We’re Here to Help You Manage Your World.
In fact, the Public Affairs Council is the leading international association for public affairs professionals. Both nonpartisan and nonpolitical, our mission is to advance the field of public affairs and to provide members with the executive education and expertise they need to succeed while maintaining the highest ethical standards.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., and with a Europe headquarter in Brussels, the Council is a prominent association in the U.S. and internationally.
Our Story
The Public Affairs Council was launched in 1954 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower convened a meeting of corporate executives to encourage them to become more active in their communities and in the political process.
Read more about our history
It’s All About Our Members
From Fortune 100 companies to nonprofits, the Council boasts a diverse membership that includes over 750 leading corporations, nonprofits, associations, consultancies and universities. These organizations represent nearly 13,000 individuals working in public affairs.
Read more about our members
Count on Our Expertise
The Council’s staff and members have direct experience in corporate and association public affairs management, lobbying, digital advocacy, global public affairs, corporate responsibility and ESG, PACs and campaign finance, crisis communication and a host of related functions. We also retain a political attorney to provide complimentary legal guidance.
Because of the Council’s research role, expertise and reputation for being nonpartisan, its leaders in Washington, D.C., and Brussels are quoted widely in the national and international media. Council leaders and staff are often called upon to addresses business, academic, government and association audiences throughout the world.
Programs & Services
Each year the Council hosts nearly 100 conferences, seminars, webinars, forums and social events.
Our signature conferences include The Advocacy Conference, the Public Affairs Institute, the National PAC Conference, the Government Relations & Policy Conference and the Digital Media & Advocacy Summit. Through our European office in Brussels, the Council provides expertise and programming to European professionals. Annual events such as the European Public Affairs Forum and European Digital Advocacy Summit draw top executives and experts in the region.
Read more about our programs, including our extensive research, certificates, and workshop and webinar offerings.
Advancing the Profession
In recent years, the Public Affairs Council has become renowned for its seminal research on digital politics, the role of business in society and corporate involvement in social issues.
Read more, including our annual Pulse Survey, Impact newsletter and the programs of the Foundation for Public Affairs.
Succeed with the Council
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More questions? View the brochure, FAQ or contact us.
Caryn Seligman
Senior Director
202.787.5966 | cseligman@pac.org
Communicate across divides. Expert-led sessions on capturing attention and rapid response strategies.