June 25, 2011 - 10:36 AMT
Armenian Cause 2.0 conference attracts unprecedented number of participants

Armenian Americans from across the United States began arriving in Washington, DC, for the Armenian National Committee of America's Armenian Cause 2.0 conference, which brings together veteran and youth activists who will explore the future of social networks, grassroots power, and smart advocacy for the Armenian Cause.

Due to overwhelming community response, the conference has sold out, ANCA reported.

"We are pleased by both the remarkable quality and really unprecedented quantity of participants in our national conference," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. "We look forward to a weekend marked by interactive presentations, great networking opportunities, and a robust and constructive exchange of ideas and insights about the future of our community and our cause."

Early arrivals began a series of meetings on Capitol Hill, with constituents discussing pending Armenian Genocide legislation, the current situation in Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh and a recently introduced resolution, which calls on Turkey to return Christian Churches.

Saturday, June 25 morning will kick off with a series of presentations and interactive sessions focusing on strengthening Armenian American advocacy in the age of social networks, broadening the grassroots reach of our community engagement efforts, and developing sharper and more effective smart advocacy means of impacting public policy. The conference's educational programs will be complemented by social and networking opportunities, such as a private tour of the home of Woodrow Wilson and a dinner reception at the Armenian Embassy hosted by Armenia's Ambassador to the United States, Tatoul Markarian.