Few times are as uncertain as the months leading up to a federal election. Every word, every event, takes on new meaning – real and imagined. Yet, this might just be the best time of the election cycle to refocus on your program, your priorities and the fundamentals that got you to the top of your game.
0800
Registration and breakfast
0900
Session 1: Opening Keynote – Darrell Bricker, CEO – Ipsos Public Affairs
The Pre-election Landscape – Should you stay, or should you go?: The federal pre-election marks the beginning of the political silly season where everything “matters” – except when it doesn’t. The first step to mapping out your strategy over the next five months is to get a clear picture of where you are and where you think you can go. Join Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, for a look at the lay of the land as we move into the summer pre-election season.
1030
Refreshment Break
1045
Session 2: Lobbying for Associations & Non Profits – The Value of the “Long Game”: Association Lobbying in a Federal Election Year: There are different schools of thought pertaining to lobbying in a federal election year. What is it about an election year that changes the lobbying environment for associations? Does nothing change? Shouldn’t they not get caught up in the ever-changing political landscape before the writ period? Three panelists will share their insights on this topic that is important to public affairs professionals who lobby in the not-for-profit sector.
Confirmed Speakers:
Huw Williams, President, Impact Public Affairs
Catherine Swift, Spokesperson, Working Canadians
and Former President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
Moderator:
Alex Greco – Public Affairs Specialist, GS1 Canada
1145
Award of Distinction Luncheon – The National Club, 303 Bay Street, Main Dining Room (Tickets are included in your Annual Conference registration. Additional tickets are available for $80.00 plus HST)
1400
Session 3: Government Lobbying Government – Government-to-Government (G2G) lobbying has long been a staple in the world of public affairs. Some of the most politicized domestic and international issues our country faces today involve significant lobby on behalf of government envoys. Learn how it is done directly from the public sector practitioners who are responsible for portfolios of national significance. Speaker to be announced
Hershell Ezrin, Senior Counsel, Global Public Affairs and Managing Director – Tipping Point Solutions
1500
Session 4: Working Through Platform Development – Organizations, associations and corporations have few chances to influence the policy choices of major parties. One opportunity they do have is during the pre-election period. Our panel of political strategists offer strategies on how to effectively get on the policy radar of the main parties as they focus on developing their campaign platforms.
Confirmed Panelists:
Rick Johnson – Senior Consultant, Capital Hill Group
Chris Froggatt – National Public Affairs
Moderator:
Cristina Onosé – Manager Public Affairs, Canadian Marketing Association
1600
Closing Session – The Pundit Panel – A PAAC tradition. Our pundit panel looks exclusively at the upcoming Canadian federal election, and what 2015 has in store for us. Always informative, you won’t want to miss it!
Speakers Confirmed as of April 20, 2015
Tasha Kheiriddin – Columnist – National Post/iPolitics
Lawrence Martin – Public Affairs Columnist – Globe and Mail
Moderator:
Ryan Eickmeier – Senior Director, Public Affairs, GS1 Canada
1730
President’s Reception
