Virtual Workshop: Public Affairs Boot Camp

Tuesday, November 29

1:30 p.m.     Introduction to Public Affairs

In this opening session we’ll provide an overview of corporate public affairs, its importance and its evolving role in business.

You’ll gain a better understanding of:

• Why public affairs matters and its role
• Measuring the value of public affairs
• An overview of the major challenges facing the business community today, such as expectations for engagement in social issues, public affairs in times of polarization and more

Amy D. Meli
Senior Director
Public Affairs Council

2:20 p.m.     Government Relations and Lobbying

During this session we’ll explore government relations and lobbying in more detail. Hear how organizations engage in government relations on the federal and state levels as well as the role they play in the policymaking process.

Anna Platt
Senior Manager, Government Relations
Public Affairs Council

3:20 p.m.     Break

3:30 p.m.     Corporate Political Involvement: Introduction to PACs

Our speakers will provide an overview of how corporations and associations engage in political involvement through political action committees (PACs). We’ll discuss how PACs are structured, the basics of campaign finance as it applies to business PACs and an introduction to how PACs fit within an organization’s broader advocacy efforts.

Tori Ellington
Manager, PAC and Grassroots
Public Affairs Council

4:30 p.m.     Adjourn

Wednesday, November 30

1:30 p.m.     Grassroots and Digital Advocacy

Digital communications are increasingly integral to energizing grassroots and policy campaigns. This session will focus on how the business community uses digital and grassroots advocacy methods to engage in public policy and build support among key stakeholders.

Nick DeSarno
Director of Digital and Policy Communications
Public Affairs Council

2:20 p.m.     Sustainability and Social Impact through Public Affairs

What does it mean to champion sustainability efforts and social impact through public affairs? How do you identify inequities within policy initiatives and engage diverse groups of policymakers? Ensure your advocacy efforts are grounded in fairness and represent the needs of everyone your programs serve.

Erica Harris
Manager, Social Impact Practice
Public Affairs Council

3:20 p.m.     Break

3:30 p.m.     Corporate and Association Public Affairs

We’ll close the day by hearing directly from corporate and association public affairs professionals on how their organization structures and approaches public affairs and advocacy. They’ll share what they look for when hiring and partnering with consultants and firms, including how they measure success.

Tiffany Atwell
Senior VP, Global Government Relations
Ecolab

Chrissy Buteas
VP Government Affairs
Altice USA

4:30 p.m.     Adjourn