Engage
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Every year in February, the Camden Conference brings lively, in-depth discussion about America’s involvement with the rest of the world to our charming hamlet.
Since 1996, the Camden Conference has been a destination for some of the top names in foreign policy, including senators, generals, United Nations ambassadors, New York Times journalists, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and others, to discuss subjects ranging from international trade to crises in the Middle East and Africa. A packed house of mostly local participants engages with the world-class presenters and one another to pose serious questions, engage in civil debate, and raise hope for the future.
“The audience was very engaged, the questions were excellent, and it was very stimulating to hear people with diverse opinions debate with each other.”
Upcoming Special Events
In addition to our signature three-day February event, we host opportunities to engage and connect with experts and neighbors on the forthcoming foreign affairs topic in the months leading up to the conference. From film screenings to lectures to group discussions, these community events happen throughout Maine and throughout the year, mostly at libraries and occasionally at other community gathering places. See below for details on what we have planned.
Rivers of the Middle East
Jan 17, 2026
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Refugees in the Middle East and North Africa: The Politics and Lived Experiences of Displacement
Feb 12, 2026
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Turkey: A View from the Middle
Jan 10, 2026
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The Shavarsh Trio: Music & Instruments of the Middle East
Dec 20, 2025
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Building Bridges
Dec 11, 2025
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2001-2011: A Pivotal Decade of U.S. Diplomacy in the Middle East
Dec 16, 2025
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Readers’ Circle: A Group Discussion of 'Enter Ghost' by Isabella Hammad
Jan 29, 2026
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Merchants of Knowledge: Intellectual Exchange in the Ottoman Empire & Renaissance Europe
Dec 9, 2025
Learn more
Upcoming Special Events
In addition to our signature three-day February event, we host opportunities to engage and connect with experts and neighbors on the forthcoming foreign affairs topic in the months leading up to the conference. From film screenings to lectures to group discussions, these community events happen throughout Maine and throughout the year, mostly at libraries and occasionally at other community gathering places. See below for details on what we have planned.
Rivers of the Middle East
Jan 17, 2026
Learn more
Refugees in the Middle East and North Africa: The Politics and Lived Experiences of Displacement
Feb 12, 2026
Learn more
Turkey: A View from the Middle
Jan 10, 2026
Learn more
The Shavarsh Trio: Music & Instruments of the Middle East
Dec 20, 2025
Learn more
Building Bridges
Dec 11, 2025
Learn more
2001-2011: A Pivotal Decade of U.S. Diplomacy in the Middle East
Dec 16, 2025
Learn more
Readers’ Circle: A Group Discussion of 'Enter Ghost' by Isabella Hammad
Jan 29, 2026
Learn more
Merchants of Knowledge: Intellectual Exchange in the Ottoman Empire & Renaissance Europe
Dec 9, 2025
Learn more