2017 Sessions
The future of cheese — what it means for Dairyland
As Wisconsin's signature export, cheese is what many think of when they think "Wisconsin." A panel discusses what changes in the industry mean for the state's economy and culture.
Panelists: Anna Landmark, Jeanne Carpenter, Patrick Geoghegan, Mark Stephenson
One-on-One with Amy Klobuchar
A conversation with the U.S. senator from Minnesota about politics in the Midwest.
Formidable Wisconsin women — straight talk about what it takes to succeed
Five successful women from different fields talk about their triumphs and challenges.
Panelists: Mary Burke, Jan Eddy, Nancy Hanks, Kathi Seifert, Alisa Toninato
The transformation of learning — a conversation with Howard Fuller
The civil rights and educational reform leader talks about the future of learning.
The future of farm to table in Wisconsin
Wisconsin restaurants were early pioneers in the farm-to-table movement, but it's more than dining. A panel discusses what's next not only on linen cloths, but everywhere else we eat.
The future of journalism — a conversation with Marty Baron
The iconic editor of the Washington Post (and formerly the Boston Globe) talks about journalism in the age of Donald Trump.
What's the best case for Wisconsin's future economy?
A panel of top minds with diverse points of view explains how Wisconsin might thrive economically.
Panelists: Kurt Bauer, Brian Birk, Rebecca Blank, Kevin Conroy, Jack Daniels III
Opioid abuse and Wisconsin's road to recovery
A panel discussion about ways to approach one of the state's most pressing problems.
The opioid abuse epidemic — a guided discussion
Following the panel discussion on opiod abuse, a chance for attendees to discuss the problem in small groups. Led by the Wisconsin Humanities Council.
How can hip-hop shape Wisconsin culture?
A panel explains not only how hip-hop has changed the state's (and the world's) musical landscape, but how its sensibility can shape art, architecture and everything else.
One-on-one with Tommy Thompson
A conversation about politics with Wisconsin's longest-serving governor.
The New Glarus Brewing story — a conversation with Deb Carey
A conversation about beer, business and small town economies with the founder of the company that brews Spotted Cow.
How can we reduce Wisconsin's prison population?
A panel discussion about reducing the community trauma and expense of incarceration while maintaining public safety.
Celebrating two icons — The Capital Times at 100 and the late Ed Garvey
The Cap Times editor emeritus and associate editor discuss their forthcoming book about the company's centennial and the passing of a progressive icon.
One-on-one with Tammy Baldwin
A conversation about politics with Wisconsin's Democratic U.S. senator.
How can we build a diverse middle class?
A panel discussion about what it will take to make sure all of Wisconsin’s communities can prosper.
Panelists: Laura Dresser, Sabrina Madison, Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Greg St. Fort, May yer Thao
Moving past the fear — how to talk about race in all of your spaces
A panel discussion about the challenges to discussing race in public spaces and strategies for overcoming those obstacles.
Panelists: Alex Gee, Paul Fanlund, Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Annette Miller, Ananda Mirilli, Noble Wray
One-on-one with Ron Johnson
A conversation about politics with Wisconsin's Repblican U.S. senator.
Wisconsin's uneven recovery: The path from here
A conversation about politics with Wisconsin's Repblican U.S. senator.
The Ho-Chunk Nation and Wisconsin — a conversation with Dan Brown
A discussion about the history and future of the Madison's area's first — and now often overlooked — residents.
Reception with Ho-Chunk dance performance
Reception with cash bar. Performance beginning at approximately 6:30 p.m.
How should the Right in Wisconsin navigate the Trump era?
Even in his own party, Donald Trump is sometimes a divisive figure. A panel with Wisconsin conservatives discuss the approach to take to his presidency.
Wisconsin's rocky roads: Tolls, taxes, bikes, trains — what do we need?
Questions about how to pay for roads have been at the heart of the state budget battle. A panel explains that debate and how it fits in with other transportation needs.
What's next for immigrant farm labor in Wisconsin?
The Trump administration's crackdown on immigration has put pressure on the many who work on state dairy farms. A panel discusses what is happening and what should happen.
One-on-one with Barry Alvarez
The editor of Sports Illustrated talks about the Badgers and the future of sports in Wisconsin with the University of Wisconsin's athletic director.
Campaign 2030: What will the issues be?
A panel explains what Wisconsin's political landscape might look like four gubernatorial elections down the road.
Panelists: Barry Burden, Chelsea Duffy, Steven Olikara, Scot Ross, Myranda Tanck
From McCarthy to Trump, the echoes of history — a conversation with David Maraniss
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author compares this era to the days of Joe McCarthy, which will be the subject of his forthcoming book.
What's next for progressives in the age of Trump?
2016 wasn't kind to Democats and progressive issues in Wisconsin. Leading voices discuss what the next steps should be.
Panelists: Maurice Cheeks, Gwen Moore, Mark Pocan, Matt Rothschild, Katrina Shankland
How can Wisconsin capitalize on tech sector growth?
Emerging technologies have created many new jobs in greater Madison and Milwaukee, but what aboutt the rest of the state? A panel explores obstacles and opportunities.
Education and children of color — a conversation with Gloria Ladson-Billings
The pioneering researcher talks about how Wisconsin is and isn't serving its students.