Breakthrough Ideas for Education

American schools are on an alarming downward spiral – declining literacy rates, achievement in science and math, and basic graduation rates that point to a not-so-bright future. America must re-invent its academic system to prepare our children for success in tomorrow's ever-changing world. Fortunately, there is hope and a new breed of leading-edge thinkers and passionate innovators who will share promising ideas and successful strategies to improve how we educate our children.

Social Entrepreneurs for Success

Social entrepreneurs are today's architects for tomorrow's change. Learn who's leading the charge by putting their ideas into action to solve social challenges. The next generation of thought-leaders share their compelling and motivating stories of success. This was one of the most talked-about sessions of the 2010 conference. It's back … be prepared to laugh, even cry. We know you'll be inspired!

Women and Leadership

Women have a unique and important role to play as leaders. They stand at the forefront of disruptive change in the political, social, economic and technological sectors of most countries. The number of women in leadership roles will climb in coming decades, driven by social change and the fact that women's educational achievement is outpacing men's in many parts of the world. What will models for leadership in the 21st century look like? Who are the trendsetters, influencers and change makers? What are the innovative strategies that will make a difference to women's involvement in today's competitive global markets? Speakers will share these answers...and more.

The Arts: New Answers in Challenging Times

 A recent report from the National Endowment for the Arts paints a bleak picture of the state of the arts in America: Double-digit declines in museum and performing arts attendance and the notable absence of the nation's prime arts consumers – the 45 to 54 age group. Our conference thought-leaders, however, believe the current economic crisis provides a unique and important opportunity to begin that long-overdue national conversation about the value of the arts to the individual, the community and the country.

Understanding Islam

We cannot ignore the fastest growing and largest religious segment of society that the world has ever seen. How do we change, adapt and prepare ourselves for a group that by midcentury will represent one-quarter of the earth's population? Islam encompasses 57 countries and 1.4 billion people, including an estimated 7 million – and counting – who live in the United States. How will America develop positive interaction with the Muslim world? What will this mean to our children and grandchildren? How does this movement affect our way of life?