Panel discussions on the history and future of the conservative movement were held. At the end of each panel the panelists responded to questions from members of the audience.
Wayne Thorburn, author of A Generation Awakes: Young Americans for Freedom and the Creation of the Conservative Movement (Jameson Books, 2010), moderated the first panel, on the influence of the Sharon Statement. Don Devine moderated the second panel on the future of freedom.
The Sharon Statement was adopted at a conference at Bill Buckley, Jr.'s home in Sharon, Connecticut, on 11 September 1960. It is a founding statement of the principles of the Young Americans for Freedom and seminal in the modern conservative movement. This event was held at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Sharon Statement.