Study Tour: Inside Look at Public Affairs in Washington

9:00: Introductory Session

We will begin the first morning of the study tour with an overview of the daily agenda, participant introductions, and time for logistical questions.

9:30: Why Public Affairs Matters

The Council’s President will discuss the latest data and trends in the profession, the biggest challenges facing those working in public affairs, and how to manage them successfully.

10:30: DC at the Center of Global Public Affairs

Why is Washington key to global public affairs? A Council member will share her insights on understanding and leveraging your company’s presence in Washington D.C. She will discuss successful strategies for engaging various stakeholders, what type of resources are available to make your work more effective, and best practices for running your global public affairs operations out of Washington.

12:00: Lunch Session: Lobbying in Washington

What defines government relations and lobbying in the United States? This session will cover the essential terms you need to know to stay compliant with your public affairs plan in the U.S. at the federal and state levels. Participants will have plenty of time to pose their questions to Ken Gross, the Council’s compliance and lobbying expert.

2:00: A Visit with a DC Think Tank

Think tanks are an essential source of information in Washington. CSIS’s development staff will discuss the role of think tanks in a fast-changing political and economic environment, as well as the Center’s engagement with various global organizations and companies. Bill Reinsch, a senior expert in international business, will share his insights on the current trade and global business environment, as well as the implications for both U.S. and non-U.S. companies.

3:30: A Visit with the Embassy of Denmark

Embassies are not just got getting visas. As key Washington stakeholders, they are important to engage with for furthering organizational and public affairs initiatives. On our visit to the Danish Embassy, another Council member, staff will provide an overview of their day-to-day work and how they engage with both U.S. and foreign companies, as well as tips for leveraging embassy relationships in Washington.

9:00: Digital Communications and Advocacy

The Council’s lead expert on digital advocacy topics will discuss the growing area of digital public affairs, as well as social media best practices and successful examples of digital communication strategies.

10:30: A Visit with the National Retail Federation

Industry-specific trade associations are a key part of the public affairs landscape in Washington. A session with the National Retail Federation, a Council member, will explore the benefits of belonging to a trade association, and how membership can be leveraged to match your public affairs agenda goals. A communications expert with the NRF will also discuss the planning and execution successful advocacy campaigns.

12:00: Lunch Session: A Visit with the World Bank

This lunch session will include presentations by World Bank staff, which will cover the Bank’s history, its key initiatives, and how the institution is working to foster engagement with the private sector.

1:45: Visit with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative

Engagement at the federal level is a must for a successful and policy-driven public affairs function. But at what point in the policy-making process can the companies and associations engage in order to have the most impact? USTR staff will discuss policy-making from an international trade perspective, including insights on which other D.C. stakeholders are included in the process. Our speakers will also provide a general overview of which trends in global trade are most likely to affect your public affairs work.

3:15: Visit with the Washington Post

What is traditional media’s role in the face of fake news and a generally noise-filled media environment? A visit to one of Washington’s key media outlets will answer these questions, as well as how news communication is changing, and which trends are worth paying attention to.

5:00: Networking Happy Hour with Council Members
Location: National Association of REALTORS, 500 New Jersey Ave NW

9:00: Political Campaigns, PACs and Grassroots Strategy

How do political campaigns in the U.S. work? How do they differ from the federal to the state level? The Council’s lead expert on PACs and advocacy will explain political programming, fundraising and ways for organizations to become politically engaged. She will also provide an overview of emerging trends within the PAC and advocacy areas.

10:30: A visit with the U.S.- Russia Business Council

How can association and business council membership be leveraged in your public affairs work? Join our presenter to hear more about the U.S. – Russia Business Council’s operations, public affairs trends from a regional perspective, and how USRBC staff advises member companies in politically uncertain times.

12:00: Lunch Session: Metrics, Tech, and Government Affairs

Issues tracking and management is a key pillar of a strong external affairs function. It’s also a process that has evolved over time to adjust to more data, the 24-hour news cycle, and the rapid growth of global business. FiscalNote, one of the biggest tech employers in Washington, will share their insights on the intersection of metrics, tech and government affairs, as well as how the tools that can be utilized in your public affairs work have changed over the years.

1:45: How Congress Works: A Visit to Capitol Hill

Knowing how Capitol Hill works is key to understanding Washington. A Capitol Hill reporter from Axios will provide the group with an overview of the Hill’s various actors, the legislative process, and which policy-making trends you should be paying attention to ahead of the November elections. A senior committee staffer will also provide participants with an understanding of committee structure and processes, as well as what Capitol Hill engagement with other D.C. stakeholders looks like.

3:20: Optional Group Tour of the Capitol

A guided tour of the Capitol will include a brief orientation film, as well as a walk through the Crypt, the Rotunda, and the National Statuary Hall. The tour will begin and end at the Capitol Visitor Center, and will be led by a Capitol Hill tour guide.