Uniting America's Greatest Military and Middle East Minds
Every autumn, MEI convenes US Central Command's most distinguished leaders from the past two decades for a rich, off-the-record discussion about American security priorities and defense strategy in the Middle East.
Join us this year to connect with and gain insight from some of our nation's most experienced commanders at a time of heightened conflict across the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility.
Guests of Honor
More to be announced
Gen. John P. Abizaid, USA (Ret.)
8th Commander of U.S. Central Command
Former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Chairman of the Middle East Institute Board of Governors
Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., USMC (Ret.)
14th Commander of U.S. Central Command
MEI Distinguished Military Fellow
Gen. Joseph L. Votel, USA (Ret.)
13th Commander of U.S. Central Command
10th Commander of Special Operations Command
Member of the MEI Board of Governors
MEI Distinguished Military Fellow
David Ignatius (moderator)
Columnist, The Washington Post
Lead Sponsor
More Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Sponsors receive special ticket packages, priority table seating, post-reception VIP dinner access, and branding opportunities for you or your company.
Get in touch for more details:
Thomas Halvorsen
Associate Director, Corporate Relations
thalvorsen@mei.edu
202-785-1141 ext. 203
Past Event Sponsors
2024 Program
On October 13, 2024, MEI hosted its second annual CENTCOM Commanders Council Dinner at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. The evening featured a keynote address by Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, the 15th and current Commander of U.S. Central Command, followed by an off-record panel discussion with Gen. (ret.) John Abizaid, Gen. (ret.) Joseph Votel, Amb. Anne Patterson, and Mr. David Schenker.
2023 Program
On September 14th, 2023, MEI hosted its inaugural CENTCOM Commanders Council Dinner at its headquarters in Washington D.C. The dinner featured an off-record conversation with four former CENTCOM Commanders: Generals (ret.) Anthony Zinni, John Abizaid, Joseph Votel, and Frank McKenzie; as well as remarks from the current CENTCOM Director of Strategy, Plans, and Policy, Maj. Gen. Sean M. Salene.