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Brussels Public Affairs Forum 2024

19 June, 8:30am – 13:30pm CET Brussels

In-person

With elections being held in at least 64 countries around the world – representing a population of some 4 billion people – 2024 is potentially a year of momentous political change that will impact European and global politics for the years to come.In order to adapt to an evolving global landscape and diverging political priorities, businesses need to be better than ever before at anticipating risks, understanding international politics and managing a complex set of issues and stakeholders.

How can public affairs teams help their organizations navigate this complexity and deliver value?

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Building on the success of previous summits, the 2024 Brussels Public Affairs Forum will bring together corporate leaders, senior government officials, public affairs executives and engaging speakers from Europe and beyond to discuss political and business trends, best practice management approaches and impactful strategies to address some of the most pressing and cross-cutting issues of our profession.

The conference will explore key topics for the present and future of the public affairs function, such as:

  • The outcome of the European elections and likely scenarios for the future priorities – and individuals – that will shape EU politics and policy in the next 5 years
  • Navigating global risk – the geopolitics of the EU in election year
  • What an increasingly fragmented and polarized political landscape in Europe (and beyond) means for public affairs teams
  • Policy communication – The art of persuading and managing difficult conversations with audiences and stakeholders
  • Leadership and impact in global public affairs – best practice, case studies and advice from the EU, the US and beyond

Highlights of our 2023 conference

9:00 – 9:50

Keynote: “The Geopolitics of the EU in the Aftermath of the EU Elections”

The keynote session of the Brussels Public Affairs Forum will explore:

  • Geopolitical implications (for the EU and beyond) of the European elections of June 2024
  • Challenges facing the continent (and EU institutions in particular) in the aftermath of the vote

9:50 – 10:00

Networking break

10:00 – 10:50

Session 1: “Leadership in Public Affairs – Navigating an Evolving Political Landscape in Europe and Beyond”

Join this conversation with leaders of European and global organizations, who will discuss:

  • Challenges facing businesses in a year of intense (and potentially disruptive) political activity
  • The role public affairs leaders can play in helping organizations navigate uncertainty and shape business response to rising public expectations
  • How can companies collaborate with governments to address social issues and adapt to disruptive trends

10:50 – 11:00

Networking break

11:00 – 11:50

Session 2: “From Planning to Implementation – Insights and Lessons Learned on Delivering Successful Strategies in Brussels”

This session will explore some of the key strategic challenges facing public affairs professionals today:

  • Strategic planning in a context of political and business uncertainty – how to be flexible, adapt to disruptive trends, and manage political and reputational risks?
  • Implementing your public affairs strategy in Brussels and across Europe – insights and advice to manage teams, implement successful campaigns and collaborate across borders
  • Incorporating technology and innovative approaches in public affairs work

 

11:50 – 12:00

Networking break

12:00 – 12:50

Session 3: “Communicating and Building Alliances in an Increasingly Polarised International Landscape”

Join this panel discussion to hear from communication and public affairs leaders on:

  • How does a polarized political environment and public disinformation impact the way organizations communicate externally? How to collaborate with stakeholders with diverging perspectives?
  • How can alliances and coalitions enhance your chances of success in public affairs and communication, and how to manage them effectively?
  • Tactics and tools to engage with policy-makers and other stakeholders on challenging topics
  • How can organizations differentiate their communication in a context where attention is scarce?

12:50 – 13:30

Networking lunch

13:30

Adjourn

(in alphabetical order)

Andrea Chiarello
Head of EU Government Affairs
Pfizer

Camilla Martelli
Executive Director Public Affairs
Cefic

Charlotte van Velthoven
Director Public Affairs
Redcare Pharmacy

Emily Rees
President & CEO
CropLife International

Jill Craig
Senior Partner
Penta Group

João Sousa
Managing Director,
European Office & Global Practice
Public Affairs Council

Kasper Peters
Head of Communications
CCIA Europe

Lucinda Creighton
CEO
Vulcan Consulting

Mónica Vicente Cristina
Managing Director Brussels
Weber Shandwick

Paul Skehan
Vice President,
EU & International Government Affairs
PepsiCo

Thomas Boué
Director General for Policy – EMEA
Business Software Alliance, BSA

William Surman
Deputy Director General
FoodDrinkEurope

ACE Events

Sponsorship

Put your brand front and center at the Brussels Public Affairs Forum 2024. As a sponsor, you’ll have the opportunity to network with peers, reinforce existing relationships and develop new partnerships. Speaking and branded collateral opportunities are available.

Becoming a sponsor:

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Thank You to Our Premium Sponsor!

Register

Members: Free
Non-Members: $195 + VAT if applicable

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Learn how we collect, use and protect your information by reading our privacy notice at https://pac.org/prvacy-notice.

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Questions

Amanda Crafford
Program Assistant, European Office
+32 476.639.503 | [email protected]