Armenian Cause 2.0 to Explore 2012 Elections as Smart Advocacy Opportunity
Fri, Jun 17 2011
By Armenian Weekly
Krikorian and Stepanian-Bennett to Empower Armenian Americans as
Effective Candidates and Campaigners
WASHINGTON – As America gears up for the 2012 Presidential and
Congressional elections, the Armenian National Committee of America’s
upcoming Armenian Cause 2.0 conference will explore how Armenian
Americans can more effectively leverage their vision, votes and voices
to increase their power and presence in the U.S. political system.
David Krikorian
Ohio Congressional candidate David Krikorian will be joined by
Washington, DC-based political consultant Dan Stepanian-Bennett in
discussing how Armenian Americans can use new techniques as well as
tried and true methods, as candidates, campaigners and contributors,
to elect friends and defeat opponents this election cycle.
`We are tremendously encouraged to be joined by David and Dan, two
wonderfully talented presenters who bring with them hard-earned wisdom
and first-hand experience from years of work on the front lines of our
nation’s democratic marketplace of ideas,’ said Aram Hamparian,
executive director of the ANCA. `As we approach the start of Armenian
Cause 2.0, we look forward to hearing their insights and inspiration,
and to taking part in an open and robust discussion about how we can
chart the best path forward for our community in a complex and rapidly
evolving electoral landscape.’
David Krikorian is a successful 42 year-old entrepreneur and business
owner. Formally trained in economics and finance, David has held
several management positions with top companies including Fidelity
Investments and Deloitte & Touche. He ran for U.S. Representative in
2008 as an Independent candidate and despite having no prior political
experience or name ID, finished with nearly 18% of the vote in a three
way race. His campaigned centered on monetary policy and reforming
the financial system. In 2010, David challenged for the Democratic
nomination, losing narrowly in the primary race. David and his wife
Elena have three children and live in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Dan Stepanian-Bennett works at a prominent political consulting firm
in Washington, DC, where he specializes in political communications
and elections. A native of metro-Detroit, Dan earned departmental
honors with a degree in Marketing from the School of Business
Administration at Oakland University. He has worked in the front
office of the Detroit Tigers organization, and also as a Marketing
Assistant for BBK, Ltd., a turnaround management firm in Southfield,
Michigan.
In 2007 Dan moved to the nation’s capital as part of the ANCA’s
Capital Gateway Program. After completing his fellowship, he worked
for a political advertising agency, SRCP Media, serving as Media
Associate, while also serving, in a volunteer capacity, as the local
chairman of the ANCA of Greater Washington. Since 2008, he has been a
Project Manager at Political Media, Inc. He has been heavily involved
in campaigns over the last few election cycles ranging from small-town
mayoral elections to a U.S. Senate race.
Dan Stepanian
The break-out session presentations by Krikorian and Stepanian-Bennett
will build upon the conference’s keynote address by POLITICO National
Politics Editor Charlie Mahtesian, who will provide an in-depth
overview of the 2012 electoral landscape.
Armenian Cause 2.0’s full schedule of educational workshops and
interactive presentations will include presentations on Armenian
American advocacy including remarks by former U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia John Evans and a panel discussion on international efforts to
secure justice for the Armenian Genocide, featuring Susan Karamanian,
Nick Koumjian, Jeremy McCalpin, and Kate Nahapetian. Internet
innovator and investor Haig Kayserian will explore social networking
opportunities. These and other presentations and break-out sessions
will be complemented by social and networking opportunities, including
a dinner reception at the Armenian Embassy hosted by Ambassador Tatoul
Markarian.
With just a week left until the conference, which is being hosted by
the ANCA and ANCA Endowment Fund, interested supporters of the
Armenian Cause can still register for a limited number of available
spaces by visiting The registration
deadline is close-of-business on Monday, June 20th, with late
registrants considered on a space availability basis. Due to
overwhelming demand, the reception at the W Hotel is now sold out.
All registrants are invited to the ANCA offices for a welcoming
reception beginning Friday June 24th at 5:30pm. The special ANCA rate
of $149/night at the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel is no longer available.
Please consider as an option to secure hotel lodgings.