Tuesday, Dec. 4

2 – 6 p.m. 

CSG Registration/Information Desk Open

 Wednesday, Dec. 5

7 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

CSG Registration/Information Desk Open

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

CSG Policy Academy: Promising Approaches for America’s Addiction Crisis
 (open to all registered national conference attendees)

Drug overdose deaths topped 54,000 in 2016, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. The addiction crisis cuts across policy domains: education and public safety. No community is immune from this disease. This one-day policy academy will explore strategies states are using to address America’s addiction crisis.

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

CSG Policy Academy: States Place their Bets
 (open to all registered national conference attendees)

In May, the U.S. Supreme Court in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association ruled unconstitutional the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, or PASPA. This ruling has immense policy implications for states. Some states, such as Delaware, New Jersey and West Virginia, expected the decision and moved quickly to legalize sports wagering. Other states are also moving quickly and are exploring the myriad issues Murphy will engender. State officials are looking for answers to questions about regulation, implementation, benefits to state budgets, social costs, tourism, and how emerging forms of gaming will impact more traditional modes like pari-mutuel wagering and state lotteries. Legislators and regulators have a steep learning curve to grasp emerging forms of gaming such as online betting, eSports, and in-game wagering, and how to craft consumer protection guidelines and not run afoul of the Interstate Wire Act of 1961 and other federal laws. This one-day policy academy will help state officials make sense of these issues and explore interstate compacts to develop state-driven solutions and forestall federal intervention.

9:30 – 10 a.m. 

Coffee Service
Complimentary coffee service will be available.

Noon – 1:30 p.m. 

CSG National Conference Committee Working Lunch
 (invitation only)

2 – 2:30 p.m. 

Coffee & Soda Service
Complimentary coffee and soda will be available.

2 – 5 p.m. 

CSG 21st Century Foundation
 (invitation only)

 Thursday, Dec. 6

7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

CSG Registration/Information Desk Open

7 – 8 a.m.

Buffet Breakfast

8 a.m. – Noon

CSG Leadership Council
 (invitation only)

8 a.m. – Noon

Stay at Work/Return to Work State Toolkit

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy’s State Exchange on Employment and Disability

States are grappling with unfilled vacancies in the public and private sector and employers are struggling to find employees to fill jobs. How can states assist in maintaining a strong workforce? CSG—in collaboration with U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy’s State Exchange on Employment and Disability, or SEED—will launch the Stay at Work/Return to Work State Toolkit and highlight the work of six state teams that have focused on the state as a model employer. This session will cover strategies states can adopt to help workers stay in or return to the workforce after acquiring a disability.

CSG Policy Academy: Using Science to Inform State Policymaking

(open to all registered national conference attendees)

State leaders increasingly face key policy decisions that rely on the understanding and use of scientific data. Such policy choices can often impact the health of the public and our stewardship of the environment. The absence of sound science in the policymaking process may hinder the deployment of effective policy or result in unintended consequences. This one-day policy academy will equip you with a foundation for understanding science-based evaluation and using science in the development of policy. Using the development of consumer products as the broad case study, you will learn about the scientific basis from which product development decisions are derived, the theories and practices employed to ensure safe consumer products, the lifecycle assessment of a product, and receive guidance on understanding sound science and how to be an informed user of scientific data.

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

CSG Policy Academy: The Intersection of Innovation & Infrastructure

(open to all registered national conference attendees)

Innovations in technology are changing the way we travel while presenting state leaders with an ever-expanding list of policy challenges. Autonomous vehicle and truck platoon testing as well as increases in electric and alternative fuel vehicles have significant policy implications in areas such as workforce development, data management, privacy, insurance, traffic safety, urban planning, transportation funding and environmental protection. State officials are also working with partners to build fiber and broadband networks to enable innovations including connected automation, all-electronic tolling, and smart city and intelligent transportation system technologies. This one-day policy academy will highlight many of these transportation and infrastructure innovations and what they mean for policymakers and invite participants to suggest policy options states might want to explore.

9:30 – 10 a.m.

Coffee Service

Complimentary coffee service will be available.

10 – 11 a.m.

Overcoming Social Inequalities with Technology Today

CSG Innovation Classroom presented by Esri Inc.

Could technology make a difference in how we respond to social inequities? Governments around the nation are faced with urgent issues like homelessness, blight and opioid addiction as well as adequate access to health care, veterans' services and transit. This session will explore how technology can bridge the gap between the resources and the services that we provide to the less fortunate, shortening the cycle to resolve inequities.
Technology like GIS, big data and analytics can help you
• Improve data collection and analysis.
• Address inequities by quickly communicating within your organization and with neighboring jurisdictions and the public for increased awareness and response.
• Develop solutions that result in more efficient services.
• Link performance measurements to guide iterative policy making.

11 a.m. – Noon

Understanding Gene Replacement Therapy

CSG Innovation Classroom presented by Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Gene replacement therapy is changing the way we see genetic diseases. By targeting faulty or missing genes, this innovation is creating a new world of opportunities. The goal of gene replacement therapy is to give the body a new working copy of the missing or faulty gene. Discover how this scientific advancement may help people with genetic diseases in the future.

Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Buffet Lunch

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Cybersecurity Preparedness for State Policymakers

CSG Innovation Classroom presented by Microsoft Corporation

Cybersecurity threats are on the rise. Not only has cybercrime become big business, but nation-state attacks are increasingly threatening everything from the electric grid to our elections infrastructure. In this session, you will learn about current cybersecurity threats and trends, and about what state governments can do to protect themselves and their constituents.

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

U.S. – Canada Breakout Session

Best Practices in Regional Cooperation

Along with international trade and investment, the United States and Canada share many subnational, regional and local partnerships across a variety of policy areas aimed at ensuring economic growth, security and increased productivity among both nations. This session will look at best practices in regional cooperation between states and provinces and new opportunities.

CSG Shared State Legislation: Part 1

Deadline for SSL docket submissions: September 27
Please contact Dan Logsdon at dlogsdon@csg.org with any questions.

Coffee & Soda Service

Complimentary coffee and soda will be available.

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Tobacco, Ebola and Public-Private Partnerships – Harnessing Innovation for Public Good and Economic Growth

CSG Innovation Classroom presented by RAI Services Company

Hugh Haydon will present a fascinating account of how Kentucky BioProcessing’s, or KBP’s, innovative use of tobacco plants helped save the lives of American missionaries infected with Ebola during the 2014 West Africa pandemic. Haydon will share how his background in economic development spurred KBP’s creation and emergence as a leader in using tobacco plants for biotechnology applications. And he will detail how public-private partnerships can identify and collaboratively commercialize untapped resources to drive economic growth.

2:45 – 4 p.m.

U.S. – Canada Breakout Session

Looking Ahead: New Opportunities to Strengthen Relations

The NAFTA renegotiations helped shine a spotlight on the relationship between the United States and Canada, including some key areas of contention. No matter the results of NAFTA, there will always be new opportunities and ways to strengthen bilateral relations. During this session, members will discuss lessons learned from the past year and highlight new opportunities and initiatives.

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

The Best Policy Tool for Sustainability – Building Energy Codes

CSG Innovation Classroom presented by Institute for Building Technology and Safety

This session will underscore the critical role of building codes in promoting all forms of energy and sustainability policy. Buildings are responsible for almost 40 percent of the energy we consume in the U.S., and close to 75 percent of the electricity. State governments have the unique opportunity to impact the effects of the built environment: not only on the environmental and air quality results of building practices, but also on the electric grid’s reliability and resilience. Learn how states can lead the way for their cities’ adoption of energy and green codes, and about the many best practices and resources available to you to better leverage this under-recognized tool.

4:15 – 5 p.m.

U.S. – Canada Breakout Session

U.S. Canada Relations

The United States and Canada not only share one of the strongest bilateral relationships, they also share the longest international border on the planet. It is reflected in the high volume of bilateral trade—more than $1.7 billion a day in goods and services, and about 400,000 people cross between the two countries every day. This session will look at the current relations, including the negotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, and subnational relations.

5 – 6 p.m.

Canada Reception

(open to all registered national conference attendees)

5 – 6 p.m.

Japan Local Government Center Reception

(open to all registered national conference attendees)

6:30 p.m.

An Evening at the Newport Aquarium

Special Guest: country music singer Carly Pearce

Join your colleagues for an evening at Newport’s famed aquarium featuring a performance by Carly Pearce, a CMT award-winning artist and Kentucky native, followed by a fireworks show. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Buses will load at 5:45 p.m. and depart at 6 p.m. from the Madison Street side of the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. Exit the convention center near the Starbucks to load the buses.

Friday, Dec. 7

7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Buffet Breakfast

Wake Up with WIG!

Presented by Women in Government (WIG)

(open to all registered national conference attendees) 

Join Women In Government for breakfast and learn what is on the horizon for WIG and women legislators in 2019! Hosted by WIG board chair, Colorado Sen. Nancy Todd, and WIG Executive Director Lucy Gettman.

8 – 9 a.m.

Using Technology to Create and Inform Your Opioid Strategy

CSG Innovation Classroom presented by Esri Inc.

The opioid crisis presents a complex problem that cannot be solved overnight. States, local governments and nonprofits all generate and collect a wealth of data. But, how can states be more proactive and use this data more effectively? Modern technology, combined with mapping and data analytics, provide a better way to turn this data into information and insight, help make better decisions when planning outreach and prevention programs, and raise public awareness and improve access to vital treatment services.

8 – 9:30 a.m.

The Future of Electrification: Impact on Grid Infrastructure

Presented by the CSG Energy and Environmental Public Policy Committee

Customer adoption of electric end-use technologies, including electric vehicles, heat pumps for space and water heating, and electric technologies in industry and heavy transportation, is expected to spur steady growth in energy consumption over the next 30 years. How will this oncoming “electrification of everything” reshape the power landscape? Energy experts will address this question by sharing their perspective on how widespread electrification might impact electricity demand and consumptions patterns, how the U.S. electricity system would need to transform, and what kind of policies and regulations will be needed to meet changes in demand from an electrified economy.

8 – 9:30 a.m.

Growing Green: Marijuana Policy Impacts on State Budgets

More than half of states have legalized marijuana for recreational or medicinal use. That’s a massive shift in public policy from just a decade ago. With this shift comes a slew of legislative, regulatory and fiscal questions for state policymakers to tackle. Growing Green: Marijuana Policy Impacts on State Budgets will provide an overview of the fiscal landscape for states including economic development through job creation and tax revenues as well as the impacts on state budgets. Attendees will hear from state officials involved in developing and overseeing these new regulatory structures to help inform other states on challenges with rollout and implementation.

8 – 9:30 a.m.

CSG Finance Committee

8 – 9:30 a.m.

NCIC Summit of the States: A Tested Solution to Today’s Policy Issues

This panel will examine the evolution and current use of interstate compacts, discuss the history of interstate compacts and examine the scope of interstate problems states now tackle through compacts, with a focus on occupational licensure compacts. Additionally, this panel will explore other forms of multistate cooperation and discuss why compacts are viewed as a superior solution to foster interstate cooperation, protect consumers and guard state sovereignty. As policymakers confront issues from health care delivery to infrastructure revitalization, interstate compacts allow states to work collaboratively across state lines to bring resolution to some of America’s most pressing issues with innovation and a unified voice.

9 – 10 a.m.

Understanding Gene Replacement Therapy

CSG Innovation Classroom presented by Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Gene replacement therapy is changing the way we see genetic diseases. By targeting faulty or missing genes, this innovation is creating a new world of opportunities. The goal of gene replacement therapy is to give the body a new working copy of the missing or faulty gene. Discover how this scientific advancement may help people with genetic diseases in the future.

9:30 – 10 a.m.

Coffee Service

Complimentary coffee service will be available.

10 – 11 a.m.

Tobacco, Ebola and Public-Private Partnerships – Harnessing Innovation for Public Good and Economic Growth

CSG Innovation Classroom presented by RAI Services Company

Hugh Haydon will present a fascinating account of how Kentucky BioProcessing’s, or KBP’s, innovative use of tobacco plants helped save the lives of American missionaries infected with Ebola during the 2014 West Africa pandemic. Haydon will share how his background in economic development spurred KBP’s creation and emergence as a leader in using tobacco plants for biotechnology applications. And he will detail how public-private partnerships can identify and collaboratively commercialize untapped resources to drive economic growth.

10 – 11:30 a.m.

Working Families and the Struggle to Find Early Care and Education
Presented by the CSG Education & Workforce Development Public Policy Committee

Finding and paying for child care is creating a crisis for American families. Parents are struggling to find child care and this can prevent them from engaging in the workforce. How can states address the challenges that families face and improve the access to high-quality, affordable child care? This session will cover the lack of child care options that families face and the way states are addressing this critical workforce issue.

10 – 11:30 a.m.

State Impacts of the Tax Cuts and Job Acts of 2017
Presented by the CSG Fiscal & Economic Development Public Policy Committee

The federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 created a new corporate income tax structure. Due to the late date of enactment of the federal law, most states will face the impact on state revenues and corporate tax changes during 2019 legislative sessions. Although the impact varies by state, all states with a corporate income tax face the same questions regarding conformity to the new federal tax law. This session will explore key issues, potential unintended consequences, and implications for economic competitiveness of conforming to the new federal corporate income tax. State tax policy experts from Ernst & Young, the Council On State Taxation, and MultiState Associates will share insights with state officials and will explore the issues, how states have responded to date, and options for state legislatures in 2019.
This session will also highlight the release of Cashless State
Governments: Electronic Collections & Benefit Disbursements, an update to a CSG report first published in 2007. Researchers from CSG’s partner, the University of Kentucky, will share with state officials key findings and analyses of the report.

10 – 11:30 a.m.

CSG Associates Advisory Committee

10 – 11:30 a.m.

NCIC Summit of the States: How State Collaboration Can Strengthen the Workforce

This panel will examine the how four professions have addressed interstate licensure reciprocity and portability. Panelists will explain the mechanism for interstate licensure mobility in their profession, why they believe interstate licensure mobility is important for their members, and the benefits of licensure and licensure portability for both professionals and the public.

10 a.m. – Noon

Book Pre-Sale: Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

Limited copies will be available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own copies as well. J.D. Vance will sign copies of the book following the luncheon.

11 a.m. – Noon

The Best Policy Tool for Sustainability – Building Energy Codes

CSG Innovation Classroom presented by Institute for Building Technology and Safety

This session will underscore the critical role of building codes in promoting all forms of energy and sustainability policy. Buildings are responsible for almost 40 percent of the energy we consume in the U.S., and close to 75 percent of the electricity. State governments have the unique opportunity to impact the effects of the built environment: not only on the environmental and air quality results of building practices, but also on the electric grid’s reliability and resilience. Learn how states can lead the way for their cities’ adoption of energy and green codes, and about the many best practices and resources available to you to better leverage this under-recognized tool.

Noon – 2 p.m.

Opening Luncheon

Keynote: J.D. Vance, investor, commentator and author of the #1 New York Times best seller Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

2 – 2:30 p.m.

Book Signing: J.D. Vance

Books will be available for purchase beginning at 10 a.m. Attendees may also bring their own copies of the book.

2 – 2:30 p.m.

Coffee & Soda Service

Complimentary coffee and soda will be available.

2 – 3 p.m.

Cybersecurity Preparedness for State Policymakers

CSG Innovation Classroom presented by Microsoft Corporation

Cybersecurity threats are on the rise. Not only has cybercrime become big business, but nation-state attacks are increasingly threatening everything from the electric grid to our elections infrastructure. In this session, you will learn about current cybersecurity threats and trends, and about what state governments can do to protect themselves and their constituents.

2:30 – 3:40 p.m.

NCIC Summit of the States: Over Here – States Work Together to Increase Opportunities for Military Families and Members

States are continually looking for ways to ease the burdens of military spouses deploying to new states and military service members transitioning to the civilian workforce. This panel will explore the policies that states are using to help military members and their families meet these challenges and how these initiatives may inform a broader approach to workforce mobility and state occupational licensure.

2:30 – 5 p.m.

Leading the Way in the Logistics Economy
Presented by the CSG Transportation & Infrastructure Public Policy Committee

The bus will leave promptly at 2:15 p.m. from the Madison Street side of the Northern Kentucky Convention Center.  Pre-registration is required. Please visit the CSG Registration and Information Desk for additional information.

Kentucky is in the top 10 states for logistics, which accounts for some 60,000 jobs at nearly 500 facilities across the commonwealth. UPS is one of several logistics companies with operations at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), which last year handled in excess of 1 million tons of cargo for the first time in its 70-year history. The UPS Global and Distribution Campus, which provides warehousing, distribution and e-commerce expertise to support retail/consumer goods, high-tech and health care clients, will host this committee session. Speakers will discuss the factors that propelled Kentucky to success as a logistics leader, the reason major logistics-oriented companies are choosing Kentucky to expand operations, how factors like the continuing rise of e-commerce are driving the logistics industry and what it all means for state policymakers and the future of transportation. Attendees will also receive a tour of the 2 million square foot UPS facility.

2:30 – 5 p.m.

CSG Election Cybersecurity Communications Mapping Initiative

In the news daily we see the threats to our elections and to our democracy. How should states communicate with the public in the occurrence of a cybersecurity event? CSG, in partnership with the Democracy Fund, will launch the CSG Elections Cybersecurity Toolkit for State and Local Officials. National experts on cybersecurity and elections will discuss the strategies in the Toolkit, and the eight state teams that were a part of the toolkit development will provide promising practices identified at the state level.

2:30 – 5 p.m.

Opioid Crisis: How States Have Financed Treatment

Presented by the CSG Health Public Policy Committee

In the face of the devastating opioid crisis, states are confronted with financing and regulating complex—and often disconnected—systems of services to treat opioid use disorder. A comprehensive, sustainable service system must include a robust mix of high-quality treatment for acute needs linked to long-term supports for care maintenance with wraparound supports. This session will provide an opportunity to hear from state leaders about the keys to creating and financing a high-functioning system to serve people with this disorder and their communities.

2:30 – 5 p.m.

CSG Henry Toll Fellow Alumni Event

(invitation only)

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

NCIC Summit of the States: The Nuts and Bolts – Administering Interstate Occupational Licensure Compacts

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of licensed occupations has risen from 5 percent of the U.S. workforce in the 1950s to about a quarter of the workforce today. Navigating the various state licensing processes can pose a significant challenge for workers due to different rules, regulations, fee structures and continuing education requirements. This panel will look at the rising use of occupational licensure compacts, particularly in the health care sector, to achieve professional licensure portability and reciprocity and the potential impacts on America’s workforce.

4:55 – 5:30 p.m.

NCIC Summit of the States: Legal Roundtable – The Year in Interstate Compact Law

In this session, NCIC will provide an annual review of interstate compact case law from the previous year and the potential impact for occupational licensure compacts. Recent court cases on both the state and federal level have shown that the interstate compact mechanism must interact with all three branches of state and federal government. Panelists will give an update on recent developments in the courts and explore the potential impact to interstate compact administration.

5 – 6 p.m.

CSG Henry Toll Fellow Alumni Reception
(invitation only)

5 – 6 p.m.

CSG Executive Committee Reception
(invitation only)

6 p.m.

Evening Event: MainStrasse Holiday Village

Designated as a national historic district, this 19th century German village features unique shops and entertainment options. Join us for a holiday-themed soiree featuring a German band and a dinner selection from six local restaurants, including a whole hog pig roast and a seafood bar.

Buses will load at 5:35 p.m. and depart at 5:50 p.m. from the Madison Street side of the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. Exit the convention center near the Starbucks to load the buses.

8 – 10 p.m.

SGAC Reception

(open to all registered conference attendees)

Gameworks at Newport on the Levee
1 Levee Way, #2130
Newport, Kentucky

Gameworks is approximately 1.5 miles from the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. Transportation not provided.

Saturday, Dec. 8

7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

7 – 8 a.m.

Buffet Breakfast

8 – 9:30 a.m.

CSG Campaign Against Hunger Service Project

In Kentucky, 1 in 5 children struggle with hunger. Bring your holiday spirit and join your colleagues in fellowship and fun as we pack meals for local distribution.

9:30 – 10 a.m.  

Coffee Service

Complimentary coffee service will be available.

10 - 11:30 a.m.

Federal Mid-Term Report: From POTUS to SCOTUS

Presented by the CSG Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

With the mid-terms elections over, state leaders are keeping a close eye on the priorities of the new Congress, the Trump Administration, and the Supreme Court. If the last two years is an indicator, there could be a variety of policies enacted in Washington that will have a major impact on state and local governments. The Intergovernmental Affairs Committee will hear from experts about what to expect from Washington, D.C. in the upcoming year, including from the Trump Administration, the 116th Congress, and the Supreme Court.

10 - 11:30 a.m.

Reducing the Prevalence of Behavioral Health Conditions in Jail

Presented by the CSG Interbranch Affairs Committee

Through a panel discussion, this session will focus on ways that state policymakers across systems can be responsive to key challenges and gaps that counties face in their efforts to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses and co-occurring substance use disorders in jails. The session will begin with a brief discussion to review how counties are using data to develop a clearer picture of their most pressing challenges, as well as needs that they have identified to pursue change through the Stepping Up Initiative—a national movement to mobilize local and state leaders to commit to reducing the number of people who have mental illnesses in jails. The Stepping Up Initiative was founded by the CSG Justice Center, the National Association of Counties, and the American Psychiatric Association Foundation. The remainder of the panel will serve as an opportunity to explore the range of ways that state policymakers can partner with counties to pursue statewide collaborative approaches to tackle this crisis.

10 a.m. - Noon

CSG Shared State Legislation: Part 2

Deadline for SSL docket submissions: September 27
Please contact Dan Logsdon at dlogsdon@csg.org with any questions.

10 a.m. – Noon

CSG Midwestern Legislative Conference Executive Committee Meeting

Noon – 2 p.m.

CSG 2018 Toll Fellowship Graduation and Luncheon
Commencement Keynote: astronaut Story Musgrave

Join us for the CSG 2018 Toll Fellowship class graduation and luncheon! For more than 30 years, the Henry Toll Fellowship has selected 48 of the nation’s top officials who represent all three branches of state government for a professional development experience unlike any other.
The keynote speaker for this event is NASA astronaut-scientist Story Musgrave, a veteran of six space flights. He was selected as a scientist-astronaut by NASA in August 1967. He completed astronaut academic training and then worked on the design and development of the Skylab Program. He was the backup science-pilot for the first Skylab mission, and was a CAPCOM for the second and third Skylab missions. Musgrave participated in the design and development of all Space Shuttle extravehicular activity equipment, including spacesuits, life support systems, airlocks and manned maneuvering units.

2 – 2:30 p.m.

Coffee & Soda Service

Complimentary coffee and soda will be available.

2:30 – 4 p.m.

CSG Executive Committee

5:30 p.m.

Evening Event: Cincinnati Boychoir

Aronoff Center

Reception to follow at the convention center

The Cincinnati Boychoir is one of the premiere professional boychoirs in the United States. Located in the urban arts core of Cincinnati at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, the boychoir reaches approximately 200 young men each year from more than 90 schools in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. The boychoir will perform their annual holiday extravaganza, Sing Me a Story: The Night Before Christmas. Special guests will read Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem The Night Before Christmas in English and Spanish as the members of the Cincinnati Boychoir--joined by superstar vocalist Kathy Wade--sing holiday favorites and new classics to help tell the story. 

Buses will load at 4 p.m. and depart at 4:15 p.m. from the Madison Street side of the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. Exit the convention center near the Starbucks to load the buses. Buses will depart the Arnoff Center at 7:30 p.m. and arrive at Northern Kentucky Convention Center for a reception featuring a performance by the Billboard chart-topping musical group The Isley Brothers.