Past Events

A time-honored tradition, the Chamber Dinner offers attendees an opportunity to gain insight from and enjoy some of the nation’s most visionary speakers and top entertainers. The event has featured an array of distinguished speakers, including former President George W. Bush; former Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell; and renowned political strategists Karl Rove and James Carville, among many others.

HEADLINER

EMCEE/ENTERTAINMENT

39^th 2023	Bradley Cooper	A “Celebration of Pennsylvania” featuring a fireside chat with Pennsylvania’s own Academy Award nominated actor, director, writer, and producer Bradley Cooper. Entertainment: Award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist Gabby Barrett Anthem Singer: Gillian Smith
38^th 2022	Gov. Chris Christie & Donna Brazille	A point-counterpoint discussion featuring former DNC Chairperson Donna Brazile and Gov. Chris Christie. Candidate Conversations featuring Dr. Mehmet Oz and PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro Emcee: Dennis Owens, abc27 Entertainment: Gillian Smith
37^th 2021	Ben Shapiro & Ana Kasparian	“Leading Political Voices of the Next Generation of Leaders” Virtual Program: “Reshaping Pennsylvania’s Political Parties” Featuring Lawrence Tabas and Lt. Governor Mark Singel & “A Majority Outlook on the Future of PA Business” Featuring PA Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman and PA House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff Emcee: Dennis Owens, abc27
36^th 2020	“Rise to the Challenge” Virtual Program	To ensure the health and safety of our speakers, staff, and guests amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Annual Chamber Dinner was cancelled. The virtual program “Rise to the Challenge” was created and broadcast in it’s place.
35^th 2019	Nikki Haley	A Conversation with Nikki Haley, Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Emcee: Dennis Owens, abc27 Entertainment: Katie Schreckengast Civility in Public Life Award presented by Hilary Link. Recipients: Senator Camera Bartolotta, Senator John DiSanto, Representative Sheryl Delozier, and Representative Jordan Harris
34^th 2018	Alex Trebek	Debate: 2018 Gubernatorial Candidates Gov. Tom Wolf and Scott Wagner Emcee: Dennis Owens, abc27 Entertainment: Joselyn Terry Civility In Public Life Award presented by Tom Mullen: Recipients Former Congressman Charlie Dent and PA Auditor General Eugene DePasquale	VIEW MOMENTS
33^rd 2017	Chris Wallace	Perspectives from the West Wing: Jay Carney and Andrew Card Emcee: Dennis Owens, acb27 Entertainment: Olivia Notto Civility In Public Life Award presented by Tom Ridge: Inaugural recipients Alan Novak and T.J. Rooney	VIEW MOMENTS
32^nd 2016	Michael Strahan	Centennial Program: A Conversation with Pennsylvania’s Governors Emcee: Dennis Owens, abc27 Entertainment: Amma Johnson	VIEW MOMENTS
31^st 2015	Kevin Spacey	Emcee: Dennis Owens, abc27 Entertainment: Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School
30^th 2014	Tom Brokaw	Debate: 2014 Gubernatorial Candidates Gov. Tom Corbett and Tom Wolf Emcee: Dennis Owens, abc27 Entertainment: Second Hand Suits and Saint Theresa School Student Choir
29^th 2013	Dennis Miller	Emcee: Dennis Owens, abc27 Entertainment: Steve Rudolph Quartet; Tina Perry; Calvert Arms Fife & Drum Corps; 142nd PA Volunteer Infantry
28^th 2012	Karl Rove, James Carville	Emcee: Dennis Owens, abc27 Entertainment: The Dream Kids; Neil Wright Quartet; Trinidad North Steel Drum Band; Visions of America/Joe Sohm custom videos.
27^th 2011	President George W. Bush	Emcee: Dennis Owens, abc27 Entertainment: Neil Wright Quartet; Cantate Carlisle; Erin Kelly
26^th 2010	Ted Koppel	Emcee: Dennis Owens, abc27 Entertainment: Dr Zoot; Steve Bridges (President Obama impersonator); Katherine Rossiter
25^th 2009	Condoleezza Rice	Emcee: Dennis Owens, abc27 Entertainment: Dr Zoot; Courtney Roy
24^th 2008	Mike Huckabee, Arianna Huffington	Emcee: Dennis Owens, abc27 Entertainment: Frank Caliendo; Dr. Zoot; Matt Lamb
23^rd 2007	Gen. Colin Powell	Emcee: Kim Lemon, WGAL Entertainment: Dr. Zoot; Ken Gehret Duo; Erin Kelly; Philadelphia Fife and Drum Corps
22^nd 2006	Lesley Stahl	Emcee: Kim Lemon, WGAL Entertainment: Second City; Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks; Courtney Roy
21^st 2005	General Hugh Shelton	Emcee: Kim Lemon, WGAL Entertainment: The Three Waiters; Ryan Traub; Egidio Faiella; The Verdi Band
20^th 2004	Sen. Bob Dole	Emcee: Kim Lemon, WGAL Entertainment: Steve Bridges (George Bush impersonator); PA Academy of Music Children’s Choir; The Mummers All-Stars
19^th 2003	Ben Stein	Emcee: Kim Lemon, WGAL Entertainment: The Philadelphia Fife & Drum Corps; Cantate Carlisle
18^th 2002	Tim Russert	Emcee: Kim Lemon, WGAL Entertainment: The Capitol Steps
17^th 2001	David McCullough	Emcee: Msgr. Andrew J. McGowan
16^th 2000	Mark Russell	Emcee: Msgr. Andrew J. McGowan
15^th 1999	Tim Russert	Emcee: Kim Lemon, WGAL
14^th 1998	Edward Rollins	Emcee: Andrew J. Sordoni III
13^th 1997	The Capitol Steps	Emcee: Rev. Daniel Gambet
12^nd 1996	Jim Morris	Emcee: Rev. Daniel Gambet
11^th 1995	Charles Osgood	Emcee: Rev. Daniel Gambet
10^th 1994	Dick Cheney	Emcee: Msgr. Andrew J. McGowan
9^th 1993	John McLaughlin	Emcee: Msgr. Andrew J. McGowan
8^th 1992	Mark Russell	Emcee: Msgr. Andrew J. McGowan
7^th 1991	Zbigniew Brzezinski	Emcee: Andrew J. Sordoni III
6^th 1990	Art Buchwald	Emcee: Msgr. Andrew J. McGowan
5^th 1989	The Capitol Steps	Emcee: Msgr. Andrew J. McGowan
4^th 1988	Mark Russell	Emcee: Msgr. Andrew J. McGowan
3^rd 1987	John Naisbett	Emcee: Msgr. Andrew J. McGowan
2^nd 1986	George Will	Emcee: Msgr. Andrew J. McGowan
1^st 1985	Sen. Howard Baker	Emcee: Drew Lewis