
2020 National PAC Conference Agenda
Learning Tracks to Guide Your Experience

Compliance
Navigate and recognize top legal and compliance concerns for PAC professionals.

Fundraising & Political Engagement
Hear top trends and strategies for increasing receipts and maximizing political involvement.

PAC Management
Come away with best practices for managing internal operations and program management.

Professional Growth
Continue your personal growth, leadership development and career advancement.
Sort the Agenda / Click on a tab
Sunday, March 1
Registration Opens
2:30 p.m.
Pre-Conference Workshop: PAC Management Essentials
3 p.m.
Whether you are new to the PAC profession or looking to reevaluate your program, join us for this pre-conference session covering essential strategies regarding compliance, planning and PAC management best practices.

Ginger Baldwin
External Planning Analyst
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Kristyn Royster
PAC Director, Political Affairs & Federation Relations
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
@kristynalysse
Pre-Conference Insights Session: Breakouts by PAC Eligible Class Size
4 p.m.
You’ve asked for more time to network and share ideas with your peers — we’ve delivered! We’ll kick off the breakout sessions by divvying up attendees among industry and PAC size. Through speed-dating style topics, you’ll meet new contacts as well as share successes, challenges and ideas.
Mentor Cohort Meet-Up
4:45 p.m.
Participating in the mentor program? Meet your cohort! Start your networking early and get key tips on how to make the most of your conference experience.
Welcome to Miami: Networking Reception
5-7 p.m.
Thank You To Our Brand Sponsors
Platinum
Mobile App
Premier
Supporter
Monday, March 2
Registration and Networking Breakfast
8 a.m.
Opening General Session: The 2020 Election: A Look Ahead with Nathan Gonzales
8:30 a.m.
The Public Affairs Council’s Senior Political Analyst and Inside Elections Editor and Publisher Nathan Gonzales will share his perspective on the upcoming 2020 presidential and congressional elections, including insights to guide PAC practitioners’ analyses on the races followed by audience Q&A.

Nathan Gonzales
Editor and Publisher
Inside Elections
@nathanlgonzales
Networking Break
9:45 a.m.
Breakout Workshops
10 a.m.
Disbursement and Giving Strategies: Weighing the Pros and Cons
There are more options than ever for your PAC disbursements — from directly supporting campaign committees and leadership PACs to party committees, building funds, convention activities, debt-retirement and more. Our speakers will weigh the pros and cons of these strategies, including considerations for PACs based on size, objectives and giving guidelines.

Kevin Cameron
Director, NMHC PAC
National Multifamily Housing Council

Ethan Easterwood
PAC Manager, Government Affairs
Leidos Holdings, Inc.
Solicitation Writing Workshop
Whether it’s for a solicitation letter, talking points for your PAC champions or a video script, we all struggle with new language to promote our PACs. In this interactive session, breakout groups will dissect a standard solicitation letter to improve the message and make it more engaging. A facilitator will provide expert tips on creating compelling solicitations and share strategies for showing the value of your PAC in a way that will excite and motivate your eligibles to join.

Amie H. Adams
President
Dunn Associates
@mammaloves
Corporate PAC Compliance Overview
Ensuring your PAC operations, communications and activities are compliant is the foundation of a successful program. An election law expert will provide a comprehensive legal overview for corporate PACs. This session will cover basic campaign finance rules for operating a PAC, defining and soliciting your eligible class and other topics specific to corporate PAC compliance.

Kenneth Gross
Partner
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom
@SkaddenArps
Networking Break
11 a.m.
Breakout Workshops
11:15 a.m.
Overcoming the PAC Plateau: Reinvigorating your Program
Have your PAC receipts or participation rates stagnated? Do you have legacy programs or campaigns that just aren’t working any longer? In this session, hear from practitioners who have reinvigorated their PAC program when it faced decline, restructuring or other hurdles. Learn how to breathe new life into your PAC, including strategies for overcoming internal resistance or dismantling longstanding activities.

Jewelyn Cosgrove
Director, Federal Government Affairs
Healthcare Distribution Alliance
@JCLobby

Meredith McNeely
PAC Manager
Raytheon Company
Compliance Essentials for Mergers, Acquisitions, Spin-offs and More
An increasing number of organizations are facing these challenges. This roundtable discussion, led by a legal expert, will outline the related legal and compliance concerns when merging, disbanding or acquiring PACs, including best practices in navigating organizational transition.

Brendan B. Adams
Senior PAC Manager, Global Government Affairs
Kraft Heinz Company

Charles Ricciardelli
Counsel, Political Law
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom
@SkaddenArps
Accomplishing Big Things with a Small Team
Not only do PAC professionals juggle many responsibilities, benchmarking data also demonstrates that budgets and staffing levels continue to stay flat. During this session, learn how practitioners with a small — or one-person — team grew their PAC programs and accomplished goals with limited resources.

Heather deNecochea
Manager of Political Advocacy
California Credit Union League

Jessica Naake
Senior Manager, Policy & Government Relations
Deloitte LLP
Networking Lunch
12:15 p.m.
Resource Marketplace Opens
1 p.m.
Meet the top PAC compliance, fundraising and management vendors and consultants in the industry’s largest marketplace.
The Laywer Is In: Individual Legal Advice Sessions
1 p.m. -2 p.m.
A compliance expert will be available to address your unanswered legal questions. Sign up for a 15-minute slot at the registration desk.

Kenneth Gross
Partner
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom
@SkaddenArps
Breakout Workshops
1:30 p.m.
Corporate PAC Insight Session
Connect with your PAC peers to address common struggles, and share best practices while engaging in a rapid-fire exchange of ideas.
Corporate PAC topics will include: handling international CEOs or reluctant senior leadership teams, connecting with a solicitable class scattered throughout the country and providing onboarding or new hire education efforts.
Association PAC Insight Session
Connect with your PAC peers to address common struggles, and share best practices while engaging in a rapid-fire exchange of ideas.
Association PAC topics will include: prior approval challenges, onboarding new members, working with state associations and strategies for soliciting member companies.
Networking Break
2:30 p.m.
Breakout Workshops
2:45 p.m.
Association PAC Compliance Overview
Ensuring your PAC operations, communications and activities are compliant is the foundation of a successful program. Hear from an election law expert who will provide a comprehensive legal overview for association PACs. This session will cover basic campaign finance rules for operating a PAC, defining and soliciting your eligible class, securing prior authorization and other topics specific to association PACs.

Michael Toner
Chair & Partner, Election Law & Gov’t Ethics Practice
Wiley Rein LLP
@michaeletoner
Achieving PAC Success within International Organizations
Promoting PAC support and participation is often a challenge within foreign-owned corporations, multi-national associations or organizations whose senior leadership is largely comprised of foreign nationals. PAC professionals with experience navigating these complexities will speak to strategies they’ve used to achieve PAC success and growth.

Gary Whidby
Manager, Government & Industry Affairs
Zurich North America
@GWhidby

Meredith White
Vice President, Corporate Responsibility, PAC Manager
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
PAC Content Best Practices for Infographics, Websites, Videos and More
Looking to build and distribute creative content for your PAC to better explain its purpose and impact? Learn how to make your website, slide decks or reports more engaging through:
- Building a content strategy that advances your PAC efforts and leverages the best messages for both educating and soliciting
- Best practices for creating and managing your content
- Trends and strategies in content creation and distribution

Jennifer Brooks
PAC Manager
Northrop Grumman

Lisa Strikowsky
Senior Government Affairs Manager
T-Mobile US
Moderated by:

Kelly Memphis
Manager, Gov’t Relations & Stakeholder Engagement Practice
Public Affairs Council
@PACouncil @kelly_memphis
Networking Break
3:45 p.m.
Breakout Workshop
4 p.m.
Growing and Evolving Your Role
Regardless of your career level, it’s always important to think ahead, accept new challenges and push yourself to continue evolving as a professional. Whether you’re looking to secure a raise or promotion or move into a new role altogether, this session will provide insight into communicating your value, demonstrating your worth and taking control of your career advancement.

Caitlin Donahue
Senior Vice President & Head of Digital
Curley Company
@cdonahuedc

Matt Meehan
Director, US Gov’t Relations & Public Affairs
Lead, Pfizer PAC
Pfizer Inc.
@m50germ
Successful PAC Peer-to-Peer Programs
A strong peer-to-peer program is one of the best ways to grow PAC receipts, recruit new members and create excitement around PAC engagement. Finding champions to promote your PAC and help develop successful programs doesn’t happen overnight. Join our speakers to discuss challenges and solutions, such as:
- Tactics for launching a peer-to-peer program or enhancing an existing program
- How to find, recruit and train the right champions while keeping them motivated and engaged

Katherine Keener-Crowder
Manager, Regulatory Affairs-ENPAC
Entergy Services, Inc.

Susan Sullivan
Director, Congressional & Political Affairs
American Financial Services Association
Networking Reception and Resource Marketplace
5-6:30 p.m.
Participating Exhibitors Include:
Tuesday, March 3
Networking Breakfast
8:00 a.m.
General Session: Building and Maintaining Loyalty Through Influence and Negotiation
8:30 a.m.
At the heart of success, PACs must attract donors to return each year and make significant investments over the course of their careers. This keynote session will explore a new understanding of gaining influence and deploying successful negotiation tactics both to advance organizational and your personal professional objectives.

Margaret A. Neale
Adams Distinguished Professor of Management, Emerita
Stanford University – Graduate School of Business
@maggieneale
Networking Break
9:30 a.m.
Breakout Workshops
9:45 a.m.
Association PAC Insight Session
Connect with your PAC peers to address common struggles and share best practices in a rapid-fire exchange of ideas.
Association PAC topics will include: prior approval challenges, onboarding new members, working with state associations and strategies for soliciting member companies.
Corporate PAC Insight Session
Connect with your PAC peers to address common struggles and share best practices in a rapid-fire exchange of ideas.
Corporate PAC topics will include: working with international CEOs or reluctant senior leadership teams, connecting with a solicitable class scattered throughout the country and providing onboarding or new hire education efforts.
Networking Break
10:45 a.m.
The Lawyer Is In: Individual Legal Advice Sessions
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
A compliance expert will be available to address your unanswered legal questions. Sign up for a 15-minute slot at the registration desk.

Kenneth Gross
Partner
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom
@SkaddenArps
Ask a PAC Pro
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Sit down one-on-one to brainstorm ideas, seek advice or network with an experienced PAC professional. Members of the Council’s PAC Leaders Group will be on hand to help provide guidance or share ideas.
Breakout Workshops
11:00 a.m.
Ask Me Anything: Great Ideas from a Panel of Experts
A panel of PAC professionals representing corporate and association PACs of all sizes will answer audience questions and share their best ideas. This rapid-fire session will encourage both the panelists and audience to share experiences, challenges and everything in between — whether that’s a big idea that led to major change or one that fell flat. Come prepared with questions of your own!

Victoria J. Adams
Senior Manager, Political Affairs
Target Corporation

Jewelyn Cosgrove
Director, Federal Government Affairs
Healthcare Distribution Alliance
@JCLobby
Moderated by:

Kelly Memphis
Manager, Gov’t Relations & Stakeholder Engagement Practice
Public Affairs Council
@PACouncil @kelly_memphis
Evaluating and Selecting Products, Vendors and Consultants
For many PACs, hiring consultants or purchasing products can be a significant investment, in budget and staff time. Hear from managers with experience navigating product and vendor options, evaluating results and making changes along the way to create successful partnerships and achieve desired outcomes.

Jennifer Stong Flemming
Senior Director, NABPAC
National Association of Broadcasters

Mark Reilly
Vice President, Government Relations
Cision Government Relations
@CisionGRPAC
Compliance Roundtable: Managing Corporate Contributions Effectively
Benchmarking data shows 48% of responding corporations report making state-level corporate contributions in states where it’s permissible. PAC professionals often manage their company’s state-level corporate contributions in addition to the PAC. Join a roundtable discussion of your peers, led by an election law attorney, on strategies for managing compliant PAC and political giving across jurisdictions and determining where to focus your corporate dollars.

Madison Eggert-Crowe
Senior Director, Political Affairs
Comcast Corporation

Melissa Miles
Counsel
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom
@SkaddenArps
Ask a PAC Pro
Noon - 1 p.m.
Sit down one-on-one to brainstorm ideas, seek advice or network with an experienced PAC professional. Members of the Council’s PAC Leaders Group will be on hand to help provide guidance or share ideas.
Breakout Workshops
12 p.m.
How-To: Hire Top-Tier Talent
As you progress in your career, you’ll likely become more involved in or responsible for hiring talent for your team. Identifying the right person for the job is often not as easy as it seems. Hear from both an expert and a practitioner on strategies for finding, hiring and empowering top-tier talent.

Meghan Everngam
Vice President, BUILD-PAC & Government Affairs
National Association of Home Builders
@mever42

Lisa Ryan
Senior Vice President
Heyman Associates
Political Reputation Management
There’s never been a more important time to discuss navigating potential controversy and reputational risk. Hear from experts on how to prepare for controversy surrounding political support, including prepping senior leadership, PAC boards and others internally. Additionally, hear case studies on how organizations have responded to media and stakeholder scrutiny of PAC contributions.

Ellen Locke
PAC Manager
Nationwide

Julie Vieburg
PAC Manager, Government Relations
Land O’ Lakes, Inc.
Moderated by:

Nick DeSarno
Director of Digital and Policy Communications
Public Affairs Council
@ndesarno
Compliance Roundtable: Raffles, Sweepstakes and Other Incentives
Incentivizing PAC participation through events, rewards and experiences is increasingly effective for many PACs. However, there are a series of considerations, including state and local gift laws, specific to activities such as raffles and sweepstakes PACs must comply with. An election law expert will provide a detailed overview of implementing these activities, including:
- A review of participation requirements and related legal considerations
- The key differences between raffles and sweepstakes and how to structure them
- How to determine the right approach for your PAC

Michael E. Toner
Chair & Partner, Election Law & Gov’t Ethics Practice
Wiley Rein LLP

Hannah Truslow
Director, Political Fundraising Development
Credit Union National Association, Inc.
Boxed Lunch and Mentor Cohort Meet-Up
12:45 p.m.
Outstanding PAC Awards Reception
5:45 p.m.
Join us for an evening of celebrating excellence in the PAC community.
Outstanding PAC Awards Ceremony
6:45 p.m.
Join us as we announce and honor the recipients of the 2020 Outstanding Association and Corporate PAC Awards. The Council’s certificate program recipients will also be recognized at this annual awards gala.
Wednesday, March 4
Networking Breakfast
8:30 a.m.
General Session: Corporate Political Involvement Fireside Chat
9 a.m.
As the presidential and congressional races heat up, corporate PACs and political involvement remain a popular soundbite for candidates to rally around. This heightened rhetoric against organizations participating in the political process continues to present challenges in educating stakeholders about the role of PACs. This fireside chat will explore both the challenges and opportunities PACs are facing in this environment, including strategies to mitigate common misconceptions about PACs and future trends in corporate political engagement.

Micaela A. Isler
Executive Director
NABPAC
Moderated by:

Nick DeSarno
Director of Digital and Policy Communications
Public Affairs Council
@ndesarno
Networking Break
10 a.m.
Breakout Workshops
10:15 a.m.
PAC and Government Relations: Tips for Excelling at Both
Does your portfolio include both PAC and lobbying responsibilities? Do you sometimes feel torn between devoting enough attention to both areas? This session will provide tips and strategies for working effectively in both arenas, including how to add a lobbying or policy focus to your existing PAC role.

John Mason
Senior Manager, Political Programs & Research
Altria Client Services Inc.

Sarah Milligan
Director, Political Affairs and ADPAC
American Dental Association
Creative Solutions: We Couldn’t Do This, But Instead We Did This…
Managing a PAC naturally requires creative thinking and problem solving. While internal and external restrictions often limit us, the best PAC managers are challenged to think differently to implement their ideas. This conversation will provide direct examples from practitioners of how they altered or tweaked their original ideas to find success with alternative solutions.

Carolyn H. Morrison, M.P.A.
Manager, PAC & Grassroots
Dominion Energy

Gabrielle Woodard
Government Affairs Coordinator
Northrop Grumman
Data Management: Integration and Clean-Up for Effective Outreach
One of the greatest burdens on PAC administration is managing records and data to ensure you have the most accurate information for your eligible population. The integrity of your records and database is not only crucial for effective outreach, but also for ensuring and maintaining PAC compliance. Whether you inherited inaccurate data and don’t know where to start or you’re simply looking to better integrate efforts within your membership or grassroots activities, our speakers are here to help.

Fred Braun
Director, Data Services
DDC Public Affairs
@DDCAdvocacy

Erik Koeppen
Assistant Director, Policy and Government Affairs
American Nurses Association
Networking Break
11:15 a.m.
Closing General Session: Outstanding PAC Award Recipient Showcase
11:30 a.m.
Hear from the association and corporate recipients of the 2020 Outstanding PAC awards. Get inspired by these PAC practitioners taking creative approaches to campaigns and fundraising. In this closing general session, you’ll hear directly from the winners on the strategies and tactics they implemented to achieve success.
Adjourn
12:30 p.m.
Thank you for attending!
Save the date for our 2021 conference at our NEW location:
February 21 – 24, 2021 at the JW Marriott, Austin, Texas
2019 speakers included:
Sunday, March 1
Registration Opens
2:30 p.m.
Pre-Conference Workshop: PAC Management Essentials
3 p.m.
Whether you are new to the PAC profession or looking to reevaluate your program, join us for this pre-conference session covering essential strategies regarding compliance, planning and PAC management best practices.

Ginger Baldwin
External Planning Analyst
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Kristyn Royster
PAC Director, Political Affairs & Federation Relations
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
@kristynalysse
Monday, March 2
Breakout Workshops
10 a.m.
Corporate PAC Compliance Overview
Ensuring your PAC operations, communications and activities are compliant is the foundation of a successful program. An election law expert will provide a comprehensive legal overview for corporate PACs. This session will cover basic campaign finance rules for operating a PAC, defining and soliciting your eligible class and other topics specific to corporate PAC compliance.

Kenneth Gross
Partner
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom
@SkaddenArps
Networking Break
11 a.m.
Breakout Workshops
11:15 a.m.
Compliance Essentials for Mergers, Acquisitions, Spin-offs and More
An increasing number of organizations are facing these challenges. This roundtable discussion, led by a legal expert, will outline the related legal and compliance concerns when merging, disbanding or acquiring PACs, including best practices in navigating organizational transition.

Brendan B. Adams
Senior PAC Manager, Global Government Affairs
Kraft Heinz Company

Charles Ricciardelli
Counsel, Political Law
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom
@SkaddenArps
Breakout Workshops
2:45 p.m.
Association PAC Compliance Overview
Ensuring your PAC operations, communications and activities are compliant is the foundation of a successful program. Hear from an election law expert who will provide a comprehensive legal overview for association PACs. This session will cover basic campaign finance rules for operating a PAC, defining and soliciting your eligible class, securing prior authorization and other topics specific to association PACs.

Michael Toner
Chair & Partner, Election Law & Gov’t Ethics Practice
Wiley Rein LLP
@michaeletoner
Achieving PAC Success within International Organizations
Promoting PAC support and participation is often a challenge within foreign-owned corporations, multi-national associations or organizations whose senior leadership is largely comprised of foreign nationals. PAC professionals with experience navigating these complexities will speak to strategies they’ve used to achieve PAC success and growth.

Gary Whidby
Manager, Government & Industry Affairs
Zurich North America
@GWhidby

Meredith White
Vice President, Corporate Responsibility, PAC Manager
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Tuesday, March 3
Breakout Workshops
11:00 a.m.
Compliance Roundtable: Managing Corporate Contributions Effectively
Benchmarking data shows 48% of responding corporations report making state-level corporate contributions in states where it’s permissible. PAC professionals often manage their company’s state-level corporate contributions in addition to the PAC. Join a roundtable discussion of your peers, led by an election law attorney, on strategies for managing compliant PAC and political giving across jurisdictions and determining where to focus your corporate dollars.
Benchmarking data shows 48% of responding corporations report making state-level corporate contributions in states where it’s permissible. PAC professionals often manage their company’s state-level corporate contributions in addition to the PAC. Join a roundtable discussion of your peers, led by an election law attorney, on strategies for managing compliant PAC and political giving across jurisdictions and determining where to focus your corporate dollars.

Madison Eggert-Crowe
Senior Director, Political Affairs
Comcast Corporation

Melissa Miles
Counsel
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom
@SkaddenArps
Breakout Workshops
12 p.m.
Compliance Roundtable: Raffles, Sweepstakes and Other Incentives
Incentivizing PAC participation through events, rewards and experiences is increasingly effective for many PACs. However, there are a series of considerations, including state and local gift laws, specific to activities such as raffles and sweepstakes PACs must comply with. An election law expert will provide a detailed overview of implementing these activities, including:
- A review of participation requirements and related legal considerations
- The key differences between raffles and sweepstakes and how to structure them
- How to determine the right approach for your PAC

Michael Toner
Chair & Partner, Election Law & Gov’t Ethics Practice
Wiley Rein LLP

Hannah Truslow
Director, Political Fundraising Development
Credit Union National Association, Inc.
Wednesday, March 4
Breakout Workshops
10:15 a.m.
Data Management: Integration and Clean-Up for Effective Outreach
One of the greatest burdens on PAC administration is managing records and data to ensure you have the most accurate information for your eligible population. The integrity of your records and database is not only crucial for effective outreach, but also for ensuring and maintaining PAC compliance. Whether you inherited inaccurate data and don’t know where to start or you’re simply looking to better integrate efforts within your membership or grassroots activities, our speakers are here to help.

Fred Braun
Director, Data Services
DDC Public Affairs
@DDCAdvocacy

Erik Koeppen
Assistant Director, Policy and Government Affairs
American Nurses Association
2019 speakers included:
Sunday, March 1
Registration Opens
2:30 p.m.
Pre-Conference Workshop: PAC Management Essentials
3 p.m.
Whether you are new to the PAC profession or looking to reevaluate your program, join us for this pre-conference session covering essential strategies regarding compliance, planning and PAC management best practices.

Ginger Baldwin
External Planning Analyst
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Kristyn Royster
PAC Director, Political Affairs & Federation Relations
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
@kristynalysse
Pre-Conference Insights Session: Breakouts by PAC Eligible Class Size
4 p.m.
You’ve asked for more time to network and share ideas with your peers — we’ve delivered! We’ll kick off the breakout sessions by divvying up attendees among industry and PAC size. Through speed-dating style topics, you’ll meet new contacts as well as share successes, challenges and ideas.
Monday, March 2
Opening General Session: The 2020 Election: A Look Ahead with Nathan Gonzales
8:30 a.m.
The Public Affairs Council’s Senior Political Analyst and Inside Elections Editor and Publisher Nathan Gonzales will share his perspective on the upcoming 2020 presidential and congressional elections, including insights to guide PAC practitioners’ analyses on the races followed by audience Q&A.

Nathan Gonzales
Editor and Publisher
Inside Elections
@nathanlgonzales
Breakout Workshops
10 a.m.
Disbursement and Giving Strategies: Weighing the Pros and Cons
There are more options than ever for your PAC disbursements — from directly supporting campaign committees and leadership PACs to party committees, building funds, convention activities, debt-retirement and more. Our speakers will weigh the pros and cons of these strategies, including considerations for PACs based on size, objectives and giving guidelines.

Kevin Cameron
Director, NMHC PAC
National Multifamily Housing Council

Ethan Easterwood
PAC Manager, Government Affairs
Leidos Holdings, Inc.
Solicitation Writing Workshop
Whether it’s for a solicitation letter, talking points for your PAC champions or a video script, we all struggle with new language to promote our PACs. In this interactive session, breakout groups will dissect a standard solicitation letter to improve the message and make it more engaging. A facilitator will provide expert tips on creating compelling solicitations and share strategies for showing the value of your PAC in a way that will excite and motivate your eligibles to join.

Amie H. Adams
President
Dunn Associates
@mammaloves
Corporate PAC Compliance Overview
Ensuring your PAC operations, communications and activities are compliant is the foundation of a successful program. An election law expert will provide a comprehensive legal overview for corporate PACs. This session will cover basic campaign finance rules for operating a PAC, defining and soliciting your eligible class and other topics specific to corporate PAC compliance.

Kenneth Gross
Partner
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom
@SkaddenArps
Breakout Workshops
11:15 a.m.
Overcoming the PAC Plateau: Reinvigorating your Program
Have your PAC receipts or participation rates stagnated? Do you have legacy programs or campaigns that just aren’t working any longer? In this session, hear from practitioners who have reinvigorated their PAC program when it faced decline, restructuring or other hurdles. Learn how to breathe new life into your PAC, including strategies for overcoming internal resistance or dismantling longstanding activities.

Jewelyn Cosgrove
Director, Federal Government Affairs
Healthcare Distribution Alliance
@JCLobby

Meredith McNeely
PAC Manager
Raytheon Company
Accomplishing Big Things with a Small Team
Not only do PAC professionals juggle many responsibilities, benchmarking data also demonstrates that budgets and staffing levels continue to stay flat. During this session, learn how practitioners with a small — or one-person — team grew their PAC programs and accomplished goals with limited resources.

Heather deNecochea
Manager of Political Advocacy
California Credit Union League

Jessica Naake
Senior Manager, Policy & Government Relations
Deloitte LLP
Breakout Workshops
1:30 p.m.
Corporate PAC Insight Session
Connect with your PAC peers to address common struggles, and share best practices while engaging in a rapid-fire exchange of ideas.
Corporate PAC topics will include: handling international CEOs or reluctant senior leadership teams, connecting with a solicitable class scattered throughout the country and providing onboarding or new hire education efforts.
Association PAC Insight Session
Connect with your PAC peers to address common struggles, and share best practices while engaging in a rapid-fire exchange of ideas.
Association PAC topics will include: prior approval challenges, onboarding new members, working with state associations and strategies for soliciting member companies.
Breakout Workshops
2:45 p.m.
Association PAC Compliance Overview
Ensuring your PAC operations, communications and activities are compliant is the foundation of a successful program. Hear from an election law expert who will provide a comprehensive legal overview for association PACs. This session will cover basic campaign finance rules for operating a PAC, defining and soliciting your eligible class, securing prior authorization and other topics specific to association PACs.

Michael Toner
Chair & Partner, Election Law & Gov’t Ethics Practice
Wiley Rein LLP
@michaeletoner
Achieving PAC Success within International Organizations
Promoting PAC support and participation is often a challenge within foreign-owned corporations, multi-national associations or organizations whose senior leadership is largely comprised of foreign nationals. PAC professionals with experience navigating these complexities will speak to strategies they’ve used to achieve PAC success and growth.

Gary Whidby
Manager, Government & Industry Affairs
Zurich North America
@GWhidby

Meredith White
Vice President, Corporate Responsibility, PAC Manager
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
PAC Content Best Practices for Infographics, Websites, Videos and More
Looking to build and distribute creative content for your PAC to better explain its purpose and impact? Learn how to make your website, slide decks or reports more engaging through:
- Building a content strategy that advances your PAC efforts and leverages the best messages for both educating and soliciting
- Best practices for creating and managing your content
- Trends and strategies in content creation and distribution

Jennifer Brooks
PAC Manager
Northrop Grumman

Lisa Strikowsky
Senior Government Affairs Manager
T-Mobile US
Moderated by:

Kelly Memphis
Manager, Gov’t Relations & Stakeholder Engagement Practice
Public Affairs Council
@PACouncil @kelly_memphis
Breakout Workshop
4 p.m.
Successful PAC Peer-to-Peer Programs
A strong peer-to-peer program is one of the best ways to grow PAC receipts, recruit new members and create excitement around PAC engagement. Finding champions to promote your PAC and help develop successful programs doesn’t happen overnight. Join our speakers to discuss challenges and solutions, such as:
- Tactics for launching a peer-to-peer program or enhancing an existing program
- How to find, recruit and train the right champions while keeping them motivated and engaged

Katherine Keener-Crowder
Manager, Regulatory Affairs-ENPAC
Entergy Services, Inc.

Susan Sullivan
Director, Congressional & Political Affairs
American Financial Services Association
Tuesday, March 3
General Session: Building and Maintaining Loyalty Through Influence and Negotiation
8:30 a.m.
At the heart of success, PACs must attract donors to return each year and make significant investments over the course of their careers. This keynote session will explore a new understanding of gaining influence and deploying successful negotiation tactics both to advance organizational and your personal professional objectives.

Margaret A. Neale
Adams Distinguished Professor of Management, Emerita
Stanford University – Graduate School of Business
@maggieneale
Breakout Workshops
9:45 a.m.
Association PAC Insight Session
Connect with your PAC peers to address common struggles and share best practices in a rapid-fire exchange of ideas.
Association PAC topics will include: prior approval challenges, onboarding new members, working with state associations and strategies for soliciting member companies.
Corporate PAC Insight Session
Connect with your PAC peers to address common struggles and share best practices in a rapid-fire exchange of ideas.
Corporate PAC topics will include: working with international CEOs or reluctant senior leadership teams, connecting with a solicitable class scattered throughout the country and providing onboarding or new hire education efforts.
Breakout Workshops
11:00 a.m.
Ask Me Anything: Great Ideas from a Panel of Experts
A panel of PAC professionals representing corporate and association PACs of all sizes will answer audience questions and share their best ideas. This rapid-fire session will encourage both the panelists and audience to share experiences, challenges and everything in between — whether that’s a big idea that led to major change or one that fell flat. Come prepared with questions of your own!

Victoria J. Adams
Senior Manager, Political Affairs
Target Corporation

Jewelyn Cosgrove
Director, Federal Government Affairs
Healthcare Distribution Alliance
@JCLobby
Moderated by:

Kelly Memphis
Manager, Gov’t Relations & Stakeholder Engagement Practice
Public Affairs Council
@PACouncil @kelly_memphis
Evaluating and Selecting Products, Vendors and Consultants
For many PACs, hiring consultants or purchasing products can be a significant investment, in budget and staff time. Hear from managers with experience navigating product and vendor options, evaluating results and making changes along the way to create successful partnerships and achieve desired outcomes.

Jennifer Stong Flemming
Senior Director, NABPAC
National Association of Broadcasters

Mark Reilly
Vice President, Government Relations
Cision Government Relations
@CisionGRPAC
Compliance Roundtable: Managing Corporate Contributions Effectively
Benchmarking data shows 48% of responding corporations report making state-level corporate contributions in states where it’s permissible. PAC professionals often manage their company’s state-level corporate contributions in addition to the PAC. Join a roundtable discussion of your peers, led by an election law attorney, on strategies for managing compliant PAC and political giving across jurisdictions and determining where to focus your corporate dollars.

Madison Eggert-Crowe
Senior Director, Political Affairs
Comcast Corporation

Melissa Miles
Counsel
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom
@SkaddenArps
Breakout Workshops
12 p.m.
Compliance Roundtable: Raffles, Sweepstakes and Other Incentives
Incentivizing PAC participation through events, rewards and experiences is increasingly effective for many PACs. However, there are a series of considerations, including state and local gift laws, specific to activities such as raffles and sweepstakes PACs must comply with. An election law expert will provide a detailed overview of implementing these activities, including:
- A review of participation requirements and related legal considerations
- The key differences between raffles and sweepstakes and how to structure them
- How to determine the right approach for your PAC

Michael Toner
Chair & Partner, Election Law & Gov’t Ethics Practice
Wiley Rein LLP

Hannah Truslow
Director, Political Fundraising Development
Credit Union National Association, Inc.
Wednesday, March 4
General Session: Corporate Political Involvement Fireside Chat
9 a.m.
As the presidential and congressional races heat up, corporate PACs and political involvement remain a popular soundbite for candidates to rally around. This heightened rhetoric against organizations participating in the political process continues to present challenges in educating stakeholders about the role of PACs. This fireside chat will explore both the challenges and opportunities PACs are facing in this environment, including strategies to mitigate common misconceptions about PACs and future trends in corporate political engagement.

Micaela A. Isler
Executive Director
NABPAC
Moderated by:

Nick DeSarno
Director of Digital and Policy Communications
Public Affairs Council
@ndesarno
Breakout Workshops
10:15 a.m.
Creative Solutions: We Couldn’t Do This, But Instead We Did This…
Managing a PAC naturally requires creative thinking and problem solving. While internal and external restrictions often limit us, the best PAC managers are challenged to think differently to implement their ideas. This conversation will provide direct examples from practitioners of how they altered or tweaked their original ideas to find success with alternative solutions.

Carolyn H. Morrison, M.P.A.
Manager, PAC & Grassroots
Dominion Energy

Gabrielle Woodard
Government Affairs Coordinator
Northrop Grumman
Data Management: Integration and Clean-Up for Effective Outreach
One of the greatest burdens on PAC administration is managing records and data to ensure you have the most accurate information for your eligible population. The integrity of your records and database is not only crucial for effective outreach, but also for ensuring and maintaining PAC compliance. Whether you inherited inaccurate data and don’t know where to start or you’re simply looking to better integrate efforts within your membership or grassroots activities, our speakers are here to help.

Fred Braun
Director, Data Services
DDC Public Affairs
@DDCAdvocacy

Erik Koeppen
Assistant Director, Policy and Government Affairs
American Nurses Association
Closing General Session: Outstanding PAC Award Recipient Showcase
11:30 a.m.
Hear from the association and corporate recipients of the 2020 Outstanding PAC awards. Get inspired by these PAC practitioners taking creative approaches to campaigns and fundraising. In this closing general session, you’ll hear directly from the winners on the strategies and tactics they implemented to achieve success.
2019 speakers included:
Sunday, March 1
Pre-Conference Workshop: PAC Management Essentials
3 p.m.
Whether you are new to the PAC profession or looking to reevaluate your program, join us for this pre-conference session covering essential strategies regarding compliance, planning and PAC management best practices.

Ginger Baldwin
External Planning Analyst
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Kristyn Royster
PAC Director, Political Affairs & Federation Relations
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
@kristynalysse
Pre-Conference Insights Session: Breakouts by PAC Eligible Class Size
4 p.m.
You’ve asked for more time to network and share ideas with your peers — we’ve delivered! We’ll kick off the breakout sessions by divvying up attendees among industry and PAC size. Through speed-dating style topics, you’ll meet new contacts as well as share successes, challenges and ideas.
Monday, March 2
Opening General Session: The 2020 Election: A Look Ahead with Nathan Gonzales
8:30 a.m.
The Public Affairs Council’s Senior Political Analyst and Inside Elections Editor and Publisher Nathan Gonzales will share his perspective on the upcoming 2020 presidential and congressional elections, including insights to guide PAC practitioners’ analyses on the races followed by audience Q&A.

Nathan Gonzales
Editor and Publisher
Inside Elections
@nathanlgonzales
Breakout Workshops
10 a.m.
Disbursement and Giving Strategies: Weighing the Pros and Cons
There are more options than ever for your PAC disbursements — from directly supporting campaign committees and leadership PACs to party committees, building funds, convention activities, debt-retirement and more. Our speakers will weigh the pros and cons of these strategies, including considerations for PACs based on size, objectives and giving guidelines.

Kevin Cameron
Director, NMHC PAC
National Multifamily Housing Council

Ethan Easterwood
PAC Manager, Government Affairs
Leidos Holdings, Inc.
Corporate PAC Compliance Overview
Ensuring your PAC operations, communications and activities are compliant is the foundation of a successful program. An election law expert will provide a comprehensive legal overview for corporate PACs. This session will cover basic campaign finance rules for operating a PAC, defining and soliciting your eligible class and other topics specific to corporate PAC compliance.

Kenneth Gross
Partner
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom
@SkaddenArps
Breakout Workshops
11:15 a.m.
Compliance Essentials for Mergers, Acquisitions, Spin-offs and More
An increasing number of organizations are facing these challenges. This roundtable discussion, led by a legal expert, will outline the related legal and compliance concerns when merging, disbanding or acquiring PACs, including best practices in navigating organizational transition.

Brendan B. Adams
Senior PAC Manager, Global Government Affairs
Kraft Heinz Company

Charles Ricciardelli
Counsel, Political Law
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom
@SkaddenArps
Accomplishing Big Things with a Small Team
Not only do PAC professionals juggle many responsibilities, benchmarking data also demonstrates that budgets and staffing levels continue to stay flat. During this session, learn how practitioners with a small — or one-person — team grew their PAC programs and accomplished goals with limited resources.

Heather deNecochea
Manager of Political Advocacy
California Credit Union League

Jessica Naake
Senior Manager, Policy & Government Relations
Deloitte LLP
Breakout Workshops
1:30 p.m.
Corporate PAC Insight Session
Connect with your PAC peers to address common struggles, and share best practices while engaging in a rapid-fire exchange of ideas.
Corporate PAC topics will include: handling international CEOs or reluctant senior leadership teams, connecting with a solicitable class scattered throughout the country and providing onboarding or new hire education efforts.
Association PAC Insight Session
Connect with your PAC peers to address common struggles, and share best practices while engaging in a rapid-fire exchange of ideas.
Association PAC topics will include: prior approval challenges, onboarding new members, working with state associations and strategies for soliciting member companies.
Breakout Workshops
2:45 p.m.
Association PAC Compliance Overview
Ensuring your PAC operations, communications and activities are compliant is the foundation of a successful program. Hear from an election law expert who will provide a comprehensive legal overview for association PACs. This session will cover basic campaign finance rules for operating a PAC, defining and soliciting your eligible class, securing prior authorization and other topics specific to association PACs.

Michael Toner
Chair & Partner, Election Law & Gov’t Ethics Practice
Wiley Rein LLP
@michaeletoner
Achieving PAC Success within International Organizations
Promoting PAC support and participation is often a challenge within foreign-owned corporations, multi-national associations or organizations whose senior leadership is largely comprised of foreign nationals. PAC professionals with experience navigating these complexities will speak to strategies they’ve used to achieve PAC success and growth.

Gary Whidby
Manager, Government & Industry Affairs
Zurich North America
@GWhidby

Meredith White
Vice President, Corporate Responsibility, PAC Manager
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Breakout Workshop
4 p.m.
Successful PAC Peer-to-Peer Programs
A strong peer-to-peer program is one of the best ways to grow PAC receipts, recruit new members and create excitement around PAC engagement. Finding champions to promote your PAC and help develop successful programs doesn’t happen overnight. Join our speakers to discuss challenges and solutions, such as:
- Tactics for launching a peer-to-peer program or enhancing an existing program
- How to find, recruit and train the right champions while keeping them motivated and engaged

Katherine Keener-Crowder
Manager, Regulatory Affairs-ENPAC
Entergy Services, Inc.

Susan Sullivan
Director, Congressional & Political Affairs
American Financial Services Association
Tuesday, March 3
Breakout Workshops
9:45 a.m.
Association PAC Insight Session
Connect with your PAC peers to address common struggles and share best practices in a rapid-fire exchange of ideas.
Association PAC topics will include: prior approval challenges, onboarding new members, working with state associations and strategies for soliciting member companies.
Corporate PAC Insight Session
Connect with your PAC peers to address common struggles and share best practices in a rapid-fire exchange of ideas.
Corporate PAC topics will include: working with international CEOs or reluctant senior leadership teams, connecting with a solicitable class scattered throughout the country and providing onboarding or new hire education efforts.
Breakout Workshops
11:00 a.m.
Ask Me Anything: Great Ideas from a Panel of Experts
A panel of PAC professionals representing corporate and association PACs of all sizes will answer audience questions and share their best ideas. This rapid-fire session will encourage both the panelists and audience to share experiences, challenges and everything in between — whether that’s a big idea that led to major change or one that fell flat. Come prepared with questions of your own!

Victoria J. Adams
Senior Manager, Political Affairs
Target Corporation

Moderated by:
Jewelyn Cosgrove
Director, Federal Government Affairs
Healthcare Distribution Alliance
@JCLobby

Kelly Memphis
Manager, Gov’t Relations & Stakeholder Engagement Practice
Public Affairs Council
@PACouncil @kelly_memphis
Evaluating and Selecting Products, Vendors and Consultants
For many PACs, hiring consultants or purchasing products can be a significant investment, in budget and staff time. Hear from managers with experience navigating product and vendor options, evaluating results and making changes along the way to create successful partnerships and achieve desired outcomes.

Jennifer Stong Flemming
Senior Director, NABPAC
National Association of Broadcasters

Mark Reilly
Vice President, Government Relations
Cision Government Relations
@CisionGRPAC
Compliance Roundtable: Managing Corporate Contributions Effectively
Benchmarking data shows 48% of responding corporations report making state-level corporate contributions in states where it’s permissible. PAC professionals often manage their company’s state-level corporate contributions in addition to the PAC. Join a roundtable discussion of your peers, led by an election law attorney, on strategies for managing compliant PAC and political giving across jurisdictions and determining where to focus your corporate dollars.

Madison Eggert-Crowe
Senior Director, Political Affairs
Comcast Corporation

Melissa Miles
Counsel
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom
@SkaddenArps
Breakout Workshops
12 p.m.
How-To: Hire Top-Tier Talent
As you progress in your career, you’ll likely become more involved in or responsible for hiring talent for your team. Identifying the right person for the job is often not as easy as it seems. Hear from both an expert and a practitioner on strategies for finding, hiring and empowering top-tier talent.

Meghan Everngam
Vice President, BUILD-PAC & Government Affairs
National Association of Home Builders
@mever42

Lisa Ryan
Senior Vice President
Heyman Associates
Political Reputation Management
There’s never been a more important time to discuss navigating potential controversy and reputational risk. Hear from experts on how to prepare for controversy surrounding political support, including prepping senior leadership, PAC boards and others internally. Additionally, hear case studies on how organizations have responded to media and stakeholder scrutiny of PAC contributions.

Ellen Locke
PAC Manager
Nationwide

Julie Vieburg
PAC Manager, Government Relations
Land O’ Lakes, Inc.
Moderated by:

Nick DeSarno
Director of Digital and Policy Communications
Public Affairs Council
@ndesarno
Wednesday, March 4
General Session: Corporate Political Involvement Fireside Chat
9 a.m.
As the presidential and congressional races heat up, corporate PACs and political involvement remain a popular soundbite for candidates to rally around. This heightened rhetoric against organizations participating in the political process continues to present challenges in educating stakeholders about the role of PACs. This fireside chat will explore both the challenges and opportunities PACs are facing in this environment, including strategies to mitigate common misconceptions about PACs and future trends in corporate political engagement.

Micaela A. Isler
Executive Director
NABPAC
Moderated by:

Nick DeSarno
Director of Digital and Policy Communications
Public Affairs Council
@ndesarno
Breakout Workshops
10:15 a.m.
Creative Solutions: We Couldn’t Do This, But Instead We Did This…
Managing a PAC naturally requires creative thinking and problem solving. While internal and external restrictions often limit us, the best PAC managers are challenged to think differently to implement their ideas. This conversation will provide direct examples from practitioners of how they altered or tweaked their original ideas to find success with alternative solutions.

Carolyn H. Morrison, M.P.A.
Manager, PAC & Grassroots
Dominion Energy

Gabrielle Woodard
Government Affairs Coordinator
Northrop Grumman
Data Management: Integration and Clean-Up for Effective Outreach
One of the greatest burdens on PAC administration is managing records and data to ensure you have the most accurate information for your eligible population. The integrity of your records and database is not only crucial for effective outreach, but also for ensuring and maintaining PAC compliance. Whether you inherited inaccurate data and don’t know where to start or you’re simply looking to better integrate efforts within your membership or grassroots activities, our speakers are here to help.

Fred Braun
Director, Data Services
DDC Public Affairs
@DDCAdvocacy

Erik Koeppen
Assistant Director, Policy and Government Affairs
American Nurses Association
2019 speakers included:
Monday, March 2
Breakout Workshops
11:15 a.m.
Accomplishing Big Things with a Small Team
Not only do PAC professionals juggle many responsibilities, benchmarking data also demonstrates that budgets and staffing levels continue to stay flat. During this session, learn how practitioners with a small — or one-person — team grew their PAC programs and accomplished goals with limited resources.

Heather deNecochea
Manager of Political Advocacy
California Credit Union League

Jessica Naake
Senior Manager, Policy & Government Relations
Deloitte LLP
Breakout Workshop
4 p.m.
Growing and Evolving Your Role
Regardless of your career level, it’s always important to think ahead, accept new challenges and push yourself to continue evolving as a professional. Whether you’re looking to secure a raise or promotion or move into a new role altogether, this session will provide insight into communicating your value, demonstrating your worth and taking control of your career advancement.

Caitlin Donahue
Senior Vice President & Head of Digital
Curley Company
@cdonahuedc

Matt Meehan
Director, US Gov’t Relations & Public Affairs
Lead, Pfizer PAC
Pfizer Inc.
@m50germ
Tuesday, March 3
General Session: Building and Maintaining Loyalty Through Influence and Negotiation
8:30 a.m.
At the heart of success, PACs must attract donors to return each year and make significant investments over the course of their careers. This keynote session will explore a new understanding of gaining influence and deploying successful negotiation tactics both to advance organizational and your personal professional objectives.

Margaret A. Neale
Adams Distinguished Professor of Management, Emerita
Stanford University – Graduate School of Business
@maggieneale
Breakout Workshops
12 p.m.
How-To: Hire Top-Tier Talent
As you progress in your career, you’ll likely become more involved in or responsible for hiring talent for your team. Identifying the right person for the job is often not as easy as it seems. Hear from both an expert and a practitioner on strategies for finding, hiring and empowering top-tier talent.

Meghan Everngam
Vice President, BUILD-PAC & Government Affairs
National Association of Home Builders
@mever42

Lisa Ryan
Senior Vice President
Heyman Associates
Wednesday, March 4
Breakout Workshops
10:15 a.m.
PAC and Government Relations: Tips for Excelling at Both
Does your portfolio include both PAC and lobbying responsibilities? Do you sometimes feel torn between devoting enough attention to both areas? This session will provide tips and strategies for working effectively in both arenas, including how to add a lobbying or policy focus to your existing PAC role.

John Mason
Senior Manager, Political Programs & Research
Altria Client Services Inc.

Sarah Milligan
Director, Political Affairs and ADPAC
American Dental Association