The Libertarian National Convention is held every two years by the United States Libertarian Party to choose members of the Libertarian National Committee, and to conduct other party business. In presidential election years, the convention delegates enact a platform and nominate the Libertarian presidential and vice-presidential candidates who then face the nominees of other parties in the November general election.
While most delegates to the Republican National Convention and the Democratic National Convention are tied to particular candidates, delegates to the Libertarian National Convention are free to choose, as was previously the case for the larger parties. Accordingly, Libertarian National Conventions place less emphasis on festivities and spinning the press, though some of each may be found. The complete convention is televised by C-SPAN with additional broadcast television coverage of the presidential nominating process. Perhaps the most interesting difference between Libertarian National Conventions and those of the Republican and Democratic parties in the United States is that the Libertarian Party has not and refuses to accept taxpayer money to pay for its convention. This is in keeping with Libertarian principles that taxation is coerced (i.e. not voluntary) and, therefore, theft; it is considered an "ethical violation" for a good Libertarian who adheres to the Non-Aggression Principle to knowingly commit theft. None of the above is always an option on all ballots.
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The first Libertarian National Convention was held in 1972 in Denver, Colorado. John Hospers and Theodora Nathan were nominated presidential and vice presidential candidates respectively. They received the first electoral vote won by a woman, cast by Roger MacBride.
The 1974 Libertarian National Convention adopted the Dallas Accord which sought to accommodate supporters of both anarcho-capitalism and minarchism.
The 2000 Libertarian National Convention was held in Anaheim, California, from June 30 to July 4. Harry Browne was again chosen as the party's presidential candidate, beating out Barry Hess, David Hollist, and Don Gorman, and becoming the first Libertarian Party candidate to run twice for President of the United States. Speakers included:
The theme of this convention was "America's Future: Liberty, Responsibility, & Community."
The 2002 Libertarian National Convention was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, from July 3 to 7. Speakers included former Libertarian Presidential candidate, Harry Browne.
The 2004 Libertarian National Convention was held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia Memorial Day weekend, May 27 to May 31. Michael Badnarik was chosen as the party's presidential candidate, beating out Gary Nolan and Aaron Russo on the third ballot; Richard Campagna was chosen as the party's vice-presidential candidate over Tamara Millay, and Michael Dixon was elected chair of the Libertarian National Committee. Speakers included:
The theme of the convention was "LIBERTY Works!"
The 2006 Libertarian National Convention was held at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower in Portland, Oregon, June 28 to July 3. Delegates chose (in a "retain or delete" vote process) to eliminate about three quarters of the specific planks in the party's platform[1] and to essentially overturn the Dallas Accord by inserting statements in the platform recognizing the legitimacy of government's role in protecting rights. This turn of events was referred to as the "Portland Massacre."[2]
The theme of the convention was Uniting Voters. According to the Libertarian Party, "Over the past year (or more), American voters have been breaking away from the two major parties and looking for a new home. At this year's convention we are highlighting this political migration while offering a new home to these 'dislodged voters.'" Speakers included:
The 2008 Libertarian National Convention was held at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel (formerly the Adam’s Mark Hotel) in Denver, Colorado (the same city as the very first convention in 1972), May 23–26.
The 2010 Libertarian National Convention was held in St. Louis, Missouri from Friday May 28 to Monday May 31.
The 2012 Libertarian National Convention is scheduled to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada May 4–6, 2012.[3][4]
The following is a list of United States Libertarian Party Presidential nominating conventions.
| Year | Location | Presidential Nominee | Vice Presidential Nominee |
| 1972 | Denver | John Hospers of California | Theodora Nathan of Oregon |
| 1975 | New York | Roger MacBride of Virginia | David Bergland of California |
| 1977 | San Francisco | N/A | N/A |
| 1979 | Los Angeles | Ed Clark of California | David Koch of Kansas |
| 1981 | Denver | N/A | N/A |
| 1983 | New York | David Bergland of California | James Lewis of Connecticut |
| 1985 | Phoenix | N/A | N/A |
| 1987 | Seattle | Ron Paul of Texas | Andre Marrou of Alaska |
| 1989 | Philadelphia | N/A | N/A |
| 1991 | Chicago | Andre Marrou of Alaska | Nancy Lord of Nevada |
| 1993 | Salt Lake City | N/A | N/A |
| 1996 | D.C. | Harry Browne of Tennessee | Jo Jorgensen of South Carolina |
| 1998 | D.C. | N/A | N/A |
| 2000 | Anaheim | Harry Browne of Tennessee | Art Olivier of California |
| 2002 | Indianapolis | N/A | N/A |
| 2004 | Atlanta | Michael Badnarik of Texas | Richard Campagna of Iowa |
| 2006 | Portland | N/A | N/A |
| 2008 | Denver | Bob Barr of Georgia | Wayne Allyn Root of Nevada |
| 2010 | St. Louis | N/A | N/A |
| 2012 | Las Vegas | TBA | TBA |