A Special Event for Corporate Council Members
For the second year running, MEI will convene former U.S. Central Command Commanders to address the biggest challenges that face U.S. - Middle East relations. One month before the U.S. Presidential elections, Generals John Abizaid and Frank McKenzie will join two former Assistant Secretaries of State in conversation on how the U.S. should engage with its allies and counter its adversaries in the region. The reception will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at MEI's headquarters in Dupont Circle.
2024 Program
15:30 | Reception
16:30 | Discussion with Commanders
17:30 | Post-discussion Networking
Speakers
Gen. (Ret.) John P. Abizaid
United States Army
8th Commander of U.S. Central Command
Former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Chairman of the Middle East Institute Board of Governors
Gen. (Ret.) Kenneth F. McKenzie
United States Marine Corps
14th Commander of U.S. Central Command
45th Director of the Joint Staff
Ambassador Anne Patterson
Former Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs
Mr. David Schenker
Former Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs
Moderator
David Ignatius
Columnist, The Washington Post
Tickets and Sponsorship
Attendance this year will be limited to 150 key influencers and tickets will go on sale in early August. Sponsorships are available on a first come-first served basis. If your company is interested in having a presence at this year's event, please reach out to MEI's Development Department.
Courtney Lobel
Chief Development Officer
clobel@mei.edu
202-785-1141 ext. 213
Thomas Halvorsen
Associate Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations
thalvorsen@mei.edu
202-785-1141 ext. 203
Click here to learn more about MEI Corporate Council membership and benefits, or view our brochure (PDF).
2023 Program
On September 14th, 2023, MEI hosted it's inaugural CENTCOM Commanders Council Dinner at its headquarters in Washington D.C. The dinner featured an off-record conversation with four former CENTCOM Commanders: Generals (ret.) Anthony Zinni, John Abizaid, Joseph Votel, and Frank McKenzie; as well as remarks from the current CENTCOM Director of Strategy, Plans, and Policy, Maj. Gen. Sean M. Salene.
View our readout from the 2023 event
About the Defense and Security Program
MEI's Defense and Security Program provides rigorous and multidisciplinary analysis of the current and emerging defense and security challenges and opportunities facing the United States and its regional partners. It also works to create a unique, credible, and independent platform for defense and security stakeholders from both the United States and the region to more closely interact, exchange views, and share experiences regarding various matters of national security.