Type of room
All Rooms
Breakout
Main Stage
Day of the week
Both Days
Friday
Saturday
Friday Main Stage
6:00 PM 6:15 PM

Welcome to LibertyCon!

Robby Soave kicks off LibertyCon, welcoming attendees to Washington, DC, and sharing what they can expect over the weekend. Wolf von Laer, CEO of Students For Liberty, delivers a personal 10-minute message, inspiring attendees to make the most of the event and embrace the mission of freedom and innovation.

  • Robby Soave

    Robby Soave

Wolf von Laer

Friday Main Stage
6:15 PM 7:00 PM

From Hate to Harmony: How Daryl Davis Defeated the Klan With Compassion

Renowned jazz musician Daryl Davis has spent decades engaging Ku Klux Klan members with compassion and dialogue, successfully inspiring over 200 members to leave the Klan. Through face-to-face conversations, Davis reveals how empathy and open communication can dismantle hate and bridge deep divides. His story is a powerful testament to the power of personal connection in fighting racism.

Daryl Davis

Friday Main Stage
7:00 PM 7:20 PM

Radical Discourse: Reviving Civil Debate In A Polarized World w/ John Papola

John Papola shares how Emergent Order Foundation’s Radical Discourse series revives civil dialogue through creative storytelling and entertainment. By blending art, fairness, and academic rigor, this initiative tackles divisive issues like immigration and economics in accessible formats, showing how debates can engage new audiences while respecting opposing views.

John Papola

Emergent Order Foundation


Friday Main Stage
7:20 PM 8:00 PM

Immigration Debate: Who Exactly Should We Be Letting In?

Daniel DiMartino argues for prioritizing skilled, young, English-speaking immigrants while restricting low-skilled and illegal immigration. Bryan Caplan counters, highlighting the massive economic benefits of all immigration, from doctors to gardeners. The debate dives into policy, economics, and misconceptions about immigrant contributions. Moderated by John Papola.

Moderator: John Papola

Daniel DiMartino


Bryan Caplan


Friday Main Stage
8:00 PM 8:10 PM

The Parent Revolution: Rescuing Your Kids from the Radicals Ruining Our Schools

Corey DeAngelis highlights the growing school choice movement as parents take back control of education from teachers unions and public school monopolies. By promoting competition and parental rights, families are breaking free from misinformation and restoring quality education.

Corey DeAngelis

Friday Main Stage
8:10 PM 8:50 PM

Sponsorship Spot #2

To be announced

Libertarianism.org

Friday Main Stage
8:50 PM 9:10 PM

Equality Of Permission

Prof. Deirdre McCloskey explains how true liberalism champions “equality of permission,” allowing individuals the freedom to pursue their goals without unnecessary restrictions. This stands in contrast to the progressive ideals of “equality of outcome” and even “equality of opportunity.” McCloskey argues that true liberals are egalitarians but also realists, supporting a system where free people can live their lives in the way they see fit, fostering individual liberty and personal fulfillment.

Deirdre McCloskey

Friday Main Stage
9:10 PM 9:15 PM

Thank you for Day 1

Robby will thank everyone for a great night, pitch some of the great things to look forward to tomorrow morning, let everyone know the bar is now open, and invite everyone to stick around for Liberty Jeopardy.

  • Robby Soave

    Robby Soave

Friday Main Stage
9:30 PM 11:00 PM

Liberty Jeopardy

Imagine trivia night at your favorite bar, but much louder and with a heavy libertarian twist to it. Nine contestants representing different regions of SFL will compete through four rounds of Liberty Jeopardy on the big screen. The questions will be challenging, the categories will be ridiculous, and the energy will be unstoppable. Grab a drink at the bar and join us in the main hall to see how many of these answers YOU could get right!

Spike Cohen

Kat Murti


Stephen Kent


Jessi Bennett


Eric Brakey


Friday Breakout
4:15 PM 5:30 PM

Socratic Seminar: Ayn Rand, What is Capitalism? [ROOM - 2]

Join Reliance College for a guided Socratic discussion on a selection from Rand’s Capitalism:
The Unknown Ideal. The seminar will explore the moral and practical foundations of capitalism,
the role of reason and individual rights in human progress, and Rand’s defense of free markets
as the system of voluntary exchange and production.

Marsha Familaro Enright

Reliance College

Saturday Breakout
9:00 AM 9:50 PM

Freedom Law School [SALON - E]

To be announced

Freedom Law School

Saturday Breakout
9:00 AM 9:50 AM

What is China Thinking?: Understanding Chinese Policymaking with Public Choice Theory [SALON - D]

Ryan Yonk and Ethan Yang are the authors of the book The China Dilemma: Rethinking US-China Relations Through Public Choice Theory. This session will explore how Chinese institutions and interest groups impact domestic and foreign policy to give attendees a more comprehensive framework to think about China. This session will also cover the book’s research and writing process for any aspiring young scholars interested in one day producing their own work.

AIER

Ryan Yonk


Ethan Yang


Saturday Breakout
10:00 AM 10:50 AM

How You Can Customize 'The Quiz' For Your Country [SALON - D]

Become the inventor of The World’s Smallest Political Quiz for your language and country in this hands-on, interactive workshop. Use it to launch a movement and transform your nation.

Advocates For Self Government

Mike Sertic

Saturday Breakout
10:00 AM 10:50 PM

Libertarianism.org [SALON - E]

To be announced

Libertarianism.org

Saturday Breakout
10:00 AM 10:50 PM

A Conversation with The Honorable Judy Shelton: Inflation, Fiat Money, and the Federal Reserve [SALON - F]

What is the future of the US Dollar? Why and how is everything in America more expensive than it was just four years ago? What potential do Bitcoin and commodities like gold have to influence our relationship with money? What will monetary policy look like in President Trump’s second term? Dr. Judy Shelton, Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute and a former Trump nominee to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, will explore these questions and more during this discussion.

Ethan Yang

Judy Shelton

Independent Institute

Saturday Breakout
11:00 AM 11:50 AM

Global Censorship Under the Guise of Safety: Stories from Around the World [SALON - E]

This interactive session brings together voices from around the globe to uncover how internet regulations marketed as “safety measures” have led to political censorship and restricted free speech. Participants will hear firsthand stories of how these laws have been misused, from the EU’s sweeping Digital Services Act, used to fine various social media companies, and Brazil’s use of controversial anti-misinformation policies to ban X. Moderated by Stephen Kent, this panel will focus on how these policies impact freedom of speech, and how well-intentioned internet regulations give the government new and unprecedented powers.

Stephen Kent

Maxwell Marlow

Adam Bartha

NetChoice

Saturday Breakout
11:00 AM 11:50 AM

Entrepreneurship for Liberty: How Self-Starters Build Movements and Missions [SALON - D]

Success as an entrepreneur begins with self-starters—those who act independently, take initiative, and inspire others to join their mission. This panel will explore how to identify untapped opportunities, take calculated risks, and lay a foundation for sustainable growth. Whether you are a new leader or a seasoned advocate looking to amplify your impact, gain practical tools, strategies, and inspiration to turn ideas into action and advance the values you hold dear.

Emergent Order Foundation

John Papola


Ivy Karns


Spike Cohen


Saturday Breakout
11:00 AM 11:50 PM

[Reason Magazine] Reason Roundtable [SALON - F]

To be announced

Reason Roundtable

Saturday Breakout
12:00 PM 12:50 PM

SFL Shark Tank [SFL and Principled Business] [SALON - E]

LibertyCon International’s 2025 Shark Tank, hosted by Students For Liberty and Principled Business, is a global competition to identify and launch projects that advance liberty, individual freedom, and prosperity. Participants pitch innovative ideas to a panel of distinguished judges, competing for $10,000 in seed funding and expert mentorship. Aligning with the theme “From Impossible to Inevitable,” SFL’s Shark Tank is a launchpad for students whose bold ideas have the power to change the world.

Florian Windberger

Saturday Breakout
12:00 PM 12:50 PM

Market Failure: An Argument Both For And Against Government [SALON - D]

Market failure occurs when individual rational decisions do not lead to rational group outcomes, a phenomenon seen in many systems, including free markets. While this can justify government intervention, David Friedman argues that market failures also exist within the political systems implementing these interventions. By comparing private market exceptions to political market rules, Friedman explores why government solutions may often exacerbate, rather than resolve, these failures.

David Friedman

Saturday Main Stage
1:00 PM 1:05 PM

Welcome to Day 2 of LibertyCon!

Robby Soave welcomes everyone to the second day of the convention, promotes what speakers we have coming up, and promotes the awards dinner at the end of the evening.

  • Robby Soave

    Robby Soave

Saturday Main Stage
1:05 PM 1:25 PM

Hiding in Plain Sight: Good and Bad Monopolies

Prof. Antony Davies explores monopolies, explaining how they form either through government protection or by offering superior value. While consumers can escape corporate monopolies, political monopolies, like the two-party system, prevent competition and are far more harmful.

Antony Davies

Saturday Main Stage
1:25 PM 2:05 PM

How To Tell When You Are Being Bull*****ed By A Politician

Politicians use all sorts of tricks and tactics in order to lie to the public. From false dichotomies and half-truths, to cherry-picked data and Whataboutisms, it can be difficult to know exactly when you are being lied to and by whom. This discussion will help you learn how to better understand what someone is trying to communicate to you and see through the narrative that they want to set.

Moderator: Brandi Kruse

Chris Freiman


Jeremy Horpehdal


Spike Cohen


Saturday Main Stage
2:05 PM 2:15 PM

Liberty is Dangerous [Young Americans For Liberty] 

Why are so many people frightened of freedom? Sean Themea, Chief Operations Officer at Young Americans for Liberty, will discuss why, and what we should do about it.

Young Americans For Liberty

Sean Themea


Saturday Main Stage
2:15 PM 2:55 PM

From Pipe Dream to the American Dream: Why America Is Still One Of the Best Places To Start A Business

The American entrepreneurial spirit thrives on innovation and risk-taking, even in the face of mounting regulations and bureaucracy. Compared to the rest of the world, America’s pro-business legal framework continues to fuel global competitiveness. This panel explores where the passion for starting a business begins, what drives America’s edge in entrepreneurship, and what challenges and obstacles future entrepreneurs must prepare to face.

Moderator: Wolf von Laer

Lars Mapstead


Mayor Glenn Jacobs


Saturday Main Stage
2:55 PM 3:15 PM

Stopping Government Digital Censorship—What Can Be Done? [Netchoice] 

Robert Winterton leads a discussion on combating global censorship of free speech, from laws that force social media platforms to censor on behalf of governments to direct penalties on individuals for political speech. Stephen Kent adds insights on global trends and the unintended consequences of restrictive policies, while Marcel Van Hattem shares his experience with laws that claim to promote internet safety but are used to suppress dissent and silence opposition voices.

NetChoice

Saturday Main Stage
3:15 PM 3:20 PM

Freedom Law School

To be announced

Freedom Law School

Saturday Main Stage
3:20 PM 3:40 PM

The Whole Story: Adventures of Love, Life, and Capitalism

John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods Market, shares his journey of building one of the most iconic companies in the world. From taking a $1 salary for decades to making tough decisions like removing his father from the board, Mackey has fought to protect the essence of Whole Foods. He recounts overcoming a 100-year flood, battling activist investors, and preserving his legacy. Discover these powerful stories and grab a signed copy of his new book, The Whole Story, at LibertyCon.

Wolf von Laer

John Mackey


Saturday Main Stage
3:40 PM 3:45 PM

Where is Galt's Gulch?

Twenty-two years ago, the Free State Project selected New Hampshire as the location for a new libertarian strategy — organizing thousands of liberty lovers to move and concentrate in the “Live Free or Die” state — to shift the politics and culture in the direction of freedom and establish “Liberty in Our Lifetime.” After one generation, strong and active libertarian communities are found across the state; networks for homeschooling, cryptocurrency, and homesteading are building parallel economies; and libertarians control a quarter of the state legislature. Ayn Rand’s fiction of Galt’s Gulch has become a reality for libertarians in New Hampshire — and the Free State Project continues welcoming new movers who wish to live free and thrive.

Free State Project

Eric Brakey

Saturday Main Stage
4:05 PM 4:25 PM

The Nolan Blueprint: Globalizing the Liberty Movement’s Top Recruiting Tool

Do family and friends understand your political values? Would you like to elevate your outreach? In 1971, a young activist invented a tool that did both things! Mike Sertic explains how his story and the tool he developed can become your story and a path forward to healing your nation.

Advocates For Self Government

Mike Sertic

Saturday Main Stage
4:25 PM 5:15 PM

From Entertaining To Empowering: How Entertainment Professionals Found Their Path to Freedom 

This panel brings together entertainment professionals who turned their passion and creativity into successful careers while navigating an industry often hostile to ideas like economic freedom and individual liberty. From touring globally to launching businesses, each panelist shares their unique journey of overcoming challenges, embracing liberty, and advocating for their values. Discover what inspired their path to freedom and what lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Moderator: David Fite

Mark Pellegrino


Brando Eaton


Nic Nemeth


Emily Austin


Saturday Main Stage
5:15 PM 5:35 PM

The Reason Podcasting Crew

Come meet podcasters from Reason Magazine as they talk through the big news of the day and their own experiences as internet talking heads. With a new presidential administration, cabinet appointments aplenty, and Congress trying to figure out how to run the budget process, again, there will be plenty to discuss, and Reason’s Katherine Mangu-Ward, Robby Soave, Billy Binion, and Peter Suderman will be there to guide you through it.

Reason Roundtable

Katherine Mangu-Ward

Peter Suderman

Robby Soave

Billy Binion

Saturday Main Stage
5:35 PM 5:55 PM

Defeating Dictators and Defending Freedom Always Starts at Home

Those who believe that their country is immune to the rise of authoritarianism become complacent. One might even say that they are complicit. Authoritarianism may announce itself in the form of martial law or a military coup. Or more subtly, as when a ruling party uses its total control of the state to lock in its power, as we have seen in Hungary. A constitutionally limited government may abandon democracy and become a dictatorship by electoral means, for example, when candidates vow to imprison their critics, whom they designate “the enemy within.” The institutions of limited government only work when those in office decide to follow the laws that limit their power. Those who say “it can’t happen here” should know that those words were earlier spoken in countries where “it” did happen. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. Dr. Palmer will address how we can maintain our vigilance.

Tom Palmer

Saturday Main Stage
5:55 PM 6:00 PM

Thank everyone for attending LibertyCon

Robby can thank everyone for attending the convention this weekend, recap some of the things that have happened throughout the weekend, and give some information for the upcoming dinner. 

  • Robby Soave

    Robby Soave

Saturday Breakout
6:15 PM 7:30 PM

Socratic Seminar: Carl Menger, Principles of Economics [ROOM - 2]

Join Reliance College for a guided Socratic discussion on a selection from the founder of
Austrian economics. The seminar will explore the nature of goods, the role of knowledge and
causality in human welfare, and Menger’s insights into value and economic coordination.

Marsha Familaro Enright

Reliance College

  • Daryl Davis

    Activist and Musician

  • Mark Pellegrino

    Hollywood Actor and Entrepreneur

  • Mayor Glenn Jacobs (Kane)

    WWE Wrestler and Mayor of Knox County

  • David Friedman

    Economist, Legal Scholar

  • Spike Cohen

    Founder & President of You Are The Power

  • Deirdre McCloskey

    Professor Emerita in Economics at University of Illinois

  • John Mackey

    Co-Founder and former CEO of Whole Foods Market

  • Brando Eaton

    Hollywood Actor and Entrepreneur

  • Corey DeAngelis

    School Choice Advocate