Liberty Forum 2019 was a flurry of freedom faces, new and old. Our 288 attendees learned from and questioned 26 speakers, interacted with 34 exhibitors and sponsors, and enjoyed 56 hours of pure, unadulterated liberty. I’m grateful to our 28 volunteers who made this possible, and to the DoubleTree Manchester Hotel for hosting this event for the 5th year in a row.
Our incredible team of volunteers was headed by BJ and Joslyn Mumford,
who have been working to make the event spectacular for a full year. BJ and Joslyn recently purchased their first home in New Hampshire, and look forward to welcoming their first child in July. All our volunteers worked incredibly hard, but specific feedback I’ve heard is that we had a Registration team smoother than Michael Jackson’s moonwalk, and a Porc Family Connection children’s activities team that offered yoga, story hour, and #ArtForRoss.
The Hall of Excellence (also known as the exhibitor hall) was packed with 34 exhibitors, sponsors, and regional representatives. Big thanks to the Grassroots Leadership Academy for hosting the Thursday night debate on Open/Closed Borders, to Porcupine Real Estate for hosting the New Movers Panel, to Andrew Manuse and Ron Noyes, Agents of New York Life for hosting the Financial Freedom Panel, to Approval Voting USA for hosting the Legislator’s Cocktail Hour, and to the Reason Foundation for their unflagging support. This event wouldn’t have been the same without our good friends from Shire Soaps, the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance (who hosted the Tour of the State House) and the Freecoast Festival. My personal favorite exhibitor was “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Government!“, an online resource that aggregates information about private organizations doing public services. Our exhibitors ranged from local businesses to national think tanks in a unique selection that attendees wouldn’t find anywhere else.
Our speakers were top notch. With a heavyweight keynote like Lee McGrath from the Institute of Justice and thought leaders like Maj Toure of Black Guns Matter, Stephan Kinsella of The Libertarian Papers, and Tate Fegley from George Mason University, Mercatus Center, and Mises Institute, it was hard to walk away without learning something.
We greatly anticipate the day that Ross Ulbricht will attend a Free State Project event in person, and until then we are grateful to have Lyn join us with updates on his situation. This year was no different, and we were honored to host a fundraiser in his name that raised $6,700. Thanks to Lou Perez, Mance Rayder, and Andrew North & the Rangers for providing entertainment, and to all the passionate partyers who donated money and auction items. If you haven’t signed the petition for Ross’s clemency, go to the Change.org site and let your voice be heard!
If you missed it, we’ll be publishing video to our YouTube and LBRY channels shortly, and check out the first ever event long livestream hosted by Vin Armani and Dave Butler of ‘Destination Unknown’. This live stream podcast includes interviews with every speaker, and a select series of subject matter experts from New Hampshire and all over the country. Thanks to Vin and Dave for all their hard work and the incredible ability to be charming and witty for 17 hours of solid content.
