How will public policies affect you and your business in 2006 and beyond? Hear some of the nation’s leading public policy experts discuss what lies ahead at the Heartland Emerging Issues Forum! The Emerging Issues Forum is a half-day conference featuring public policy experts from the nation’s leading free-market think tanks and advocacy groups. The focus is on anticipating issues and ideas that will play major roles in domestic public policy debates in 2006 and beyond. This Forum, held at the Chicago Hilton Hotel at 720 South Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, is a learning and networking opportunity for elected officials and their staff; journalists who cover public policy; government affairs and public affairs directors in businesses, trade associations, and civic organizations; investors and investment advisors; and concerned citizens. The Heartland Institute, the host of the conference, is a 21-year-old national nonprofit organization based in Chicago. Heartland is a free-standing “think tank” involving more than 100 academics and professional economists, 1,500 donors and members, 350 elected officials who serve on an advisory board, and a staff of 16 people devoted to “turning ideas into social movements that empower people.” Registration includes access to all presentations plus lunch with a special speaker. The Heartland Institute’s 21st Anniversary Benefit Following the Emerging Issues Forum, The Heartland Institute will celebrate its 21st anniversary benefit dinner, also at the Chicago Hilton Hotel. Speakers at the gala event include Caroline Hoxby, Ph.D., one of the country's leading experts on school reform, and Jay Lehr, Ph.D., Heartland's science director and an expert on environment issues. Heartland founder Dave Padden will conduct a live auction for dramatic banners featuring economists Friedrich Hayek, Ludwig von Mises, and others. The Anniversary Benefit takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Some 600 people attended last year's event, making Heartland’s anniversary benefits among the largest gatherings of free-market advocates in the country. Come prepared to enjoy fine food, good company, and excellent speakers. For more information, go to http://www.heartland.org/Benefit2005/welcome.cfm.