WASHINGTON, DC – 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.

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.

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 https://www.anca.org/conference. 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 www.hotels.com as an option to secure hotel lodgings.

PHOTOS: David Krikorian and Dan Stepanian-Bennett