Principles First is a grassroots effort to rediscover and champion principles in the 21st century.
The strength of our republic depends upon the moral conviction of our elected officials. If we don't pick trustworthy people to lead us, they will bring the character of the country down with them. Unethical and immoral behavior can never become the norm.
Principles First is about real-world organizing and action. Many of our grassroots activists, from a network of 10,000 and counting, from around the country are planning to travel in for the event. Not all can make the trip but all feel the same way.
We can make a difference by standing up for ideas that solve problems and improve lives. We choose action – to lay out our beliefs and engage rather than passively accept the status quo. The Constitution places a duty on all of us in shaping the course of our government.
Our principles anchor our politics to core values and ensure that those we elect wield power by a blueprint larger than themselves. Our principles define who we are, what we believe in, and the type of country we'll become. That's why we choose to put principles before politicians and before party.
We love America's ideals, traditions, aspirations, complex history and the never-ending pursuit of a more perfect Union. Our patriotism is rooted in appreciation, not for a particular version of American culture or an ancestral lineage, but for our shared commitment to freedom.
This Summit brings together principled conservative thinkers and grassroots activists from across the country over two weekend days to discuss current challenges facing the United States and the conservative movement and to articulate the principles that ought to shape both.
The speakers lined up for this gathering will be some of the leading thinkers in the principled lane. To maintain the theme and integrity of the event, our speakers are appearing with no honorariums or reimbursement.
We are only charging each attendee a small fee to ensure attendance and defray costs of the event.
For the Entire Conference
Other gatherings cost hundreds of dollars to attend and line the pockets of their organizers. The Summit is different.
The National Press Club - Since 1908, the Club has been Washington's home for news, business and social events in the nation's capital, hosting more than 2,000 public and private events annually featuring global leaders in media, business, politics, sports and entertainment.
Address - 529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20045
Safety Guidelines for the National Press Club - Attendees are encouraged to upload a photo of their Vaccination Card to www.press.org/vaxpass. All attendees and their guests must have proof of vaccination for entry. Exceptions for religious or health reasons should show a recent negative COVID test. Please visit the National Press Club's website for detailed information on their safety and security protocols.
Discounts for Principles First Summit Attendees: To assist the many of you who are coming from outside the Washington, D.C. area, we have pulled together pre-negotiated hotel discount rates with Washington, D.C. area hotels. This is only for your convenience. There is not a particular need to stay at these specific hotels - as all of official Summit programming will take place at the National Press Club.
Note: Attendees are responsible for booking their own hotel accommodations, with special room blocks available from February 25-28, 2022.
We have negotiated room rates with the J. W. Marriott Washington, D.C. ($219/night), the Crystal Gateway Marriott ($219/night), the Willard InterContinental ($239/night), and Hampton Inn Washington, D.C ($159/night).
Please visit the hotel logistics page for details and relevant hotel group conference codes.
The first Summit on Principled Conservatism was held at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on February 29, 2020 and was hosted with our generous co-sponsor, Stand Up Republic. The dialogue at the Summit built upon the grassroots discussions our members had in small gatherings around the country during the latter half of 2019. The day featured six panels with audience Q&A.
If you're a member of the media and want to attend this event to cover it, please email [media at principlesfirstsummit dot us] to get in touch with the event organizers. Note on Friday February 25, 2022. If you are media and still considering attending, all media is welcome, just show up, we will create credentials at the door.