(UPDATED,
10/30/09 with a location change, some time changes)
FRIDAY,
NOVEMBER 6
6 p .m.
Registration and opening reception: Cocktails with a Twist
In bringing together a diverse group of participants, we've crafted
an innovative way to generate intimate policy discussions that
may challenge your preconceptions. New location: Mitchell Parlor
in the Carnegie Guest House on the Davidson campus.
SATURDAY,
NOVEMBER 7
(Unless otherwise noted, all events for the day will be in
the Sprinkle Room in the Student Union at Davidson College).
8 a.m.
Continental breakfast
8:30
a.m.
Welcome
Center for a Better South President Andy Brack and Davidson College
President Tom Ross will welcome participants and outline
the goals and expectations of the conference.
8:45
a.m.
PANEL: Southern trends
Panelists will discuss political, societal, economic, educational
and other statistical trends that set the South apart. Moderated
by Governing magazine's Richard Greene, participants
will interact with Winthrop University's Adolphus Belk
and UNC-Chapel Hill's Ferrel Guillory to get a deeper understanding
of Southern challenges and opportunities.
10:30
a.m.
PANEL: Can the South lead today?
Some 30 years ago, there was great hope that the South would provide
leadership for the whole country. Some say that happened. Other
say the region is just becoming another part of an increasingly
homogeneous nation. Former Congressman and academic Glen Browder
will lead a panel that features input by Hendrix College's Jay
Barth and policy consultant Mac McCorkle of Chapel
Hill, N.C.
12:15
p.m.
KEYNOTE: Luncheon, DuPont Room in Vail Commons
Participants will hear the unique observations of a veteran
newspaperman and a young, progressive publisher about the direction
of the South from the 20th century to the 21st. Publisher Brandt
Ayers, who edited the classic Southern policy book You
Can't Eat Magnolias, will join Oxford American publisher Warwick
Sabin for an entertaining luncheon conversation. Location:
DuPont Room in Vail Commons on the Davidson campus.
1:45
p.m.
EXERCISE: Setting budget priorities
At senior Statehouse financial analyst will lead an entertaining
budget exercise to help participants understand how policy choices
are impacted by the availability of state dollars. Taking part
in the game will broaden the view of conference goers for realistic
discussions on developing policy alternatives for the Agenda for
a Better South.
2:30
p.m.
Breakout groups to discuss South's positives and negatives
Participants will form small groups to discuss their conference
homework -- a review of the South's positives and negatives.
3:15
p.m.
Breakout reports
Participants will discuss results of their earlier breakout
discussions.
3:45
p.m.
Drafting the Agenda
Participants will return to groups to start crafting components
of the Agenda for a Better South. Beer and wine will be provided.
7
p.m.
Dinner on your own
Participants are welcome to gather after we break for the
day in the Mitchell Parlor of the Carnegie Guest House.
SUNDAY,
NOVEMBER 8
(The morning's events will be in the Sprinkle Room in the Student
Union at Davidson College).
8 a.m. Continental breakfast
8:30
a.m.
Agreeing on an Agenda
Conference participants will craft an Agenda for consideration
and discussion. At the end of this discussion, a new Agenda for
a Better South is expected to be complete.
10
a.m.
Framework for Policy
During this session, if the Agenda is agreed upon, participants
will discuss possible authors for a significant essay on each
of the policy issues outlined in the Agenda. This is the opportunity
for participants to take ownership of specific ideas to build
an essay for publication in a new Better South policy book.
Noon
Conference adjourns
Conference organizers will release a statement and the Agenda
to the press.
*
Times and locations are subject to change.
