Virtual Workshop: Public Affairs Boot Camp

9:30 a.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 macro public affairs challenges facing the business community today, such as expectations for engagement in social issues, public affairs in times of polarization and more

Nick DeSarno
Director of Digital and Policy Communications
Public Affairs Council

10:15 a.m. Government Relations and Lobbying

During this session we’ll explore government relations and lobbying in more detail. Hear first-hand from corporate and association lobbyists how their organizations engage in government relations on the federal and state levels as well as the role they play in the policymaking process.

Kelly Memphis
Senior Manager of Government Relations and Stakeholder Engagement Practice
Public Affairs Council

Ibn Akbar Salaam
Director, Federal Legislative Affairs
Waste Management, Inc.

11:15 a.m. Break

11:30 a.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.

Kristin Brackemyre
Director, PAC and Government Relations
Public Affairs Council

12:30 p.m. Lunch break

1:15 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.

Tori Ellington
Manager, PAC and Grassroots
Public Affairs Council

2:00 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.

David M. Schild
Founder & Managing Partner
Three Rivers Strategies

Megan Marcinko
Director of Government Affairs
American College of Radiology

3:00 p.m. Adjourn