SGAC's National Summit
National Summit 2025 Agenda
Monday, April 7th
11:00 am - 5:00 pm - Registration Desk Open
11:00 am - 2:00 pm - Advanced Certificate Session
SGAC members that have graduated from the Professional Certificate Program may register for this session.
Speakers: Michael Sakey, Sr. Professor, Tulane Law School
Credit Competency: Communications and Media Training
11:00 am - 2:00 pm - Complimentary Headshots (No Sign-Up Ahead Required)
1:00 - 2:00 pm - First Time / New Member Reception
2:30 - 3:45 pm - Opening General Session: Leadership Through Music: Harnessing the Power of Harmony for Effective Leadership
In this engaging session, we explore how the principles of music can be applied to leadership, focusing on collaboration, communication, and emotional intelligence. Jazz artists from Preservation Hall will highlight how effective leadership requires everyone to play their part in harmony, understanding the rhythm of their team, and knowing when to lead or listen. Participants will discover how musical techniques - such as timing, improvisation, and cadence - can hep improve decision-making, inspire creativity, and foster a cohesive and motivated team. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just beginning your leadership journey, this session will provide fresh insights into how music can inspire your leadership skills and help you create a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Speaker: Ron Rona, Artistic Director, Preservation Hall; Preservation Hall Artists
Credit Competency: Leading a State Government Affairs Team
3:45 - 4:00 pm - Break
4:00 - 5:00 pm - Concurrent Breakout Sessions (2)
1. YPC Session
Speaker: TBD
Credit Competency: TBD
2. Maximizing Impact: Strategies for Success in One-Person and Small SGA Teams
Speakers: Patrick Stone, Otsuka; Jenn Stowe, The Carpet and Rug Institute
Credit Competency: Effective Advocacy Tools
5:30 - 6:30 pm - Opening Reception
6:30 pm - Dine Arounds
Tuesday, April 8th
8:00 am - 5:00 pm - Registration Desk Open
8:00 - 9:00 am - Breakfast Available
8:45 - 9:45 am - General Session: Exploring the Intersection of Travel, Business, and Policy: Trends and Impacts
In this dynamic session, we delve into the evolving intersection of travel, business, and policy, exploring how these three sectors influence and shape one another in today's interconnected world. As travel continues to be a cornerstone of global commerce, understanding the trends driving this industry - along with the policies that regulate and impact it - is essential for businesses to stay ahead. This session will provide key insights on how to navigate these interconnected areas, anticipate future shifts, and leverage policy and business trends to maximize opportunities in a rapidly changing landscape.
Speaker: The Honorable LaToya Cantrell, Mayor of New Orleans (Invited)
Raquel Dufauchard, Director, New Orleans and Company (Invited)
Walt Leger, President and CEO, New Orleans and Company (Invited)
The Honorable Billy Nungesser, Lt. Governor, Louisiana (Invited)
Credit Competency: Legislative Trends
9:45 - 10:00 am - Break
10:00 - 11:00 am - Concurrent Breakout Sessions (2)
1. Powerful Negotiation Strategies for Every Scenario
Speakers: Chip Massey, Co-Founder, Convincing Company
Credit Competency: Media and Communications Training
2. Unlocking the Future: AI in State Government Affairs
Speakers: TBD
Credit Competency: TBD
11:00 - 11:15 am - Break
11:15 am - 12:15 pm - General Session: Trust and the Crisis of Grievance
According to Edelman's Trust Barometer, sixty-one percent of individuals globally have a moderate or high sense of grievance, which is defined by a belief that government and business make their lives harder and serve narrow interests, and wealthy people benefit unfairly from the system. In this critical session, we will examine the growing erosion of trust in institutions and government, a challenge that has significant implications for policy advocacy and public engagement... and what can be done about it!
Speaker: Aaron Guiterman, Edelman
Credit Competency: Ethics and Ethical Leadership
12:30 - 2:00 pm - Committee Meetings - Participation is Open to All and Lunch will be provided
Communications Committee
Education and Training Committee
Membership Committee
Public Sector Outreach Committee
Young Professionals Committee
2:30 - 3:30 pm - Concurrent Breakout Sessions (2)
1. Navigating Power: Building Effective Relationships in a Supermajority
Credit Competency: Developing a Proactive Advocacy Agenda
2. Unlocking the Future of AI in State Government Affairs
Speakers: TBD
Credit Competency: TBD
3:30 - 3:45 pm - Break
3:45 - 4:45 pm - General Session - Leading Through Legacy - Insights from Past SGAC Presidents
In this inspiring lesson, we draw on the wealth of experience and wisdom from past SGAC presidents who have navigated the complexities of leadership, change, and influence within their organizations. "Leading Through Legacy" explores how these seasoned leaders shaped our association, overcame challenges, and left lasting impacts on both their teams and the state government affairs industry. Through candid reflections and insightful discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of effective leadership strategies, the importance of vision, and how to build a legacy that transcends one's tenure. Whether you are an emerging leader or an established one, this session will provide valuable lessons on leading with purpose, resilience, and a long-term mindset.
Speakers: TBD
Credit Competency: Leading a State Government Affairs Department
5:30 - 6:00 pm - Second Line
6:00 - 8:00 pm - Off Site Event
Wednesday, April 17th
7:30 - 8:30 am - Leaders' Policy Conference Committee Meeting with Breakfast
8:00 - 8:45 am - Breakfast
8:45 - 9:45 am - Concurrent Breakout Sessions (2)
1. Populism and Policy: Challenges and Implications for Modern Governance
Speakers: TBD
Credit Competency: Inside the Legislative Process
2. Blueprint for Success: Key Strategies for High-Impact State Government Affairs Teams
Speakers: TBD
Credit Competency: The Value of State Government Affairs
9:45 - 10:00 am - Break
10:00 - 11:00 am - Closing General Session - The Wolves of K Street: Corporate Influence and its Impact on American Democracy
For those who pay attention to Washington politics know K Street as the domain of federal lobbyists and influence peddlers seeking to advance the priorities of their clients and even entire movements. But how did this industry transform from a barely relevant entity to the powerhouse we know today? In "The Wolves of K Street," veteran investigative journalist, Brody Mullins traces the rise of the modern lobbying industry through the three dynasties that have enabled corporate interests to infiltrate American politics.
Speaker: Brody Mullins, Author and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist
Room: Foundation of Lobbying
