Conversation With...

In this session, Carlyle Group co-founder David Rubenstein interviews former U.S. Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin and Nobel laureate economist Gary Becker about global economic trends, public finance and the capital markets. Join us for a multifaceted discussion among three renowned leaders of finance.

Although the media often focus on their policy differences, Democrat Reid and Republican Cantor share areas of agreement and experience. Skilled legislators and compassionate individuals, each has seen a close relative suffer from serious disease, and each is an outspoken supporter of medical research. The grandsons of immigrants, each worked his way up to high office with less-exalted jobs along the way - one as a member of the Capitol Police and the other as a driver for a congressman. Both served as their party's minority whip before election to majority leadership. And leadership is the focus of this panel: What qualities, besides intelligence and drive, inspire the trust and respect of their colleagues? Institute Chairman Mike Milken will explore where they agree and disagree on a range of issues - taxes, debt, entitlements, immigration, education, energy and defense - but will also search for the common thread of leadership that has propelled two remarkable men to national prominence.

In the contest between "The Global Mind" and "Earth Inc.," who will win? Oscar winner, Nobel laureate, environmental activist, bestselling author and former Vice President Al Gore offers his assessment of the future, in which rapid human population growth and an expanding global middle class are contributing to an increase in consumption and the depletion of natural resources. What is the influence of technological innovation on politics in a world undergoing the most rapid change in its history? Who will prevail -- the powerful transnational corporations and networked entrepreneurs disrupting the traditional power of the nation-state, or will it ultimately be a connected, enlightened public? Join us for an expansive and provocative forecast.

Speaker: Tony Blair, Former Prime Minister, Great Britain and Northern Ireland Interviewer: Michael Milken, Chairman, Milken Institute. Institute Chairman Mike Milken sits down with Tony Blair to discuss a wide range of issues including global politics, international economics and energy as well as more personal reflections on leadership, faith and philanthropy. Blair, who served as prime minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007, now represents the Quartet - the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and Russia - in helping mediate Middle East peace negotiations. In addition to addressing the Middle East, the euro zone and other pressing geopolitical topics, this free-flowing discussion will explore the global race for human capital; the shifting natural-resource landscape; the roles of religion and culture in national development; the future of education; and Blair's philanthropic efforts, including the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, created to promote respect and understanding among religions, and the Africa Governance Initiative, which will be a major focus of Wednesday's Africa panel.

Speaker: Barry Diller, Chairman and Senior Executive, IAC; Chairman and Senior Executive, Expedia, Inc. Interviewer: Daniel Casse, President, G100; Managing Partner, High Lantern Group. Barry Diller, long a titan of the entertainment industry, has become a titan of services and media on the Web as chairman of conglomerate IAC and Expedia, the well-known travel site. Now he oversees a wide range of offerings that include search, online dating and local businesses with brands that include Match.com, Ask.com, HomeAdvisor and the Daily Beast. Diller will discuss the evolution of show business and the future of the Internet economy, including their deepening integration, from a unique vantage point. How has the rare online composite model fared - is "synergy" real? What does e-commerce need to do to bring hesitant consumers online? How do his public service involvements - with the Council on Foreign Relations and medical research at the University of California, Los Angeles - complement his celebrated career?

Introduction By: Kevin Klowden, Director, California Center, and Managing Economist, Milken Institute Welcoming Remarks: Speakers: Kafi Blumenfield, President and CEO, Liberty Hill Foundation Russell Goldsmith, Chairman and CEO, City National Bank Steven Mnuchin, Chairman and CEO, OneWest Bank Group C. L. Max Nikias, President, University of Southern California Lynda Resnick, Vice Chairman, Roll Global Moderator: James Canales, President and CEO, The James Irvine Foundation. As California powers its way out of the recession, leadership is more important than ever. California is still the nation's biggest innovator - the state that gave us Hollywood, iTunes, biotechnology and renewable energy. But as California grows more complex, the unique demands it presents require leaders who can navigate the unprecedented challenges, radically different and often restrictive business environments, and diverse geographic and demographic factors. The leaders on this panel represent key organizations, corporations and institutions that have not only chosen to remain in the state but are also committed to its success. Where are the opportunities for growth, and can the state's assets be leveraged to support them? How do we develop the skilled workforce necessary to support our innovative industries and jump-start new ones? And how can state policymakers facilitate solutions rather than hinder them?

Institute Chairman Mike Milken interviews Steve Wynn, one of America's most admired CEOs, who has successfully expanded into Asia in recent years. Wynn, a gaming resort and real estate developer, is credited with turning Las Vegas into a world-renowned resort destination, having developed such properties as Wynn Las Vegas, the Bellagio, the Mirage, Treasure Island and the Golden Nugget. He has also expanded operations in China, most recently with the go-ahead to build Wynn Cotai - a 51-acre resort that will include a convention center, shops and theater. This wide-ranging discussion is expected to touch on issues such as his hopes of building a hotel in Singapore, how to create a successful work force and the importance of establishing superior customer service.