The Camden Conference
Bringing Global Conversations to Midcoast Maine.
39TH ANNUAL CAMDEN CONFERENCEToday’s Middle East:
Power, Politics, & Players
February 20-22, 2026
Our signature February event is an annual three-day program of world-class speakers and panel discussions focusing on a selected foreign affairs topic.
The Camden Conference is a participatory experience. We structure our events to encourage convivial debate and passionate exchange among our renowned speakers, between the speakers and the audience, and among audience members themselves.
Our Student Programs
In collaboration with area high schools, colleges, and universities, we offer programs designed to spark curiosity about international relations among the next generation. We welcome interest from students, educators, and donors.
Year-Round Events
Craving civil discourse? The Camden Conference hosts events throughout Maine featuring diverse experts on pressing global issues—from internationally renowned journalists and scholars to locally-based explorers and professionals. Through talks, panels, and film and book discussions at libraries and partner venues statewide, our community explores themes from our annual February Conference.
Last year, Camden Conference:
Hosted
people for our signature 3-day Conference
Offered
free Community Events throughout Maine, including at 17 libraries
Welcomed
high school and college students
from participating Maine schools
Involved
volunteers—plus teachers and librarians—all of whom help support our programs
Upcoming Events
View all upcoming events
Author Talk: Afarin Bellisario on Silenced Whispers
Date: Mar 12, 2026
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Recent News
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2026 Camden Conference – Ron Bancroft's Recap
Academics, foreign service veterans, journalists, and engaged citizens from far and wide descended on Camden for the 39th Camden Conference last weekend [Feb 20-22, 2026]. This year’s topic, “Today’s Middle […]
March 4, 2026
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2026 Camden Conference – Student Reflections
The following reflections on the 2026 Camden Conference –Today’s Middle East: Power, Politics & Players– were gathered by Educator Erin Towns from students at Edward Little High School (Auburn), Lewiston […]
March 4, 2026
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Camden Conference in the World (March 2026)
Have you wondered what renown University of Oklahoma professor and Syria expert Joshua Landis thinks about the now-active Iran conflict, after he spoke so eloquently in Camden last month on […]
March 4, 2026
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