Virtual Workshop
Future Forward Function: The Integration of Public Affairs
March 25, 2026
1:30 p.m.−3:45 p.m. ET
The public affairs landscape is undergoing a structural shift. As global PR conglomerates absorb boutique lobbying firms and private equity reshapes K Street, the traditional boundaries of the industry are vanishing. This workshop examines the impact of these market forces against the backdrop of increased integration of public affairs functions. Join us to map the future of the function and ensure your strategy stays ahead of the curve.
Please note that this workshop is off-the-record and will not be recorded.
1:30 p.m.
Welcome
1:35 p.m.
Investing in K Street and What it Means for Practitioners
In recent years, more investment firms have been purchasing lobbying and public affairs firms, while other firms have been consolidating. Our experts will discuss what’s behind this trend, why Wall Street is expanding its footprint on K Street and what this kind of investment means for the future of the profession.
In this session we will:
- Explore whether the acquiring of public affairs and lobbying firms by international conglomerates is new and why it matters
- Walk through whether outside private equity-ownership affects how firms guide and consult corporate and association clients
- Examine what this type of investment means for the practice of public affairs teams and the future of the profession
2:30 p.m.
Break
2:45 p.m.
Integrating the Public Affairs Function
Public affairs shouldn’t happen in a silo, but integrating the function to include other departments such as strategic communications, government relations, public policy, community engagement and more doesn’t happen overnight. Part two of the workshop will explore how the function has evolved over the past decade, what’s considered “best in class,” and how you can structure your team for success.
In this session, we will:
- Identify how the public affairs function has changed in recent years, including the impact of private equity investment
- Share case studies of teams who integrated the public affairs function across departments successfully and those who ran into pitfalls
- Forecast ongoing trends and what’s ahead for the public affairs function, including how the use of A.I. may impact teams
3:45 p.m.
Adjourn
This program is eligible for 2 credits toward the Certificate in Government Relations and Lobbying and 2 Core credits toward the Certificate in Public Affairs Management.
Register
Membership Plus: FREE
Members: $339
Nonmembers: $449
More Registration Info
Additional discounts may apply to this meeting. These discounts may include:
For multiple registrants: A discount will apply to the standard member/nonmember rate for organizations that register two or more participants for the same meeting. The first registrant will pay full price, the second participant will receive a 10% discount and each additional registrant will receive a 15% discount. To register multiple participants, you may either register online or download the print and fax registration form.
Member discounts: Discounts for members are applied to all Public Affairs Council meetings.
Nonmembers: Join the Council today, and save by registering at the member rate and using the $300 new-member coupon you will receive. Contact our membership team for information about joining the Council.
Questions? Contact us at 202.787.5950.
Questions
Anna Platt
Senior Manager, Government Relations Practice
202.787.5955 | [email protected]
Alex Donovan
Senior Manager, Global Affairs & Communications Practice
202.787.5978 | [email protected]