Former VP Mike Pence to address Long Island Association business group in October

Former Vice President Mike Pence will be the keynote speaker at the Long Island Association’s fall luncheon on Oct. 29, the nonprofit business organization announced last week.

Pence, who said earlier this year that he would not endorse his former boss and two-time running mate, former President Donald Trump, will be interviewed by LIA president and chief executive Matt Cohen on his experiences in government and politics, and on his views of the 2024 presidential election.

The Tuesday event takes place one week before the Nov. 5 election.

"It is my privilege to meet with the Long Island business community at this prestigious event held by the Long Island Association," Pence said in a statement. "Our national economy and free market system depend upon business leaders such as those in the Long Island Association, and I look forward to discussing issues that are important to them."

The luncheon runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at a venue in Nassau County, the LIA said. The location has yet to be publicly announced due to security concerns and will be provided to registered attendees ahead of the event.

During the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, supporters of then-President Donald Trump made threats against Pence’s life for not rejecting the state-certified Electoral College results of the 2020 presidential election.

Pence suspended his short-lived 2024 bid for the Republican presidential nomination in October 2023.

"I am eager for the opportunity to discuss Vice President Pence’s unique federal experience with him and hear about his insights on significant issues impacting the United States at the Fall Luncheon," Cohen said in a statement.

"The LIA is proud to continue to offer the business community unparalleled opportunities to hear from speakers at the highest level of federal leadership," Cohen said.

The LIA declined to say how much the former vice president will be paid for his appearance. Registration for the event for nonmembers ranges from $650 for individual nonmembers up to $35,000 for official event sponsors.

The former vice president received $3.4 million from January 2022 through June 2023 for 32 speaking engagements, according to a financial disclosure form from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics. Speaking fees for non-university or college engagements typically ran from $80,000 to $120,000.

Pence, also a former Indiana governor, joins a long list of high-profile guests who have spoken at the annual business luncheon.

Previous keynote speakers include former Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush; former Vice Presidents Al Gore and Dick Cheney; English soccer superstar David Beckham; golf legend Jack Nicklaus; baseball Hall of Famers Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter; and former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell.

Former Yankees all-star Alex Rodriguez and former Giants defensive end-turned-media personality Michael Strahan have made virtual appearances in recent years.