The 2011 Republican Leadership Conference held its 3-day conference in New Orleans, which brought 2,000 Republicans from around the country to listen to conservative officials, candidates, and activists, and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ronald Reagan. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich spoke about his plans for debating the president and the first steps he'd take if elected president. He outlined his economic, energy and social policies, while drawing upon historical references to past administrations.