Fall Board Meeting and Leadership Summit 2026

Fall Board Meeting & Leadership Summit

The Next Verse

An exclusive gathering of public affairs leaders shaping the next era of business, government, and community.

DatesOctober 27–29, 2026
LocationThompson Nashville · Nashville, Tennessee
Hosted byPublic Affairs Council
Attendees during a session
The gathering

Where consequential conversations find their next line.

The Next Verse is not a conventional public affairs conference. It's an intimate leadership gathering for people navigating geopolitical complexity, shaping stakeholder strategy, and building enduring enterprises.

Set against the contemporary energy of Nashville, the experience blends serious dialogue, gracious hospitality, and the creative spirit of a city built on original voices.

It's about possibility, leadership, and the future we're building together.

Executives from these organizations are already registered

Featured voices

Original voices. Consequential perspectives.

Lester Bagley
Tuesday
Lester BagleyEVP, Public Affairs · Minnesota Vikings
View bio
Adolpho Birch
Tuesday
Adolpho BirchChief External & League Affairs Officer · Tennessee Titans
View bio
Erin Swartz
Tuesday
Erin SwartzSVP, Brand Marketing · Tennessee Titans
View bio
Nathan Gonzales
Wednesday
Nathan GonzalesEditor & Publisher · Inside Elections
View bio
Jim McCann
Wednesday
Jim McCannFounder & Executive Chairman · 1-800-Flowers
View bio
Bhaskar Chakravorti
Wednesday
Bhaskar ChakravortiDean of Global Business · Fletcher School, Tufts
View bio
Jonathan Zucker
Wednesday
Jonathan ZuckerFounder and CEO · Democracy Engine
View bio
Lisa Osborne Ross
Wednesday
Lisa Osborne RossFormer CEO (U.S.) · Edelman
View bio
Natalie Hemby
Wednesday
Natalie HembyGRAMMY® Award Winning Songwriter
View bio
Michael Rogers
Wednesday
Michael RogersFuturist
View bio
Jessica Yellin
Thursday
Jessica YellinFounder · News Not Noise
View bio
Ellie Shaw
Thursday
Ellie ShawDirector, Federal Government Affairs · American Express
View bio

More voices will join the verse.

Additional signature speakers, featured voices, and Nashville experiences will be announced as the program develops.

The set list

A carefully composed three-day experience.

The program will continue to evolve as signature speakers and experiences are confirmed.

Verse One · Tuesday, October 27

Leadership Summit Begins

12:00–1:30 pm

Registration

2:00 pm

Behind the Brand: Leadership, Community & Public Affairs in Professional SportsConfirmed

Lester Bagley, Minnesota Vikings
Adolpho Birch, Tennessee Titans
Erin Swartz, Tennessee Titans

3:30 pm

Nissan Stadium TourConfirmed

6:00 pm

Welcome Reception & Dinner — The Analog at the Hutton Hotel

Verse Two · Wednesday, October 28

Understand the Shift

9:00 am

Main Stage: Nathan GonzalesConfirmed

Nathan Gonzales, Inside Elections

10:15 am–12:00 pm

Stage 1 and 2Confirmed

Jim McCann, Founder & Executive Chairman · 1-800-Flowers
Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business · Fletcher School, Tufts
Jonathan Zucker, Founder and CEO · Democracy Engine
Lisa Osborne Ross, Former CEO (U.S.) · Edelman

12:00–1:00 pm

Main Stage: Lunch with Award Winning SongwriterConfirmed

Natalie Hemby, GRAMMY® Award Winning Songwriter

1:00–2:00 pm

Stage 1 and 2

2:00–3:00 pm

Main Stage: Michael RogersConfirmed

Michael Rogers, Futurist

3:00–4:30 pm

Closed Board Session

6:30 pm

Recognition Dinner

8:00–11:00 pm

Evening Gathering

Verse Three · Thursday, October 29

Shape What's Next

8:00–9:00 am

Main Stage: Jessica YellinConfirmed

Jessica Yellin, Founder · News Not Noise

9:00–10:30 am

Closed Board Session

Program, speakers, and timing are subject to refinement as the convening approaches.

Location & Hotel

Thompson Nashville, by Hyatt

Thompson Nashville, by Hyatt

Register

Rate after Oct. 1
$1,800
Early Bird (Register by Oct. 1)
$1,500

Register by October 1 to save!

Sign Up Now

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.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation deadline for full refund is October 6.
Cancellations received between October 7 and October 17 will be charged a $200 administrative fee.
Cancellations received between October 18 and October 22 will receive a 50% refund.
No refunds or credits will be granted on or after October 23.

Please visit our Conference Policies page for a full breakdown.

Questions?

Ann Cothran

Ann Cothran

Director, Executive Affairs

202.787.5970 | Contact Ann