Former Governor of Arkansas – Marriott Ballroom, Friday 9 am
- The Honorable Bob McDonnell, Governor of Virginia – Marriott Ballroom, Friday 10:10 am
- Ronald Reagan Banquet – The Honorable Scott Walker, Governor of Wisconsin – Marriott Ballroom, Friday 7:30 pm
TOP 5 PANELS
- It’s the Spending, Stupid! Why Is It So Hard to Cut a Trillion Dollars? – The Honorable Mike Lee (R-UT), United States Senator; The Honorable Tom Graves (R-GA), United States Representative; The Honorable Ron Johnson (R-WI), United States Senator. Moderator: Colin Hanna, President, Let Freedom Ring – Marriott Ballroom, Thursday 11:05 am
- Game On! The 2012 Political Landscape – Erick Erickson, Editor-in-Chief, RedState.com; Ralph Z. Hallow, Chief Political Writer, The Washington Times; Ralph Reed, Founder and Chairman, Faith & Freedom Coalition. Moderator: Scott Rasmussen, Founder and President, Rasmussen Reports – Marriott Ballroom, Thursday 12:40 pm
- Engaging America Through Conservative Pop Culture – Stephen Baldwin, Actor, Director, Producer, and Author; Jason Mattera, Editor-at-Large, Human Events and Author of The New York Times bestseller, Obama Zombies: How the Liberal Machine Brainwashed My Generation; Kevin McCullough, Host, “Kevin McCullough Show,” CEO and Founder, XtreMEDIA. Moderator: Paul Erickson, Board Member, the American Conservative Union– Marriott Ballroom, Friday 12:45 am
- From Reacting to Breaking News: Flexing the Muscles of the Conservative New Media – Ed Morrissey, Blogger, Columnist, Motivational Speaker, and Host, “Ed Morrissey Show;” Jim Geraghty, Blogger and Contributor, National Review Online; Erik Telford, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Outreach, Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity. Moderator: Floyd Brown, Board Member, the American Conservative Union, Author, Media Commentator, and Founder, Excellentia, Inc. – Marriott Ballroom, Saturday 1:05pm
- Taking Back Wall Street: The Tea Party vs. Occupy Wall Street – Amy Kremer, Chairman, Tea Party Express; Kevin Jackson, the Black Sphere; Tim Phillips, President, Americans for Prosperity; Dana Loesch, Editor-in-Chief, Big Journalism; Ryan Hecker, Founder, Contract from America. Moderator: Dustin Stockton, Chief Strategist, TheTeaParty.net – Marriott Ballroom, Saturday 3:15pm
BONUS EVENTS
- Washington, D.C. Premiere of The Gift of Life – A Citizens United Productions Film Live introduction by film’s host The Honorable Mike Huckabee, Former Governor of Arkansas; Open to all CPAC attendees, 70 minutes – CPAC Theater, Friday 10 am
- Rules for Radicals – Sponsored by the Leadership Institute and taught by Red Alert’s own Kevin DeAnna; Open to all CPAC attendees – Wilson A Friday 10 am
- NRA University: Arm Yourself with the Facts – Sponsored by the National Rifle Association; Free NRA Membership & Gear for attendees! RSVP at NRA-ILA Booth near Student Registration – Harding, Friday 1 pm
- Woman of the Year Luncheon honoring Sarah Palin – Sponsored by Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute; Open to female undergraduate students only, Lunch provided; pre-registration required at www.regonline.com/2012CPAC – Virginia Room, Saturday 12 pm
- Meet & Greet with The Honorable Rick Santorum, Former United States Senator – Sponsored by HSP Direct; Open to all CPAC attendees – Wilson C, Saturday 1:30 pm
TOP 5 RECEPTIONS AND PARTIES
- Microsoft CPAC 2012 Kick-Off Reception – Microsoft Innovation & Policy Center, 901 K St NW, Wednesday 5:30 pm *COST: FREE; INVITE ONLY
- Americans for Tax Reform & Poker Players’ Alliance – Murphy’s Irish Pub, 2609 24th St NW, Thursday 5 pm *COST: FREE; INVITE ONLY
- Blog Bash – Microsoft Innovation & Policy Center, 901 K St NW, Thursday 6:30 pm *COST: FREE; INVITE ONLY
- Scotch and Cigars – Marriott Hotel, Executive Suite Wardman Tower Room 3320, Thursday 7 pm *Cost: Young Professional (30 and Under) $20
- Reaganpalooza (and Red Alert Politics launch party) – Teatro Goldoni, 1909 K St NW, Saturday 8:30 pm *COST: $10; Come one come all (21+)
*Is there a party you think we’re missing? Tweet @Red_Alert and we’ll help spread the word!
