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Signature Events

Learn and connect at our premier gatherings

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The solutions and community you need are at the profession’s signature gatherings. 

Join us at our signature events held in Washington D.C. and across the country throughout the year. These large, in-person gatherings are discounted for members and are the premier venues for sharing ideas and solutions with peers and learning the latest trends and strategies on everything from government relations and PAC management to grassroots and digital advocacy, and much more.

Public Affairs Institute

January 11-14, 2027
Laguna Beach, CA.

The Council’s flagship leadership program for senior-level public affairs professionals. For more than 40 years, we’ve brought together world-class faculty and top public affairs practitioners to address emerging political, economic, social and technology issues.

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The Public Affairs Institute combines a rigorous curriculum with small, carefully selected classes to provide participants with unmatched opportunities to learn directly from premier faculty. Speakers are issue experts from leading universities, think tanks and the top levels of government.

The Institute’s three-year course of study ensures that graduates gain an in-depth understanding of the pivotal issues in public affairs today. You will be immersed in an exceptional educational and networking environment renowned for its innovation and excellence.

The Institute curriculum is developed for public affairs executives by public affairs executives. Topics are chosen based on input from previous graduates about the challenges that they and their organizations face.

This annual program is held annually in January in California.

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The National PAC Conference

March 1-4, 2027
Marriott Harbor Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

The National PAC Conference is the foremost event for public affairs professionals seeking unparalleled learning and countless new connections in the PAC industry. The PAC Conference is the most comprehensive program available for political action committee (PAC) professionals.

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It combines essential skills training with cutting-edge sessions on fundraising, political strategy, communications and compliance. The conference is the annual destination for PAC and political affairs professionals, as well as other professionals who have PAC-related responsibilities.

This conference is held annually in February/March in various locations across the US.

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The Advocacy Conference

2027 Dates TBA
2027 Location TBA

The Advocacy Conference is the largest gathering of grassroots, communications, government relations and digital advocacy professionals in the country. The Public Affairs Council brings together practitioners, experts and consultants to discuss emerging trends, best practices and advanced strategies to move advocacy initiatives forward.

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Key to this conference are the strong community-building and networking opportunities where practitioners and consultants can gain new insights, discover and share ideas and make new connections.

This conference is held annually in the spring in various locations across the US.

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Spring Executive Conference

2027 Dates TBA
Washington, D.C.

The Council’s Spring Executive Meeting is a must-attend event for senior executives from top companies, associations, other nonprofits and consultancies.

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This meeting features high-level presentations and discussions about politics, business strategy and emerging issues in the public affairs profession. The Spring Executive Meeting is open to the Council’s nearly 200 board members as well as other senior-level public affairs executives.

This conference is held annually in the spring in Washington, D.C.

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Political Compliance Summit

Spring & Fall
October 15, 2026
Virtually & Washington, D.C.

One of the country’s most distinguished political law experts provides a full-day review of top legal and compliance issues affecting lobbyists, PAC professionals and grassroots practitioners.

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Complying with state and federal lobbying and PAC regulations is key to building a trusted and successful public affairs program. To confidently lead your PAC and advocacy programs, you need a fundamental understanding of political involvement compliance. This signature training program will cover what you need to know to keep your programs compliant.

This conference is held semiannually in the spring and fall in Washington, D.C. and virtually.

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Government Relations & Policy Conference

September 9-10, 2026
Amazon HQ2, Arlington, VA.

The Public Affairs Council’s Government Relations & Policy Conference is the foremost event bringing together practitioners, experts and consultants to discuss fundamentals, emerging trends and advanced strategies in local, state and federal government relations.

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Key to this conference are community-building and networking opportunities where practitioners and consultants can establish new connections and gain insights from each other.

This conference is held annually in the fall in Washington, D.C.

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D.C. Study Tour

2027 Dates TBA
Washington, D.C.

The D.C. Study Tour is a biennial, three-day program featuring interactive discussions and site visits designed to enhance participants’ understanding of public affairs from the Washington perspective.

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Attendees visit with decision makers from Capitol Hill and federal agencies; D.C. insiders in academia, journalism, foreign diplomacy and nonprofits; as well as “best in class” Council members, including consultants and trade associations. The Study Tour attracts attendees from all over the world.

This conference is held biennially in the fall in Washington, D.C.

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Fall Board Meeting & Leadership Summit

October 27 -29, 2026
Thompson Nashville, by Hyatt, Nashville, TN

Join fellow public affairs executives for this immersive conference to discuss high-level public affairs trends and challenges.

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The Fall Board Meeting and Leadership Summit is an expanded executive gathering that brings together Public Affairs Council Board members and senior public affairs leaders from across the Council membership.

This conference is held annually in the fall in various locations across the US.

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Tech Summit

Winter 2026
AT&T Forum, Washington, D.C.

The Tech Summit will equip public affairs professionals of all levels with the insights and tools needed to navigate the transformative impact of AI and emerging technologies on the future of our profession.

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The Summit brings together digital experts and experienced practitioners from Fortune 500 companies, influential advocacy groups and leading associations for a full day of idea sharing, networking, tactical skill building and access to the latest content.

This conference is held annually in the winter in Washington, D.C.

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Questions

Sam Kasner
Events Manager
202.787.5967 | [email protected]