Council President and CEO Nneka Chiazor tackles one of the field’s toughest questions: how to quantify value in government relations. She breaks down how leaders can demonstrate ROI, win over the C‑suite and reframe their work as a measurable business asset.

How do you forecast an election built on uncertainty? Inside Elections’ Nathan Gonzales channels a Donald Rumsfeld tactic to map the 2026 midterms, weighing what’s locked in, what’s murky and what could still rewrite the story before ballots are cast.

Council experts Alex Donovan and Inês Reis Basto tackle two challenges in public affairs — keeping stakeholders informed amid nonstop news cycles and finding clarity in Europe’s complex policy environment. Their practical guidance turns both communication chaos and EU complexity into opportunities for stronger engagement and influence.

Anne Crews, vice president of public affairs at Mary Kay Inc., has spent her career with a focus on both politics and the business of beauty — from the Texas Capitol to the halls of Mary Kay’s global headquarters. She opens up about her path, the founder who inspired it, and what it takes to turn a company’s values into worldwide influence.

Should companies speak out — or stay out? A new Bentley University–Gallup survey finds Americans increasingly want business leaders to take a stand, though not on everything. Support for corporate activism is rising again, but employees still draw the line at issues outside an employer’s direct influence.

Track the newest career transitions in the public affairs field. Professionals have stepped into roles at DoorDash, AMD, Capital One and RWE Clean Energy, among others. See the full rundown of recent changes.

During the Council’s three-day D.C. Study Tour, attendees learned about public affairs from a Washington perspective, how decision-makers operate and, most importantly, how to stand in a perfect semi-circle for this photo.