945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
The International Conference on World War II is the premier adult educational event bringing together the best and brightest scholars, authors, historians, and witnesses to history from around the globe to discuss key battles, personalities, strategies, issues, and controversies of the war that changed the world. Joining the featured speakers are hundreds of attendees who travel from all over the world to learn and connect with each other through engaging discussions, question-and-answer periods, book signings, and receptions throughout the weekend.
Pre-Conference Symposium:
WWII Special Forces and Special Operations
Thursday, November 20, 2025
The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center
Madlyn and Paul Hilliard Conference Center,
Arcadia Ballroom, Second Floor
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6:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. |
Breakfast, Arcadia Terrace |
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8:00 a.m. – 8:05 a.m. |
Opening Remarks |
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8:05 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
The General Raymond E. Mason Distinguished Lecture on World War II: “US Special Operations Forces in World War II”
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9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. |
Break |
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9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. |
The OSS, SOE, and Jedburghs
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10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. |
Break |
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11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. |
Rangers in the Mediterranean: The Rest of the Story
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12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. |
Lunch, Arcadia Terrace |
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11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. |
The US Navy and Marines
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2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Break |
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11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. |
British Special Forces
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4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Closing |
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5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. |
Conference Opening Reception |
18th International Conference on World War II
Thursday, November 20, 2025
The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center
Madlyn and Paul Hilliard Conference Center,
Arcadia Ballroom, Second Floor
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5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. |
Opening Reception, Arcadia Terrace |
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6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
The Shultz Forum on World Affairs Opening Keynote
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Friday, November 21, 2025
The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center
Madlyn and Paul Hilliard Conference Center,
Arcadia Ballroom, Second Floor
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6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. |
Breakfast, Arcadia Terrace |
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8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. |
Special Agents
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9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. |
Break |
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10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |
Changing Tides: The US Navy’s WWII Transformations in People and Systems
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11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
Lunch, Arcadia Terrace |
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12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
Stalin
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1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
Break |
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2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. |
“Remember Us: American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom, and A Forever Promise Forged in World War II”
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3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. |
Break |
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3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. |
“Preserving the Legacy: WWII Around the World”
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4:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Closing Remarks |
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5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
Open House at The National WWII Museum: Reception and After-hours Gallery Visitation |
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6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. |
Optional / Additional Ticket Required: Frog Fathers 2 Dinner and Panel with Force Blue personnel |
Saturday, November 22, 2025
The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center
Madlyn and Paul Hilliard Conference Center,
Arcadia Ballroom, Second Floor
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6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
Breakfast, Arcadia Terrace |
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9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. |
Italy: Liberation and Occupation
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10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
Break |
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10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. |
The Holocaust and Victims of Nazi Prosecution
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11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. |
Lunch, Arcadia Terrace |
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12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. |
“Armies Afloat: How the Development of Amphibious Operations in Europe Helped Win World War II”
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1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. |
Break |
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2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
Fields of Glory: Football in World War II
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3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Break |
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4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
“Skies of Thunder”
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5:00 p.m. |
Closing Remarks |
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6:00 p.m. |
Closing Banquet in US Freedom Pavilion: Boeing Center |
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7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. |
“The Old Breed: The Complete Story Revealed”
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*Program is subject to change.
