Join Us for the 8th Annual Bradley Impact Conference

Collusion. Opioid crisis. 4% GDP growth and unemployment rate. Janus. Kavanaugh. Free speech. Youthquake.

These words define America in 2018. What are conservatives to make of the ever-changing fabric of American society? How can we influence change while remaining true to our founding principles? This year’s Bradley Impact Conference will ask conservative thought leaders these questions and seek guidance on how to capitalize and shape change through philanthropy, while providing the opportunity for engaging conversations with like-minded friends.

 

Agenda: 2018 Bradley Impact Conference

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Focus: Wisconsin, A Special Pre-Conference Meeting
10:00 a.m. - 11:20 a.m., Salon B&C

Top policy and public interest organizations in Wisconsin examine the key issues facing the state and discuss how to address those issues. 
  • This event will feature discussion among the following invited guests: Mike Nichols, Badger Institute, Noah Williams, Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy, Brett Healy, MacIver Institute, and Rick Esenberg, Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty.

Featured Lunch Speaker
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Salon A

  • Kay Coles James, The Heritage Foundation

 

Session 1: Seizing the Janus Opportunity:  Empowering Workers, Opening Doors to Reform
1:40 p.m. - 2:55 p.m., Salon B&C

Janus v. AFSCME means more than a steady continuation of a nation-wide effort to strengthen workplace freedom. The decision is a once in a generation opportunity to free workers from government unions in the next three years – not the next 10. Panelists will discuss what to expect next as they fight to secure workplace freedom and leverage the power of their coordinated efforts.

  • This panel will feature Robert Alt, The Buckeye Institute, Tom McCabe, Freedom Foundation, John Tillman, Illinois Policy Institute, and Joe Lehman, The Mackinac Center for Public Policy. This panel will be moderated by Carrie Conko, State Policy Network.

Session 2: NexGen America: Where Are the Millennials Taking Us?
3:05 p.m. - 4:20 p.m., Salon B&C

Young people are being taught from an early age to view American traditions and institutions with suspicion rather than respect. Many do not attribute the freedoms and successes they enjoy to America’s unique political, economic, and social order. Panelists will discuss the circumstances attributing to this thinking, highlight the principles making the case for American Exceptionalism, and consider how to engage younger audiences in the project of ensuring freedom and prosperity for America's future.

  • This panel will feature Richard Lorenc, Foundation for Economic Education, Aaron Ginn, Lincoln Network, Karin Agness, Network of enlightened Women. This panel will be moderated by Jim Otteson, Wake Forest University.

Featured Dinner Speaker
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Salon A

  • Lou Holtz, Legendary Football Coach and Analyst

 

Friday, September 21, 2018

Featured Breakfast Speaker
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., Salon A

  • Dr. Allen Guelzo, Historian and Author

 

Session 3: Transforming Lives: Moving Millions From Welfare to Work
9:40 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., Salon B&C

The United States economy is booming, but just beneath the surface lies a major problem. Despite an all-time high number of open jobs, a near record number of able-bodied remain on welfare and, even worse, more than half are not working at all. Work is critical. A job not only moves a person from dependence to independence, it gives them new meaning, self-worth, and changes their family trajectory for generations to come. With the right state and federal reforms, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to move millions of Americans from welfare to work and transform them to truly live their American Dream, which starts with a job.

  • This panel will feature Mary Mayhew, Foundation for Government Accountability, and James Whitford, Watered Gardens Gospel Rescue Mission. This panel will be moderated by Sam Adolphsen, Foundation for Government Accountability.


Session 4: All Philanthropy is Local
10:55 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Salon B&C

As conservatives, we seek solutions outside government to address community and individual needs.  Thoughtful philanthropy, focused to organizations that strengthen civil society and build trust from the ground up, complements this world view.  Panelists will discuss hallmarks of these organizations and their integral role in strong communities.

  • This panel will feature Jeremy Beer, American Philanthropic, and Dawn Barnett, Running Rebels Community Organization. This panel will be moderated by Bill Schambra, Hudson Institute.


Featured Lunch Speakers
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., Salon A

  • Dennis Prager, Radio Talk Show Host, Writer and Founder, Prager University 

  • Adam Carolla, Comedian, Podcast Host, Actor and Writer