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Agenda


8:30 AM – 09:15 AM

Networking Breakfast

09:15 AM – 10:15 AM

Beyond Stakeholder Management: How Polarization is Reshaping Public Affairs

Speakers:
Ben Schroeter, Director | Global Economic Policy & Strategic Engagement, Booking.com – EU
Matthis Kaiser, Partner, FGS Global

We are polarized. As an electorate. As a society. And, increasingly, as consumers. Our worldview permeates our every decision: where and how we live, what products we consume, which brands we support, and which ones we avoid. For companies, polarization can be a source of value creation (think Nike, Oatly), or a fundamental risk to success (think Disney, Budweiser). In this new environment, the public affairs function has an opportunity – and duty – to move beyond traditional stakeholder management and guide firms’ strategic choices and product developments.

This session will show how companies can reimagine public affairs to systematically leverage the forces of polarization to enter new markets, stave off competition, and build lasting competitive advantage. This session will introduce a new, intuitive framework that can be used to identify where to play and how to win in an age where market and political forces blend.

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM

Networking Break

10:30 AM – 11:15 AM

Mapping the Policy Landscape: Harnessing State and Local Trends for Strategic Public Affairs

Speaker: Jonathan Scharff, Senior Director | Insights & Strategic Planning, Avoq

Dive into the complexities of monitoring state and local policies across all 50 states. This session will equip you with the tools to track and analyze policy trends, helping you to understand how bills move from conversation to legislation. Jonathan will also explore how to effectively communicate these insights to stakeholders, ultimately shaping a more strategic and proactive public affairs and lobbying program. Additionally, you’ll gain insights into how political activity shifts during election seasons and how to adapt your strategies accordingly. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your public affairs efforts with data-driven insights.

11:15 AM – 11:30 AM

Networking Break

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

The Dual Role of AI in Lawmaker Engagement

Speaker: Eric Storey, Director of Grassroots and Digital Advocacy, American Bar Association

Join Eric Storey from the American Bar Association for an exploration of how AI is revolutionizing lawmaker engagement. Eric will discuss how organizations are using AI to scale their outreach while Congress is using advanced tools to manage the influx of messages. Plus, learn strategies for overcoming common leadership objections to implementing AI in your organization. Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve or just curious about the intersection of AI and advocacy, this session will equip you with the insights needed to navigate this evolving space.

12:15 PM – 01:15 PM

Networking Lunch

01:15 PM – 02:00 PM

Navigating Political and Reputational Risk: Insights from Advising Corporate PACs

Speaker: Andrew Swick, Managing Director of Political and Reputational Vetting, Gravity Research

Join Andrew Swick from Gravity Research for an exploration of the evolving landscape of corporate PACs and the strategies they are employing to navigate political and reputational risks. Drawing on his experience working with 50 of the largest corporate PACs in Washington, DC, Andrew will discuss key trends in fundraising and giving, as well as how PACs are adapting their strategies in response to emerging risks. This session will cover the development of early warning systems, monitoring statements from members of Congress, and election planning to safeguard your organization’s reputation. Learn how to benchmark financial performance, understand the shifts in PAC behavior, and prepare your organization for the complexities of the upcoming election cycle. Whether you’re involved in PAC management or interested in the broader implications of political risk, this session offers critical insights to keep your organization ahead of the curve.

02:00 PM – 02:15 PM

Networking Break

02:15 PM – 03:00 PM

Maximizing Impact: Data-Driven Strategies for Grassroots Advocacy

Speaker: Andrew Holt, Grassroots Advocacy Director, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors

In the rapidly evolving landscape of grassroots advocacy, leveraging data is key to amplifying your impact. Join Andrew Holt as he explores how data-driven strategies can transform your advocacy efforts, from targeting the right audiences to crafting compelling messages that resonate. This session will cover the latest tools and techniques for collecting and analyzing data to inform your campaigns, ensuring that your grassroots initiatives are not only effective but also scalable. Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide actionable insights to help you harness the power of data and drive meaningful change.

03:00 PM – 03:15 PM

Networking Break

03:15 PM – 04:00 PM

Breaking Down Silos: Collaborative Strategies for Long-Term Advocacy Success

Speakers:
Lark Lewis, Senior Manager of Creative & Digital Strategies
Sarah Yergeau, Senior Manager, Campaigns, National Women’s Law Center

Uncover collaborative strategies that drive successful long-term advocacy campaigns. This session will focus on how the National Women’s Law Center break down silos between teams, ensuring seamless communication and alignment across departments. By overcommunicating and fostering collaboration, they create a unified approach to campaigns, which incorporates digital content, on-the-ground tactics, and stakeholder engagement. Learn how to implement a “smarter not harder” strategy in your organization, leveraging cross-departmental insights to maximize the impact of your advocacy efforts and keep your team aligned on shared goals. This session is perfect for anyone looking to enhance internal collaboration and drive sustained advocacy success.

04:00 PM – 06:00 PM

Happy Hour

8:30 AM – 09:15 AM

Networking Breakfast

09:15 AM – 10:15 AM

What We’re Watching: Energy, Healthcare, and Tech in 2024 and Beyond

Speakers: Axios Pro Journalists

Join top Axios Pro journalists as they dive into the latest trends shaping energy, healthcare, and technology. This expert panel will offer sharp insights into the evolving energy market, shifts in healthcare, and cutting-edge tech innovations. Stay ahead of key developments in 2024 with actionable takeaways for professionals and policymakers navigating these dynamic industries. Join Axios Pro’s expert reporters for a discussion of the biggest issues in health care, energy and tech policy, what’s likely to get done before the end of this Congress, and what might happen next year depending on the outcome of the elections.

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM

Networking Break

10:30 AM – 11:15 AM

Leading with Civility: Guiding Organizations Through the Political Landscape

Speaker: Emily M. Dickens, J.D., Chief of Staff, Head of Government Affairs and Corporate Secretary, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

In today’s polarized environment, civility is more than just a nicety—it’s a strategic imperative, especially for organizations involved in the political process. Join Emily M. Dickens, Chief of Staff, Head of Government Affairs, and Corporate Secretary at SHRM, as she shares SHRM’s innovative approach to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace. This session will delve into the role of civility in corporate advocacy, including grassroots efforts, PACs, and GOTV campaigns. Emily will also explore what leaders should consider during an election cycle and how to maintain a respectful dialogue while encouraging executives and teams to be vocal about issues that matter. Whether you’re leading a grassroots team or managing a corporate office, this session will provide you with actionable strategies to promote civility and enhance your organization’s political engagement.

11:15 AM – 11:30 AM

Networking Break

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

TBA

12:15 PM – 01:15 PM

Networking Lunch

01:15 PM – 02:00 PM

TBA

02:00 PM – 02:15 PM

Networking Break

02:15 PM – 03:00 PM

TBA

03:00 PM – 03:15 PM

Networking Break

03:15 PM – 04:00 PM

TBA

04:00 PM – 06:00 PM

Happy Hour