Welcome

Mark your calendars for October 4 and 5! We are pleased to announce the 12th Consumer Issues Conference with the theme of Consumer Financial Protection: Who’s In Charge?

Last year we had well more than 200 people attend Pills, Potions and Profits, October 5 - 7, 2011. Video from some speakers is currently available at http://wyocast.uwyo.edu/WyoCast/ under the tab of 11th Consumer Issues Conference. Slide sets from many speakers are available in PDF files on the speakers page, and audio recordings of many sessions will be available in the near future. See you in October!

We are the process of forming this year’s program. So far we are able to proudly announce these keynote speakers:

Why This Theme?

The financial crisis of 2008 continues to affect consumers today. That crisis led to several new laws, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, as well as the Credit CARD Reform Act of 2009. A new federal consumer protection agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, was launched in 2011, specifically to look out for consumers’ interests in the banking and financial sectors. Concurrent with the legal developments have been rapid advances in technology, especially in the banking area, where payments and money transfers are more likely to be by electronic or digital means, than by cash or check. In this area, industry practices and consumer protections are still being worked out. Many people planning for retirement or other goals saw their investments wiped out in the stock market crash of 2008, and so many consumers are cautious about investing or are seeking to re-educate themselves in this area. Debt collection, bankruptcy, and student loans are also pressing topics in the current financial climate. Foreclosure issues and residential mortgage loan reforms are still making headlines. All these topics and more will be covered in this year’s Consumer Issues Conference.

Important Dates

Look for information about reserving an information booth space and submitting an academic or project poster.

Fees and Registration

Registration is not yet open. Student participation is free.