One of the things here in DC is that I get to go for many conferences and seminars all for free... I took a number of times off work to go for them. They were all eye openers...
Cato Institute
The Cato Institute is a renowned think tank.... The seminar I went for is regarding a book where the author advocates for minimal government intervention in the US economy... Conservative classical economist.... It is my first experience... Unfortunately I was a 1/2 hour late due to work and miss much of the talk.
Brookings
Brookings, another renowned think tank... this time it is about eradicating poverty in africa... the talk was interesting and i got more knowledge of how developed countries are in some way harming developing countries in giving aid... particularly, by fluctuating in their grants... this makes it hard for african leaders to plan their economy. One of the speakers suggest that a little certain amount with a a buffer variation will be helpful in planning. Above all the interesting talk, what is important is that they all have free food!!!:p