CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - Democratic presidential hopefuls Howard Dean and Wesley Clark are among those attending the traditional New Year's retreat known as Renaissance Weekend.

The gathering, hosted by former U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain Phil Lader, brings together some of the leading minds and personalities in several fields for informal discussions and panel sessions. The weekend lasts through Jan. 1.

Lader said that President Bush and the other major Democratic presidential candidates were also invited. South Carolina's Democratic presidential primary is scheduled for Feb. 3.

The weekend began in 1981, but gained national attention after Bill Clinton, one of its longtime participants, was elected president. Clinton continued to attend during his two terms in the White House.

But politics isn't the main focus of the weekend, Lader says. Others attending are Peter Benchley, author of "Jaws"; David Trimble, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize; Dr. Ruth Westheimer, radio sex therapist.

Some discussion topics this year include "How Do America & Its Allies Succeed in Iraq," "The Life Sciences Revolution," "What California's Recall Election Tells Us About America," and "What You Never Knew About Hip-Hop."

Lader is proud of what the get-togethers have accomplished. He's happy that people of varied fields can put politics aside and create "a legacy of ideas and friendships that have fostered significant projects, ventures and public service."