A Mixture of Business, Entertainment and Politics at Bakersfield Conference
Bakersfield Business Conference is an extraordinary event that was birthed nearly thirty years ago in Bakersfield, CA. The Conference is notorious for having hosted some of the most famous people in the world, including: President Ronald Reagan, U.K. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, President Gerald Ford, Real State Mogul & GOP Nominee Donald Trump, Actor Tom Hanks, Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, Former CA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and NFL Star Terry Bradshaw. One time, George Martin’s Bakersfield team even brought Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the Conference by satellite.
Now held every five years with participation of anywhere between 6,000 -10,000 attendees, the Conference is a unique blend of comedy, politics, entertainment, motivational talks and patriotic venues.
As George Martin, Founder of the Bakersfield Business Conference explained:
“When we started the Conference thirty years ago, our motto was Making Learning Fun. The Conference still stands for a mix of humor, lectures, music, motivational talks and patriotic venues to make your experience worthwhile and enjoyable. We want your Conference experience to be casual and we think you will agree that our tent city is a much more pleasant setting than a stuffy hotel conference room or bleachers in a stadium.”
The 2016 Guest Speaker lineup included:
Founder George Martin, Comedian Vicki Lawrence, Coach Lou Holtz, LTC Allen West, Former NM Governor Bill Richardson, Governor Bobby Jindal, Former TX Governor Rick Perry, Congressman Kevin McCarthy, Actress Diane Keaton, Political Consultant James Carville vs. Political Commentator Ann Coulter, NBA Legend Magic Johnson, Dr. Ben Carson, Radio Host Laura Ingraham, Business Leader Herman Cain, NRA Chief Executive Wayne LaPierre, Radio Host Stephanie Miller, Sherriff Joe Arpaio, San Francisco Chronicle Columnist Debra Saunders, The PolitiChicks (Ann-Marie Murrell, Morgan Brittany & Sonya Sasser), Radio Host Hugh Hewitt, Journalist Dan Walters, Political Commentator Cal Thomas, Syndicated Columnist Ruben Navarette, First Lady of MA Ann Romney, Former Mayor of L.A. Antonio Villaraigosa, and Fox News National Security Analyst KT MCFarland.
PolitiChicks co-owners Ann-Marie Murrell and Morgan Brittany, along with New National Spokesperson Sonya Sasser were guest speakers on a political panel where the three ladies discussed Donald Trump’s lewd video controversy, Hillary Clinton’s “potty mouth,” Sunday night’s debate, and the critical issues women care about most today. Diana Christian was the panel moderator.
Reporters Courtenay Turner and Michelle Mears-Gerst were also present to cover the event for PolitiChicks.
Of course, the Republican Nominee Donald Trump and his 11-year-old controversial video was the ‘elephant in the room’ that all Conservative speakers were compelled to address at the Conference on Saturday. While most Republicans were saddened and appalled by Trump’s comments, they were glad he apologized. And while many in the media and the establishment have suggested Trump should leave the ticket, most of the Bakersfield crowd agreed that the GOP nominee should stick it out and continue to fight for Americans.
https://youtu.be/Ro0BRTW1tDg
As Dr. Ben Carson told PolitiChicks, “This eleven-year old video is just a distraction from the real issues that Americans are facing today…Everybody needs to get three people who didn’t vote last election to vote for Trump.”
Herman Cain also told PolitiChicks, “If the ‘Never Trumpers’ are thinking of not voting don’t commit the third sin which is not voting. I can’t defend Trump’s statements he made 11 years ago but I am not worried about what he said, I am worried about what Hillary has done.”
LTC Allen West stated, “Let’s focus on issues affecting Americans now…national security, economy, not what was said 11 years ago.”
The NRA’s CEO Wayne LaPierre told PolitiChicks, “People need to stand up for our freedoms. The Second Amendment is a basic right. We need to support the leaders willing to fight for our freedoms.”
Aside from politics, motivational speakers NBA Legend Magic Johnson and Coach Lou Holtz were both huge hits with the Bakersfield guests.
Magic Johnson told the crowd, “Whatever your idea is, whatever you plan on creating as your business, make sure there is a business out there for you. Make sure your business will be in demand. Make sure that customers would like your business, come into your business, and spend their money.”
The Bakersfield Business Conference also offered other areas of entertainment, including the traditional Sports Tent sponsored by Bright House (to catch up on the games), and the Olympic Garden where attendees could meet and greet Olympic athletes. The Pepsi Quiet Deal, Ice Cream Pavilion, and the Farmer’s Market were also available for guests to enjoy some treats and have a relaxing break from the heat.
We “PolitiChicks” were honored to be speakers at such a prestigious event and we’ll hopefully be back next time!
