This invitation-only gathering brings together Democratic insiders for candid discussions about the road back to power through the middle, including the working middle class, the middle of the country and the middle of the electorate. Why Nevada? Because in 2028, it will host its first competitive Democratic presidential primary — requiring candidates to build a winning coalition of diverse communities as a key stop on the path towards a Democratic renewal.
In the room will primarily be leaders and strategists from Nevada—joined by a select number of national Democrats—who understand what it takes to win in critical primary and battleground states. Most crucially, all of the participants care deeply about restoring the Democratic brand, and all will play a significant role in shaping a 2028 victory.
This is not a generic conference of sleepy PowerPoints and recycled jargon. We’ll pack a lot of lively debates and discussions into our five hours together, with an array of presenters who will share fresh public opinion insights, along with new messaging and policy ideas. Central to that conversation is a clear-eyed look at what it will take to elect a combative, centrist Democrat who can actually win the White House.

AGENDA
Caesars Palace, Emperors Ballroom (3570 S Las Vegas Blvd)
11:00 AM
Welcome to Nevada: The Road to 2028 Runs Through the Silver State

Artie Blanco
Vice Chair, DNC
11:10 AM
What it Takes: Winning the Middle Anytime, Anywhere
Third Way shares a series of foundational truths that Democrats must confront to become a party that can win the middle anytime, anywhere.

Matt Bennett
Executive Vice President for Public Affairs, Third Way
11:30 AM
Nevada Power Players: How Democrats Actually Win Here
Hear how a Democrat puts together a winning coalition in Nevada from the people who have actually done it.

Daniele Monroe-Moreno
Nevada Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore

Yvanna Cancela
Chief of Staff, Office of Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04)

Scott Fairchild
Chief of Staff, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto

Megan Jones
Partner, Hilltop Public Solutions
12:00 PM
Take Five: Latinos in Nevada
Five minutes with a presidential candidate on what to know about one of the most important voter groups in Nevada: Latinos.

Caitlin Jury
Senior Research Director, Equis
12:05 PM
The Math Behind the Indispensable Middle
Third Way shares the data on the role of the middle in electing the next Democratic president and the impossible task of winning without enough moderates

Jim Kessler
Executive Vice President for Policy, Third Way
12:30 PM
Lunch
Hear from governor hopeful Aaron Ford and powerhouse Jim Messina.

Aaron Ford
Nevada Attorney General

Jim Kessler
Executive Vice President for Policy, Third Way

Jim Messina
CEO, The Messina Group
1:45 PM
Take Five: Winning Outside Clark County
Five minutes with a presidential candidate to share what it takes to win Nevada, the whole state, not just Clark and Washoe Counties.

Teresa Benitez-Thompson
Candidate NV-02
1:50 PM
A Whole New World: Nevada Democratic Voters & the Presidential Primary
Take an early look at polling fresh from the field on Nevada Democratic primary voters and what it says about this vital early state electorate

Lanae Erickson
Senior Vice President for Social Policy, Education & Politics
2:15 PM
Take Five: Nevada Secretary of State
Five minutes with a presidential candidate's campaign team to share about voter registration in the Silver State.

Cisco Aguilar
Nevada Secretary
of State
2:20 PM
How a Democratic Primary is Won - or Lost
A play-by-play on the delicate balance required to win a national Democratic presidential primary - the delegate math, coalition management, and state strategy.

Matt Bennett
Executive Vice President for Public Affairs, Third Way

Dave Huynh
Advisor, Dave Huynh LLC

Jorge Neri
Neri Group LLC
2:40 PM
Take Five: The Politics of Immigration in Nevada
Five minutes with a presidential candidate on immigration politics in Nevada - what's driving voter attitudes, community impact, and electoral implications.

Rosa Mendoza
Vice President, Account Management, Global Strategy Group
2:45 PM
All About the Base: Who Powers the Primary in Nevada
The Democratic base in Nevada is one of the most diverse in the country, but is tacking to the left the key to winning them over?

Eric Jeng
Executive Director, One APIA Nevada

Lauren Brooks
LBrooks Consulting

Melissa Morales
President & Founder, Somos Votantes

Ted Pappageorge
Secretary-Treasurer, Culinary Workers Union Local 226
3:15 PM
Take Five: Working Class Voters in Nevada
Five minutes with a presidential candidate on the economic pressures, values, and political trends shaping Nevada's working class voters.

Vince Saavedra
Executive Secretary Treasurer, Southern Nevada Building Trades
3:20 PM
A Changing Nevada
As the Silver State hosts its first competitive presidential primary in 2028, let's talk about what will change from the caucus days.

Sean Sinclair
Partner, Pendulum Creative Group

Stewart Boss
Rosen for Nevada

Alana Mounce
Independent Consultant

Rebecca Lambe
Independent Consultant
