SPN 27th Annual Meeting has ended

Create Your Own Event

SPN 27th Annual Meeting

1:00pm MDT

Registration, Check-In, and Information

5:00pm MDT

Generation Liberty Fellows: Welcome and Speed Networking (Invitation Only)Heather Pfitzenmaier

5:30pm MDT

Generation Liberty Fellows: Create a Compelling Case for Liberty (Invitation Only)T.K. Coleman

6:00pm MDT

Pre-Conference: State Energy Policy Summit (Sponsored by Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy)Jason Isaac • David Fotouhi • James Voyles • Shawn Martini • Dr. David Dismukes • Ray Gifford • Laura Schepis • Hon. Luther Strange • Christopher Horner

6:30pm MDT

Generation Liberty Fellows: Dinner and Keynote: Build Your Business Etiquette Intelligence (Invitation Only)Heather Noyes

8:00pm MDT

Generation Liberty Fellows Reception: Think Tank Mania Kick-Off (Invitation Only)Patricia Rausch

7:00am MDT

Registration, Check-In, and Information

8:00am MDT

Pre-Conference: State Energy Policy Summit (Sponsored by Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy)Jason Isaac • David Fotouhi • James Voyles • Shawn Martini • Dr. David Dismukes • Ray Gifford • Laura Schepis • Hon. Luther Strange • Christopher Horner Pre-Conference: Emerging Issues in Tech Policy (Sponsored by Center for Growth and Opportunity, James Madison Institute, Libertas Institute, and Washington Policy Center)Jennifer Huddleston • Nancy Libin • Eli Dourado • Evan Swarztrauber • Bartlett Cleland • Christopher Koopman • Sal Nuzzo • Taylor Barkley • Dann Mead Smith • Ian Adams • Ashkhen Kazaryan • Michael Melendez • Richard Deulofuet • Scott Weathers

8:30am MDT

Generation Liberty Fellows: Breakfast (Invitation Only)

9:00am MDT

Pre-Conference: The Great Communicators Summit: Marketing the Ideas of Liberty (Sponsored by Think Freely)Austin Berg • Richard Lorenc • Brian Walker • Melissa Mann • Jo Jensen • Eric Tubbs • John Tillman

9:30am MDT

Generation Liberty Fellows: Grow a Bartering Mindset (Invitation Only)

10:00am MDT

Pre-Conference: Lessons in State-Level Criminal Justice Reform: An Introduction to Jumpstart Your Criminal Justice Work (Sponsored by R Street Institute) State Think Tank Board Chairmen's Retreat (Invitation Only)William Sturtevant

10:45am MDT

Generation Liberty Fellows: Work Smarter, Not Harder (Invitation Only)Laurel McCombs

11:00am MDT

Exhibitor Check-In and Set-Up

11:45am MDT

Generation Liberty Fellows: Lunch (Invitation Only)

12:00pm MDT

Pre-Conference: Advancing Liberty Through Criminal Justice Reform (Sponsored by Charles Koch Institute)

1:00pm MDT

Generation Liberty Fellows: Own Your Seat at the Table (Invitation Only)Beverly Hallberg Pre-Conference: Defending Parental Rights in Healthcare, Education, and Law (Sponsored by Family Policy Alliance and The Heritage Foundation)Autumn Stroup • Emilie Kao Pre-Conference: Operations: Salesforce Decoded (Beginner Level)Shawn Holt • Paul Keogan

1:45pm MDT

Generation Liberty Fellows: Think Tank Mania Presentations to “Board of Directors” (Invitation Only)Beverly Hallberg • Rea Hederman • F. Vincent Vernuccio • Alyssa Rau

2:30pm MDT

State Think Tank CEO Meeting (Invitation Only)Heidi Ganahl

3:00pm MDT

Pre-Conference: Operations: Salesforce Decoded (Intermediate/Advanced Level)Shawn Holt • Paul Keogan

3:15pm MDT

Generation Liberty Fellows: Leverage Annual Meeting (Invitation Only)Katy Gambella • Casey Given • Kristine Goffos • Holly Wetzel

4:30pm MDT

Meet-Up: A Conversation about Universal Basic Income (Gerald Huff Fund for Humanity) Meet-Up: Ask a Heritage Expert (The Heritage Foundation) Meet-Up: Breaking Down Barriers to Work with Universal Recognition (Goldwater Institute) Meet-Up: Comparing State Public Labor Laws: A Comprehensive Post-Janus Grading of Worker Friendly States (Commonwealth Foundation) Meet-Up: Develop a Successful Internship Program (Hillsdale College) Meet-Up: Do All Skittles Taste the Same? Let's Find Out. (The Center for Growth and Opportunity) Meet-Up: End of Year Fundraising (AC Fitzgerald) Meet-Up: Endangered Species as Assets Instead of Liabilities (PERC) Meet-Up: Federalism: Finding and Telling Stories about Federal Grant Boondoggles (Badger Institute) Meet-Up: Implementing Janus: How Every State Can Improve Worker Freedom (Mackinac Center) Meet-Up: Meetup with CSEL (Center for the Study of Economic Liberty: Arizona State University) Meet-Up: The Affordable Education Triangle (Western Governors University ) Meet-Up: Turning Think Tanks Into Shark Tanks—Using the Silicon Valley Model to Foster and Fund New Ideas (Georgia Center for Opportunity) Meet-Up: Young People Engaged for Change: School Choice (American Federation for Children) Networking: Beer Tasting (Sponsored by Enterprise Holdings)

5:00pm MDT

Generation Liberty Fellows: Reception (Invitation Only)

6:00pm MDT

Opening Reception (Sponsored by Center for the Study of Economic Liberty at Arizona State University)

7:30pm MDT

Communications Reception (Sponsored by The Heritage Foundation) Development Reception (Sponsored by AC Fitzgerald and ClearWord Communications Group, Inc.) Policy and Outreach Reception (Sponsored by Hillsdale College’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government )

8:15pm MDT

Reception: Cato State Leaders Initiative (Sponsored by Cato Institute)Khristine Brookes

8:30pm MDT

Chess Tournament: Simultaneous Exhibition

9:30pm MDT

Cigar and Cocktails Reception

7:00am MDT

Registration, Check-In, and Information

8:00am MDT

Plenary Session: Clarify Your Message. Increase the Influence of Your Brand. (Presenting Sponsor: Walton Family Foundation)Donald Miller Connections Lounge Open

9:00am MDT

Activity: Snacks and Drinks To-Go (Sponsored by Enterprise Holdings) Hospitality Lounge (Sponsored by Wells Fargo) Hospitality Suite (Sponsored by K12) Hospitality Suite (Sponsored by Tax Foundation)

9:30am MDT

Policy Main Stage: The Future of the American DreamDaniel M. Rothschild • Christopher Koopman • James Broughel • Rea Hederman Board Leadership: The ABCs of a Strong BoardDr. De Hicks Communications: Become a Brand They Can't IgnoreBrian Walker Development: Engage a New Generation of DonorsSydney Jansen • Peter Lipsett • Vanessa Mendoza • Joyce Pope Government Affairs: What Legislators WantEmily Wismer • Nicole Fox • Victor Riches • Stephen Bloom Operations: Prepare for the Nonprofit Salesforce SurgePaul Keogan Professional Development: Hustle, Resilience, and Opportunity: Leaders Share Their StoriesMadison Ray • Jonathan Bechtle • Sarah Curry • Mike Reitz Strategy Development (Part 1): Tools to Hone Your Strategic Mindset: Master the Art of AnticipationTodd Davidson Be Your Best Self: TV Techniques Workshop – Part 1 (Sponsored by Leadership Institute)Beverly Hallberg

10:30am MDT

Book Signing with Donald MillerDonald Miller Policy Main Stage: Reducing Barriers to ChoiceJohn Kramer • Kyle Wingfield • Katherine Kellett Bathgate • Daniel Erspamer

11:00am MDT

Communications: Innovative Marketing Ideas from State Think TanksMeredith Turney • Joanna Holbert • Elisabeth Kines • Mark Cunningham • Vincent Caruso Development: The Art and Science of Powerful Vision and Big Idea MeetingsLaurel McCombs Government Affairs: Advocacy Tactics in ConcertRoy Lenardson Operations: New Manager Crash CourseTony Woodlief Professional Development: Facilitate with Finesse: How to Plan and Run a Productive MeetingDeron Lehman Strategy Development (Part 2): Tools to Hone Your Strategic Mindset: Determine Your Organization's Comparative AdvantageTodd Davidson Be Your Best Self: TV Techniques Workshop – Part 2 (Sponsored by Leadership Institute)Beverly Hallberg

11:30am MDT

Policy Main Stage: Start with the Heart: How to Lead Boldly in Energy and Environment PolicyJennifer Butler • Christopher Wright • Amy Cooke

12:30pm MDT

Plenary Session: What Is Your ONE Thing?Jay Papasan

2:15pm MDT

Live Podcast: Leadership Lessons with the Executive Director of the USA Basketball FoundationBrian Walker • Killjan Anderson On-Camera Media Training: Session 1 (Sponsored by Leadership Institute)Beverly Hallberg Forecasting the Future of Pension Reform in the States (Sponsored by Reason Foundation)Zachary Christensen • Ryan Frost • Steven Gassenberger Roundtable: All’s Not Fair in Corporate Welfare: Ending the “Economic Development” War (Sponsored by Americans for Prosperity)Michael LaFaive • Russell Latino • Greg LeRoy • Matthew Mitchell • Christina Sandefur Roundtable: Civil Society, Individual Happiness, and the FundraiserJeff Cain • Jeremy Beer Roundtable: Doing Business North America: A New Tool to Rank State and Local Business Regulations (Sponsored by Center for the Study of Economic Liberty at Arizona State University)Paul Bernert • Steve Slivinski Roundtable: Don’t Be Afraid of Healthcare: What You Can Do Today to Reform Healthcare in Your StateRuss Walker • Naomi Lopez-Bauman • Sal Nuzzo • Jordan Roberts Roundtable: Energy Trends in the States: How Emerging Policies Are Manipulating State Energy MarketsJason Isaac • Tom Pyle • David Stevenson • John Eick Roundtable: How Hollywood Can Broaden the Conservative Message for a New Generation (Sponsored by The Steamboat Institute)Hadley Heath Manning • Sam Sorbo • Braeden Sorbo • Roger Simon Roundtable: How to Message School ChoiceKatherine Kellett Bathgate • Michael Chartier • Tommy Schultz • Christine Patterson Roundtable: Professional Development: Continued Discussion with Jay PapasanJay Papasan Roundtable: Workplace Representation: Alternative Forms for the 21st-Century WorkerChantal Lovell • Keith Williams • Brigette Herbst • Colin Sharkey • F. Vincent Vernuccio Roundtable: Federal Overreach in Payments: The Fed, Price Controls, and Tech Mandates (Sponsored by Rio Grande Foundation)Paul Gessing • Rob Hunter • Patrick Reynolds • Frank Salinger Workshop: Outclass the Competition: A Business Etiquette Course for Development and Nonprofit Professionals (Pre-Registration Required)Heather Noyes

3:00pm MDT

Networking Reception: Cocktails and Coalitions (Sponsored by Americans for Prosperity) Networking Reception: Wine, Beer, and Ideas Exchange (Sponsored by Facebook)

3:15pm MDT

Networking Break: Refreshments, Coffee, and Connections with Western Governors University (Sponsored by Western Governors University)

3:30pm MDT

On-Camera Media Training: Session 2 (Sponsored by Leadership Institute)Beverly Hallberg Roundtable: Deploy Strategic Litigation to Further Your Policy Goals (Sponsored by Pacific Legal Foundation)Rachel Swaffer • David Guenthner • Christina Martin • Drew Zinecker Roundtable: Healthcare Innovation Waivers: A State Reform to the Affordable Care ActLindsay Killen • Rea Hederman • Kyle Wingfield • David Balat Roundtable: Life in America Through the Eyes of the Poor…and What It Means (Sponsored by Georgia Center for Opportunity)Corey Burres • Randy Hicks • Erin Norman • Tamra Ryan Roundtable: Occupational Licensing: Failing Consumers, Costing Jobs, and What States Can Do About ItDaniel Greenberg • Laura Ebke • Dick Carpenter • Lee McGrath Roundtable: Policy Solutions for Local GovernmentSarah C. Keenan • Tuttle Twins • Christina Sandefur • Ron Shultis Roundtable: The Electoral College: How It Works to Protect Liberty (Sponsored by Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs)Michael Maibach • Trent England • Tara Ross Roundtable: The Property Tax PuzzleLee Schalk • Ken Girardin • Sarah Curry • Regina Egea • Jared Walczak Workshop: Build Your Digital Toolkit (Sponsored by Google)Andrea Holtermann • Maria Giannopoulos Discussion: Succession Planning: Ensure the Long-Term Success of Your Organization (Closed Session for state think tank senior executives and board members)Dr. De Hicks Movie Screening: Miss Virginia (Presented by Moving Picture Institute)

4:00pm MDT

Chess Tournament: Guided Play or Wednesday Ladder Play

4:30pm MDT

Book Signing: The Not-So-Great-Society With Authors Lindsey Burke and Jonathan Butcher Networking: Wine Tasting (Sponsored by Enterprise Holdings)

5:00pm MDT

Reception: Beer, Banter, and Ballotpedia (Sponsored by Ballotpedia) Reception: Talent Market's 10th Anniversary Reception: American Federation for Children Presents Voices for Choice (Sponsored by American Federation for Children) Whiskey Tasting (Sponsored by Facebook)

6:00pm MDT

Thomas A. Roe Award Dinner Reception

7:00pm MDT

Thomas A. Roe Award DinnerRobyn Benincasa

9:15pm MDT

Thomas A. Roe Award Post-Dinner Reception

6:30am MDT

5K for Freedom: Runner Check-In

7:00am MDT

5K for Freedom Registration, Check-In, and Information

8:00am MDT

Breakfast: Building Policies to Make Housing Affordable: Working Together at the Federal, State, and Local Levels (Sponsored by Mercatus Center at George Mason University)Chris Myers • Will Toor • Eric Hoplin • Emily Hamilton • Michael Hendrix Breakfast: Environmental Ghost Stories: The Horrors of Government Overreach (Sponsored by PERC)Holly Fretwell • Hannah Downey • Nick Loris • Brian Isom Breakfast: Is the End of Cannabis Prohibition in the United States Near? (Sponsored by Altria Client Services)Melissa Kuipers Blake • Grover Norquist • Yaël Ossowski • Tuttle Twins Breakfast: Protect the Marketplace of Ideas with Donor Privacy (Sponsored by People United for Privacy)Shelby Emmett • Matt Nese • Jameson Taylor • Ted Trimpa • Amy Cooke Breakfast: Real Forfeiture Reform: Beware of Friendly Prosecutors (Sponsored by Institute for Justice)John Kramer • Lee McGrath • Rep. Alan Clemmons • Dick Carpenter Connections Lounge Open

9:00am MDT

Hospitality Lounge (Sponsored by Wells Fargo) Hospitality Suite (Sponsored by K12) Hospitality Suite (Sponsored by Tax Foundation)

9:30am MDT

Policy Main Stage: Reaching the American WorkerKeith Williams • Mark Janus • Tim Hoefer Communications: The Tricks and Treats of Healthcare MessagingAdam Schaeffer Development: Tales from the Crypt: Great Donors Never Die! How to Maximize the Lifetime Value of Your DonorsAnn Fitzgerald • David Bufkin Government Affairs: How to Change Policy Without Selling OutMark Cunningham • Emily Wismer • Ron Shultis Leadership: Using Heat, Collision, and Elevation for National ImpactRen Washington Professional Development: Be Proactive, Increase Effectiveness, and Help Others: An Overview of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective PeopleNatalie Brown Be Your Best Self: TV Techniques Workshop – Part 1 (Sponsored by Leadership Institute)Beverly Hallberg

10:30am MDT

Policy Main Stage: State Innovations Driving National ImpactTarren Bragdon • Will Swaim • Kevin Roberts • Victor Riches

11:00am MDT

Communications: The Craft: Develop Your Communications StrategyMeredith Turney • Carrie Conko Development: Secrets to Fundraising in the StatesPeter Lipsett • Rachel Hays Roberts • Sarah Atnipp Partin • Kimberly Chalek • Claire Kittle Dixon • Jeremy Beer Government Affairs: Impact by Design: Best Practices in Policy ResearchChristopher Koopman • Megan Hansen Operations: Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities (Sexual Harassment Training)Natalie Brown Be Your Best Self: TV Techniques Workshop – Part 2 (Sponsored by Leadership Institute)Beverly Hallberg

11:30am MDT

Policy Main Stage: A Tale of Two CitiesChristina Sandefur • John Suthers • Austin Berg

12:30pm MDT

Plenary Session: Presentations of Bob Williams Awards for Outstanding Policy AchievementTodd Davidson

1:30pm MDT

Networking: Meet the Winners (Coffee and dessert to be served)

2:15pm MDT

Movie Screening: Quota: Using Supporter Voices for Effective Storytelling (Sponsored by Pacific Legal Foundation) On-Camera Media Training: Session 3 (Sponsored by Leadership Institute)Beverly Hallberg Roundtable: Blue State Strategies: How to Play Offense and Defense SimultaneouslyKathleen O'Hearn • Tim Hoefer • Matt Paprocki • Carol Platt Liebau • Keli’i Akina Roundtable: Fiddling While Our Forests Burn: Forest Management Essentials for Forest HealthEllen Roberts • Holly Fretwell • Greg Walcher • Jason Hayes Roundtable: How to Listen and Build Trust in Your CommunityBritt Paul • Sarah C. Keenan • Taylor Dawson • Shari Williams Roundtable: Make Your Mark: How to Stand Up, Stand Out, and Increase Freedom, No Matter Your Experience Level (Sponsored by America's Future Foundation)Cindy Cerquitella • Austin Berg • Brooke Fallon • Richard Lorenc • Aaron Rice Roundtable: Make Your Next School Choice Campaign a SuccessKatherine Kellett Bathgate • Elyse Marcellino • Justin Owen Roundtable: Operations: Ask the LawyerH. Edward DeBee Roundtable: Reaching the American Worker: One Year Post-Janus DecisionChantal Lovell • Elisabeth Kines • Maxford Nelsen • Mike Reitz • Catrin Wigfall Roundtable: Threats to Free Speech from the Left and the Right: Open Inquiry on College Campuses, and in the CultureJim Manley • Casey Mattox • Pete Peterson • Christopher Snapp Roundtable: Win at the Ballot: How to Educate the Public on Ballot InitiativesRuss Walker • Chuck Warren • Roy Lenardson • Jim Bopp Workshop: Professional Development: The Key to Winning Hearts and MindsBob Ewing Activity: Axes & Allies: Throw an Ax for Freedom (Sponsored by The Zoldak Agency)

2:30pm MDT

Networking Break: Refreshments, Coffee, and Connections with Western Governors University (Sponsored by Western Governors University) Networking Reception: Wine, Beer, and Ideas Exchange (Sponsored by Facebook)

3:30pm MDT

On-Camera Media Training: Session 4 (Sponsored by Leadership Institute)Beverly Hallberg Reception: Build Community and Engagement with America's Future Foundation (Sponsored by America's Future Foundation) Roundtable: 2019 Fundraising Survey Results RevealedLaura Pallares • Kristina Mitten Sanders • Jeremy Beer Whiskey Tasting (Sponsored by Facebook)

4:30pm MDT

Reception: Litigation Network (Sponsored by American Juris Link) Networking: Beer Tasting (Sponsored by Enterprise Holdings)

5:00pm MDT

Activity: Halloween Costume Contest Entry

6:15pm MDT

Departure for State Night

7:00pm MDT

State Night: Halloween in Downtown Colorado Springs Phantom Canyon Brewing Company

7:15pm MDT

Chess Tournament: Championship

7:00am MDT

Registration, Check-In, and Information

8:00am MDT

Exhibitor Check-Out 8th Annual State Litigation Strategy Session (Closed Session)

8:30am MDT

Generation Liberty Fellows: Closing Session and Breakfast Keynote: Create Your Impact (Invitation Only)Teresa Brown