Study Tour: An Inside Look at Public Affairs in Washington

Wednesday, October 11

9:00 a.m.  Introductory Session

Location: Public Affairs Council – 2121 K St. NW, Ste 900, Washington, DC 20037

We will begin the first morning of the Study Tour with an overview of the daily agenda, participant introductions and time for preliminary questions.

Alex Donovan
Associate, Public Affairs Practice
Public Affairs Council

9:30 a.m.  Why Public Affairs Matters

Location: Public Affairs Council – 2121 K St. NW, Ste 900, Washington, D.C. 20037

Public Affairs President Doug Pinkham will discuss the latest data and trends in public affairs as well as the biggest challenges facing the profession and how to navigate them.

Doug Pinkham
President
Public Affairs Council

10:15 a.m.  Transportation to Corporate Office

10:30 a.m.  D.C. at the Center of Global Public Affairs

Location TBD

Why is Washington key to global public affairs?  A corporate public affairs executive will share their insights on understanding and leveraging your company’s presence in D.C. Discussions will include successful strategies for engaging various stakeholders, resources you can put to use, and best practices for running your company’s global public affairs operations from Washington.

11:40 a.m.  Transportation to International Fresh Produce Association

12:00 p.m.  Lunch Session: A Visit with a Trade Association

Location: International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Offices – 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue NW #1100, Washington, DC 20006

Industry-specific trade associations are core to the public affairs landscape in Washington. This session will explore the benefits of belonging to a trade association and how membership can be leveraged to align with your public affairs goals.

1:30 p.m.  Transportation to AARP Offices

1:45 p.m.  A Visit with a Non-Profit

Location: AARP Offices – 601 E Street NW Washington, DC 20049

Non-profits play a large policy role in Washington and advocacy as a whole. Find out how these organizations are operating, messaging online, promoting their work and engaging with lawmakers and key stakeholders.

John Hishta
Senior VP, Campaigns
AARP

2:45 p.m.  Transportation to Akin Gump LLP

3:00 p.m.  Law and Public Affairs

Location: Akin – 2001 K St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20006

Public affairs professionals must navigate a complex framework of risk management and compliance obligations. However, laws, regulations and ethical standards are not always written clearly, implemented fully or enforced uniformly — especially in developing and transitioning economies. This session will feature an overview of U.S. lobbying, anti-corruption laws and regulations, and what you can expect ahead of presidential elections. Participants will have plenty of time to pose their questions to our panel of legal experts.

Ken Gross
Sr. Political Law Counsel & Consultant
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld

4:00 p.m.  Networking Happy Hour with Council Members

Location: TBD

We will close out our first day with a welcome happy hour and a chance to get to know speakers and your tour mates!

Thursday, October 12

9:00 a.m.  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives in the American Workplace

Location: Public Affairs Council – 2121 K St. NW, Ste 900, Washington, DC 20037

The Council’s DEI expert, Erica Harris, will discuss efforts that organizations are undertaking to include more members of historically underrepresented groups in public and government affairs.

Erica Harris
Manager, Social Impact Practice
Public Affairs Council

10:15 a.m.  ESG and Sustainability: How to Prepare for the Future

Location: Public Affairs Council – 2121 K St. NW, Ste 900, Washington, DC 20037

As investor and public expectations continue to place a greater emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria, ensure that you understand your own objectives for your public affairs goals. Our speakers will walk you through defining ESG, sustainability reports, the changing regulatory landscape as well as the politics and polling on these initiatives.

 Kevin Maley
Senior VP
VOX Global

11:00 a.m.  Coffee Break

12:00 p.m.  Lunch Session with Election Analysts

Location: Public Affairs Council – 2121 K St. NW, Ste 900, Washington, DC 20037

With a nationwide and presidential election year just around the corner, our panel of election experts will give you a rundown of what you and your organization will need to know ahead of November 2024. This session will provide an overview of US electoral trends and insights on the national and state levels with plenty of time for questions.

1:30 p.m.  Transportation to FiscalNote

1:45 p.m.  The Future of Technology and Public Affairs

Location: FiscalNote Offices – 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

As artificial intelligence, new software and emerging social media platforms dominate the headlines, it’s important to understand the new tools available to you. Our speakers will discuss the most recent digital trends in public affairs and share case studies of how global companies are using these tools to further their public affairs agendas in the United States and abroad.

Vladimir Eidelman
Chief Technology Officer & Chief Scientist
FiscalNote

Michael O’Brien
VP, Global Public Affairs
BSA | The Software Alliance

2:50 p.m.  Transportation to TBD

3:30 p.m.  A Visit with the News Media

Location: TBD

A visit to one of Washington’s key media outlets will answer pressing questions facing traditional players in a constantly changing media ecosystem. Discover what a news institution’s role is in the face of corporate consolidation, how journalism and communication are changing and how to leverage sponsored content and paid media.

4:30 p.m.  Transportation to Happy Hour-Networking Event with members

Friday, October 13

9:00 a.m.  Government Relations Ask Me Anything

Location: Public Affairs Council – 2121 K St. NW, Ste 900, Washington, DC 20037

How are relationships built with U.S. government contacts? What are best practices to keep in mind as you develop your organization’s advocacy and stakeholder engagement strategy? What’s on the horizon in the American political arena? Our panel of government relations experts will share insights on proven tactics for engaging D.C.’s toughest stakeholders and cover emerging trends within the advocacy arena on the federal, state and local levels.

 Ron Eidshaug
VP & Chief of Staff, Government Affairs
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Stephanie Reich
VP, State & Local Issues
Stateside Associates

10:30 a.m.  Working with Federal Agencies

Location: TBD

Engagement at the federal level is a must for a successful policy-driven public affairs function. Federal agency officials will discuss policymaking from an internal perspective, including insights on which other D.C. stakeholders are included in the process. Our speakers will also provide an overview of how the government builds relationships abroad and partners with the business community.

11:45 a.m.  Transportation to Air Line Pilots Association

12:00 p.m.  Lunch Session: Working with Embassies

Location: Air Line Pilots Association Townhouse – 304 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

Embassies are not just for getting visas. As key Washington stakeholders, they can be key to advancing organizational and public affairs initiatives. Hear from an embassy official who will share an overview of their day-to-day public affairs and diplomatic work, and how they engage with both U.S.-based and foreign companies.

Drew Felz
Director, Government & Public Affairs
The LEGO Group

Sofie Laurentzius Nielsen
Project Coordinator / Trade Department
Royal Danish Embassy

1:15 p.m.  Break

1:45 p.m.  How Congress Works: Dialogue with Hill Staff

Location: Air Line Pilots Association Townhouse – 304 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

Knowing how Capitol Hill works is key to understanding Washington. A panel of senior Hill staffers from the House and Senate will provide an overview of the Hill’s key actors, the legislative process and which policy-making trends you should be paying attention to. These staffers will also provide participants with an understanding of committee structure and procedure and what Capitol Hill engagement with other D.C. stakeholders looks like.

Alex B. Bolton
Chief of Staff
Office of Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis

Stacey Daniels
Communications Director
Office of Senator Cynthia Lummis

2:45 p.m.  Optional Group Tour of the Capitol

Location: Capitol Hill – First St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20515

A guided tour of the Capitol will include a brief orientation film and a walk through the Crypt, the Rotunda and the National Statuary Hall. The tour will begin and end at the Capitol Visitor Center and will be led by a Capitol Hill tour guide or congressional staffer.

4:45 p.m.  Optional Transportation to Public Affairs Council

5:00 p.m.  Adjourn