Brussels Study Tour
22 & 23 June
Brussels
Brussels
The Brussels study tour is designed specifically for public affairs senior executives who want to gain a better understanding of the EU’s public affairs, advocacy, and lobby environment. Gain knowledge and connections necessary to effectively advocate for your interests within the EU.
Featured Topic
The study tour comprises visits to the main EU institutions, informal conversations with senior public officials and advisors, as well as briefing sessions by PAC experts and public affairs managers with a solid knowledge of interest representation in Brussels.
Who is it for?
Public affairs professionals working in the US, Europe or Asia with interest in the changing political and advocacy landscape in the EU. All sectors and industries are welcome as the program focuses on how-to’s, best practices, networking, and open discussion with professionals on the ground.
Topics include:
- How the EU works in practice
- Channeling your interests into the EU decision- and policy-making process
- The European Parliament elections — context, scenarios, impact
- Lobbying the EU from multiple perspectives:
- Meeting with senior corporate lobbyists
- Discussions with trade association directors
- Understanding EU-focused NGOs
- Meeting with European Commission, European Parliament and other officials/diplomats
- Media in Brussels: what to consider when engaging with journalists
- International organizations in Brussels: UN, World Bank, …
The study tour will take place immediately following the Brussels Forum, thereby enabling attendees to optimize their visit to Brussels.
Agenda
DAY 1
Welcome to the study tour
Introduction to the European institutional and policy/political framework
(with a focus on participants’ sectors and industries)
Venue: Public Affairs Council European office, Square Ambiorix 7, Brussels
- European institutions shaping policy making
- The EU policy cycle and how lobbying works in this context
- Stakeholders on national, EU and international level
- The role and influence of the European Commission (incl. EMA/EFSA/ECHA..)
- How to work with MEPs and the European Parliament
- Council of Ministers, European Council
- Example and case studies
Location: PAC/Ambiorix Center
Coffee break
Lobbying best practices: discussion
- Senior speakers from a leading consultancy and a headhunter agency
- “What have I learned after 20 years in Brussels?”
- “If you’re new to the EU advocacy space, here is what you need to know”
- Q&A
Location: PAC/Ambiorix Center
Sandwich lunch
Visit of a business association/chamber of commerce (TBC)
- Doing business in a European, transatlantic & global context
- Representing interests in Europe: lessons learned
Location: PAC/Ambiorix Center or hosted by speaker’s organization
Coffee break and walk to the European Parliament
Visit of the European Parliament and its premises, meeting with an MEP (TBC)
- Discussion on advocacy, lobbying, transparency
Location: European Parliament
Refreshment break
Dinner speaker, […], senior official from the European Commission
Location: TBC
DAY 2
How do non-profit organizations run advocacy campaigns?
- Examples, insights and best practice in lobbying and campaigning in Europe from the NGO sector
- How to engage constructively with NGOs
- Speaker: senior policy or communications officer from a Europe-based NGO
Location: PAC/Ambiorix Center or hosted by speaker’s organization
Corporate lobbying in Brussels: do’s and don’t
- Examples, insights and best practice in lobbying and campaigning in Europe from the corporate sector
- Planning your policy engagement in Europe
- Good practice and tips in managing global and European-based teams
- Speaker: public affairs executive from a large corporation
Location: PAC/Ambiorix Center or hosted by speaker’s organization
Coffee break
Influencing EU decision-making: the perspective of a trade association
- Examples, insights and best practice in lobbying and campaigning in Europe from the trade association sector
- Finding agreement among members and speaking with single a voice
- How can trade associations help non-European companies navigate the European regulatory landscape
- Speaker: senior executive from an European association
Location: PAC/Ambiorix Center or hosted by speaker’s organization
Lunch at AKT, Rue Archimède 15, 1000 Bruxelles (walking distance)
Lobby regulation in Europe – Engaging ethically and effectively
- Regulations applicable to lobbyists in Brussels
- Transparency, ethics and good practice
- Speaker TBC
Location: PAC/Ambiorix Center or hosted by speaker’s organization
Would you make a good lobbyist? Workshop in small groups
- Mapping issues, identifying stakeholders
Creating an advocacy plan and defining messages - Group work in teams
Location: PAC/Ambiorix Center
Goodbye cocktail
Event Location
Register
Register by 1 May 2023 and receive an early bird discount
Member early bird special: $950 (after 1 May 2023: $1,250)
Non-member early bird special: $1,350 (after 1 May 2023: $1,650)
Pricing (excl. VAT @ 21% where applicable):
We will follow up with you about payment within two working days.
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Contact Us
europe@pac.org | +32 476 63 95 03