Associations face increasing competition when it comes to other lines of business but advocacy still gives us the edge over everyone and everything else clamoring for our members’ attention and money. Ultimately, “fighting their fight” is what keeps the lights on at the association offices. But how effectively are advocacy and communications teams working together to convey the value of advocacy efforts to members? Is advocacy embedded in our core association strategy? Are we sending the right messages at the right time? Are we going beyond members, to mobilize
all stakeholders on the issues that matter? Join other public affairs and public relations leaders for a deep dive into the spectrum of advocacy communications issues – addressing diverse member views, tailoring messages, getting leadership buy-in, breaking down silos, increasing effectiveness, and measuring success.
This is a dialogue, not a presentation. Our experts will informally share their perspectives and experiences and invite you to weigh in. The conversation will be led by three leaders.
ED BARKS is the president of Barks Communications. Ed works with communications and government relations executives who counsel their C-suite leaders, and with businesses and associations that need their messaging to deliver bottom line results. He believes that advocacy communications succeed when built on the foundation of a magnetic message.
TOMMY GOODWIN is the government relations manager for the Project Management Institute. For nearly 20 years, he has led advocacy efforts for leading associations and companies as they navigated the ever-changing domestic and international policymaking landscape. His passion is to help shape public policies that solve problems and create opportunities.
DENNIS SADLER serves as chief operations officer for the National Association of Secondary School Principals. He provides leadership for measurable, cost-effective results that deliver on the organization’s vision and strategic intent. Dennis has “used advocacy as a blunt instrument” — only to deliver value to stakeholders!
The in-person meeting is at the National Council for Behavioral Health, 1400 K Street NW, Suite 400, Washington DC, 20005 (yes, we're back to our usual venue).
If you're outside the Washington metropolitan area you can join by Zoom.
Either way, please be sure to register first.