Monday, September 27

6:00 p.m.
Networking Reception
Generously Sponsored By: Davies
Exchange business cards with new contacts and reconnect with peers as you begin sharing ideas for navigating the dynamic state and local landscapes.

www.daviespublicaffairs.com

Tuesday, September 28

8:00 a.m.
Networking Breakfast
Generously Sponsored By: State and Federal Communications, Inc.

8:20 a.m.
Welcome and Introductions
Learn how to get the most out of this seminar and meet other SGR participants.

8:30 a.m.
Which Level of Government is in the Driver's Seat? 
The influence state governments have in shaping domestic policies has grown dramatically during the last several years. Gain valuable insights into the constantly changing state-federal relationship so you can influence the debate:

• Plot the course of action most likely to be effective
• Be strategic about using your political action committee resources and forging relationships with outside constituency groups
• Keep abreast of trends and issues that may surface quickly and demand attention

Mark A. Holman
Partner
Ridge Policy Group LLC 

9:30 a.m.
Break

9:45 a.m.
Grasping Today's Biggest Compliance Issues
Get advice from leading political law expert Ken Gross at the height of election season on vital state and local regulations that affect your business. You'll also learn about trends in new laws. Critical topics include:

• Implementing a compliance program that addresses disparate state and local laws
• The increasing trend of local bodies placing regulations on your business
• Dealing with competitive internal pressures around gift and gratuities policies
• Complying with RFPs and lobbying disclosure requirements
• Contingent fee restrictions for sales staff who meet the "lobbyist" definition

Kenneth A. Gross
Partner
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom

10:30 a.m.
Seeking Legal Guidance Now?
This special Q&A session is designed to keep you within the law's boundaries. Unsure which states trigger procurement lobbying laws or what state-level disclosures exist after Citizens United? Come prepared with your organization's biggest compliance questions.

Kenneth A. Gross
Partner
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom


11:00 a.m.
Break

11:15 a.m.
Keeping Up with Pay-to-Play
Don't lose business because you don't understand complex pay-to-play laws. Learn ways to teach employees how to avoid risk so you can be confident that your compliance system works. Gain insights on:

• Which states and localities have, or are considering, pay-to-play laws
• Who is prohibited from making political contributions if your company contracts with a government entity
• Building sound compliance procedures that avoid some of the biggest pay-to-play risks

Elizabeth Bartz
President & CEO
State and Federal Communications, Inc.

Steven Tomasic
Vice President/Assistant General Counsel
JPMorgan Chase & Co.

12:15 p.m.
Regional Networking Luncheon
Generously Sponsored By: Multistate Associates

www.multistate.com

1:15 p.m.
Corporate Breakout: State and Local Staffing, Budgets and Goals
As best-in-class practitioners adapt to the tough fiscal and political climates, learn how they structure their programs, prioritize issues and create measurement tools. This session covers the qualities of effective state and local programs and how to expand your existing efforts.

• How can you define the success of your program to secure the financial support it requires?
• What does it take to build a proactive issues management system that looks ahead rather than reacting to crises?
• How do leading organizations structure their programs for the greatest impact and efficiency?

Brian J. Flaherty
Vice President, Government Affairs
Nestle Waters North America Inc.

1:15 p.m.
Association Breakout: Complex Questions for Chapter and Affiliate Management
This moderated session will help you strengthen your 50-state strategy by exploring the struggles inherent in meshing national goals with chapter priorities and discovering ways to build a better dialogue. You will exchange ways to better:

• Operate on a national scale by avoiding duplication and setting up complementary programs
• Establish communication channels that define a clear course of action
• Overcome the daily frustrations of association program management

2:15 p.m.
Break

2:30 p.m.
Managing Contract Lobbyists
When politics is local and debates are tactical, make sure you've got the right person for the job. Gain perspectives on hiring, managing and evaluating your outside lobbyists. Peers on both sides of the process will share how they approach this delicate relationship so you can determine which strategy best suits your organization.

• Is it better to tightly manage your contract lobbyists, or let them set priorities in the states they know best?
• What questions should you ask in the interview process?
• What steps should contract lobbyists take to ensure they meet the goals for which they were hired?

Ted Grindal
Partner
Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P.

3:45 p.m.
Break

4:00 p.m.
Become a Strategic Communicator
Former Minnesota Rep. John Himle will discuss the rising influence of public opinion and social media, as well as opportunities for using intense grassroots campaigns to communicate effectively with public officials. The way we communicate with legislators and stakeholders continues to evolve. Knowing when and how to use different tools will ensure your message breaks through the clutter.

John Himle
CEO
Himle Horner Incorporated

5:00 p.m.
Networking Reception
Generously Sponsored By: Forum Strategies & Communications, LLC

www.forumstrategies.com 

7:00 p.m.
Dine-Around (dinner at participant's expense)
Continue discussing today's favorite topics with seminar participants.
Wednesday, September 29

8:00 a.m.
Breakfast

8:30 a.m.
What the Elections and Redistricting Mean for State Policy Agendas
In this comprehensive political analysis, learn how different election outcomes will change the issues facing state legislatures. This session will go beyond election predictions by addressing what you must consider after dramatic shifts in political power. Your issue may not have been a priority for the legislature during the 2010 session, but with rapid change at the state and local levels, you'll want to prepare yourself for what's to come in the new political landscape. 

Michael Sargeant
Executive Director
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee

Adam Temple
Communications Director
Republican State Leadership Committee

9:45 a.m.
Break

10:00 a.m.
When Grassroots Is the Game Changer
Hear from players who knew when to call on key contacts, grassroots advocates and social media to achieve legislative victory. Robust organizations no longer rely only on their lobbyists and understand how fusing different approaches can lead to quick results. Learn practical tips such as:

• Deciding whether your Facebook friends or Twitter followers can fill grassroots roles
• How to create buzz around your issue that inspires advocates to get involved
• The best ways to train contacts to deliver your message and connect with legislators

11:15 a.m.
Break

11:30 a.m.
Issues Networking Luncheon
Generously Sponsored By: Stateside Associates

www.stateside.com
12:45 p.m.
Overcome a Polarized Environment by Engaging Coalitions
In today's competitive and unpredictable business environment, forming or joining a coalition can provide broad, deep support for your issues. What does it take to participate? Where does transparency fit in? You'll hear case studies from organizations that have successfully navigated this terrain, including:

• What to consider before engaging in coalitions
• How to best manage relationships internally and externally
• Tips on negotiating policy positions
• Overcoming management struggles and tactical disagreements

Brian Donohue
Director, Government Relations
H&R Block, Inc. 

Roger Harvey
Principal
Bose Public Affairs Group

2:00 p.m.
Local Opportunities with Complexities
You face complex issues when dealing with local government. Whether you're a veteran in the area or expanding to a new region, this practical analysis of emerging issues affecting municipal governments can help. You will better understand the fiscal, policy and political challenges ahead and where you can make the most impact.

Don Borut
Executive Director
National League of Cities

3:00 p.m.
Adjourn