The early activity underscores how Republicans, even at this early juncture, are starting to think about life after Trump. While the president’s reelection is the GOP's immediate priority, prominent figures in the party are beginning to position themselves for what’s next.

As they took the stage at the cavernous Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, the cast of potential 2024 hopefuls had different objectives. Some used their speaking time to trumpet the need to reelect the president and to echo an emerging Republican theme of 2020 that's enraptured attendees: The threat of a socialist takeover.

While Haley spoke about squaring off against socialist regimes during her tenure at the U.N., House GOP Conference Chairwoman Liz Cheney (Wyo), the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, gave a shout-out to a man in the audience who had escaped Fidel Castro’s rule in Cuba.

Others are taking steps to highlight pet issues or accomplishments. Pompeo, who delivered a speech Thursday, focused heavily on his record as secretary of state. He described his negotiations with foreign countries, including his work to free American hostages from North Korea, and the role he played in eliminating terrorist leaders. (The secretary of state had initially been slated to deliver the Friday evening keynote speech but his appearance was rescheduled earlier in the day.)

Freshman Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley, who's drawn buzz in GOP circles as a rising star in the party and potential presidential aspirant, is expected to talk about “the right path forward on big tech.” Cruz, who many believe will wage a second White House bid after falling short in 2016, used his appearance to record a live taping of his newly-launched podcast “The Verdict.”

Donald Trump Jr. is also on the conference speaker list, and some attendees were spotted carrying around his book. While many have floated the president's son as a prospective 2024 candidate, people close to him insist he has no interest.