*This session is for private sector SGAC members who have graduated from the Professional Certificate Program*
12:00 - 5:00 pm - Registration Desk Open
3:00 - 4:00 pm - Welcoming Remarks and Opening General Session: The 48-Hour Best Friend: Building Lasting Relationships in a Fast-Paced World Speaker: Lindsay Shookus, Legendary Saturday Night Live Producer
Lindsay Shookus, a legendary force behind one of America's most beloved TV shows, is a seven-time Emmy award-winning producer who spent 20 years shaping Saturday Night Live. She played a crucial role in launching the careers of stars like Kristen Wiig and Kate McKinnon, solidifying her reputation for recognizing top talent in the entertainment industry.
During her time at SNL, Lindsay collaborated with a new prominent guest each week, turning from a complete stranger into a trusted producer and confidante in just two days. In her session, Lindsay will lead an engaging, interactive discussion packed with practical strategies for building deep, meaningful relationships - a key ingredient for success in any field. A captivating storyteller, she delves into the mindfulness required to foster connections, using behind-the scenes stories from SNL to illustrate her powerful relationship-building techniques.
4:00 - 5:00 pm - Breakout Sessions: 1. Bridging the Gap: Addressing Health Inequities
Health inequities remain a significant challenge, affecting millions and undermining the principles of fairness and justice in healthcare. This session, is designed specifically for legislators committed to advancing equitable health policies. In this session, we will look at mental health and obesity as content to explore the root causes of health disparities across different populations, including socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and geography. Join us to gain the knowledge and tools needed to champion health equity and drive meaningful change through effective legislation.
2. Safeguarding Digital Privacy: Best Practices and Legislative Strategies
ln an era where data breaches and privacy violations are becoming increasingly common, safeguarding digital privacy is more critical than ever. This session is designed specifically for state legislators to provide an in-depth understanding of the current landscape of data privacy, key legislative strategies, and best practices to protect personal information. Join us for this vital session to empower yourself with the tools and knowledge to champion data privacy in your state.
5:30 - 6:30 pm - Honor Circle Reception with Legislators (Honor Circle Members and Legislators Only)
6:00 - 8:00 pm - Dinner on Property
Sunday, November 24
8:00 - 9:00 am - Breakfast
9:00 - 10:00 am - General Session: Restoring Civility: The Mingle Project Speaker: Michael Smerconish, Sirius XM Radio and CNN television Host
Sirius XM radio and CNN television host Michael Smerconish is on a mission to restore civility and compromise to our public discourse. For three decades, he's had a front-row seat to the increase in polarization that has gripped the nation. He sees the current climate as part of a much larger disconnect in society fueled by technology and self-sorting, having a serious impact on the mental health of our youth. The Mingle Project is both his diagnosis and prescription for the problem, presented through anecdotes, social science...and a few laughs!
10:00 - 10:15 am - Break
10:15 - 11:15 am - Breakout Sessions: 1. Successful Ballot Initiatives and The Growing Challenges
Ballot initiatives have often been described as the way to bypass state politics and politicians to bring issues directly to the people. Or at least the story goes... With the increase in politically sophisticated and well-funded national grassroots groups nationwide, ballot initiatives have become a popular avenue for circumventing the state legislative process. In recent years, everything from Medicaid expansion to energy policy, abortion rights to minimum wage increases, and even the ballot initiative process itself have been the topic of statewide referendums.
Hear from a state legislative leader and two national experts about the current state of ballot initiatives around the country, the tactics and strategy behind successful ballot initiative campaigns, and the growing challenges that ballot initiatives present for state legislators.
2. Federal Issues Manifesting at the State Level
With limited movement inside the Beltway, states are stepping up on issues once handled by the federal government. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges. Should states collaborate for consistency, or tailor solutions to their unique needs? And how might the federal government intervene? Join us as we delve into the reasons behind this shift, assess what's working and what isn't, and discuss strategies for navigating this evolving landscape. 11:15 - 11:30 am - Break
11:30 am - 12:30 pm - General Session: State Election Results and Their Significance
Celinda Lake, a Democrat, and Ed Goeas, a Republican, have been crossing party lines for more than three decades to produce the Battleground Poll that takes a bipartisan look at America and its politics.
In 2023 they co-authored a book that draws on what they have learned to describe how America has reached its current, deeply fractured political condition and, more importantly, how the country might move beyond it. These two leading political practitioners will be joining us to recap the 2024 state elections and where the states go from here!
2:00 pm - Optional Social Activities & Free Evening Jeep Tour of Foothills and Garden of the Gods Pickleball Tournament
Monday, November 25
8:00 - 9:00 am - Breakfast
9:05 - 10:00 am - Breakout Sessions: 1. Challenges in the Administrative Law System and Agency This panel will look at the Administrative Law Judge system in the States. Several states have a process in place where an employee of the same Department or Agency is the "Administrative Law Judge" deciding if the decision of that department is correct or not rather than an outside resource. This process forces companies and organizations that are in a dispute with the Department or Agency to file litigation, increasing cost to each side, rather than solving the issue administratively. The panel will look at the recent US Supreme Court decision regarding Chevron and Administrative rulings. The conversation will examine how the decision might affect the states, as well as how lawmakers might address the procedure and make it more efficient.
2. Social Media for Public Officials
This session will provide a foundation for how elected officials can connect with their community, raise awareness around important issues, share legislative goals and progress and highlight constituent services using the strategic advantages of effective social media use.
9:45 - 10:00 am - Break
10:15 - 11:15 am - General Session: Why News Media Needs to Earn Back Our Trust Speakers: Mosheh Oinounou, Journalist, Award-Winning Executive Producer, President of Mo Digital & Mo News
As a veteran journalist and founder of Mo News and Mo Digital, Mosheh brings a wealth of experience from his time at Fox News, CNBC, CBS, and Bloomberg TV. His social-first news organization reaches over 1 million consumers weekly. With a website, podcast, newsletter and over 450k Instagram followers, his COVID side project has grown into a full-fledged business. His commitment to providing accurate and fair news has put Mo News on the map. Mosheh will be delving into why the news media must earn back our trust - a topic that promises to spark important conversations and provide valuable insights.
11:00 - 11:30 am - Break
11:30 am - 12:30 pm - General Session: Navigating the Future: AI's Impact and Policy Considerations for State Legislators Speakers: Senator Liz Brown (IN) and Senator James Maroney (CT)
AI is in the forefront of policymakers' minds as notable advances in the technology continue on a regular basis. During this session, we'll explore how state lawmakers can stay abreast of the development of AI technology so they are well positioned to evaluate any needed regulations. Panelists will discuss the role of state regulation of AI, the line between federal and state governance of interstate AI products, and how current regulatory frameworks might be utilized to enforce the improper use of AI technologies.
12:30 pm - Afternoon Free / Optional Social Activities
5:30 - 8:00 pm - General Session & Dinner: Chasing Greatness: A Night with Olympic and Paralympic Athletes Speaker: John Register, Paralympian
Join us for an inspiring general session featuring a panel of extraordinary Olympic athletes who have dedicated their lives to achieving excellence on the world stage. In this dynamic discussion, these champions will share their unique journeys, from the early days of training to the thrilling moments of competition. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with these athletes through a Q&A session, gaining firsthand insights into their philosophies, motivations, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of their dreams.
This session promises to be both motivational and enlightening, leaving you inspired to chase your own goals with passion and determination. Don't miss this chance to learn from those who've reached the pinnacle of athletic achievement!
