CPAC

In 1973, a group of conservatives gathered in Washington, D.C., to discuss the direction of the conservative movement. This meeting, organized by the American Conservative Union, led to the decision that an annual event was necessary to unite conservatives, exchange ideas, and define key conservative principles in America. Thus, the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) was born. The following year, Ronald Reagan, who was then the Governor of California, delivered a speech at the Presidential Banquet. His address outlined a strong, unwavering pro-freedom agenda for conservatives, building on the groundwork laid by Senator Barry Goldwater's campaign a decade prior. This speech, along with the establishment of CPAC, sparked a grassroots movement that has played a significant role in making conservatism the leading political ideology in the U.S. after 38 years. Today, CPAC is recognized as the top gathering of conservatives in the nation, ranked #4 by BIZBASH in the "Top Five Political & Press Events" in America. Each year, CPAC attracts around 10,000 attendees from various conservative organizations, educational institutions, elected officials, and grassroots activists who significantly influence conservative discussions in the U.S. Here are some key features of CPAC: - A 50-year legacy as the leading conservative organization in the U.S. through the ACU - Four decades of building brand recognition and influence through CPAC - A three-day event filled with keynote speakers, general sessions, breakout discussions, film screenings, author events, and networking opportunities - A historically sold-out "CPAC HUB" expo featuring 200 exhibitors - Various special events and programs, such as "Radio Row," where over three dozen top conservative talk shows broadcast, the esteemed Ronald Reagan Dinner, and the widely covered ACU Presidential Straw Poll - A national media event with strong media partnerships - Extensive coverage by C-SPAN and 2,200 credentialed media members, bloggers, and broadcasters - Robust online and social media efforts that attract over 1,000,000 unique visitors to the CPAC website and generate 28,000 Facebook likes - A platform for leading conservative candidates, elected officials, and thought leaders - Attendance of 10,000 people, including around 4,000 young individuals from the challenging-to-reach 18-15 age demographic