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Manufacturers have always led the way in promoting world-class ideas and innovations. As we head into election season, it is crucial that we connect our story and advocacy efforts together. Join us at the NAM’s Public Affairs Conference as we set our path forward and aim our energy at Congress and the White House.
NAM's Annual Public Affairs Conference
April 1-3, 2012
Turnberry Isle Miami
19999 West Country Club Drive
Aventura, Florida 33180
Agenda
Sunday, April 1
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Registration and Conference Check-In
12:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m.
NPASC Quarterly Meeting (Open to NPASC members only)
2:00-2:15 p.m.
Conference Welcome & Opening Session
2:15-3:45 p.m.
Why Corporate America Is Not the Villain
As unemployment numbers remain high, many in the nation are blaming corporations for their perceived “greed.” While this is not the case, how do we message this to mainstream America? There is a serious disconnect between the general public and corporate America. How do we highlight the good that corporations do for the towns they are located in and turn around this negative rhetoric? Join us for a panel with key political strategists on tactics the manufacturing community can use to improve our public image and manage stockholder referendums.
Speakers:
- Dan Bross, Senior Director of Corporate Citizenship, Microsoft Corporation
- Leslie Gaines-Ross, Chief Reputation Strategist, Weber Shandwick
- Brad Smith, Chairman, Center for Competitive Politics
- Moderator: Ned Monroe, Senior Vice President, External Relations, NAM
4:00-5:30 p.m.
The 2012 Elections – The Impact on Manufacturing The race is on for 2012!
As the elections quickly approach, many intriguing political battles are emerging, including the Republican presidential primary, gubernatorial races and the congressional elections. Will there be a realignment of power in Washington? Our speakers will analyze the current political landscape, including this election’s effect on the business community.
Speakers:
- Tom Hogan, Managing Director, Capitol Consulting LLC
- John McLaughlin, President and Partner, McLaughlin & Associates
- Moderator: Ned Monroe, Senior Vice President, External Relations, NAM
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Opening Reception
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Opening Dinner
Monday, April 2
7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
NAM Office Hours
8:00-9:00 a.m.
Keynote Breakfast Address - NAM President & CEO Jay Timmons
Join NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons for an in-depth conversation on how manufacturers can lead the way to economic recovery and bring about a manufacturing renaissance in America. From the White House to the halls of Congress, decision makers are talking about manufacturing. Don’t miss this important breakfast to hear a behind-the-scenes update about what is in store for the business community for the remainder of the 112th Congress and the role manufacturers can play in the upcoming elections.
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Spouse/Guest Activity
9:15–10:30 a.m.
Balancing Act
The actions taken by Congress and the Administration to address our nation’s fiscal challenges will have a long-term impact on the economy, interest rates and the stock markets. Americans are closely monitoring how decisions on the federal budget, the deficit and tax reform will impact not only the economy but them directly. Join panelists for a candid discussion regarding the politics and policy behind these important fiscal and budget issues.
Speakers:
- Steve Bailey, Member, Heather Podesta + Partners
- Bill Hoagland, Vice President, Federal Affairs, Cigna Corporation
- Jeffrey D. McMillen Partner, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
- Moderator: Dorothy Coleman, Vice President, Tax & Domestic Economic Policy, NAM
10:30–10:45 a.m.
Break
10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Keys to Building a Strong Social Media Following
Is your company a social media success? With the influx of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media sites, it can be difficult to know where to focus your energy for effective results. What are companies doing to gain social media success? Do you know what it takes to develop a winning content strategy to engage your followers? Join us for an informative and instructional panel that will outline how to utilize social media sites and allow you to explore innovative social networking trends to empower your advocacy efforts.
Speakers:
- Robert Bluey, Director, Center for Media and Public Policy, Heritage Foundation
- Mark Green, Editor, Energy Tomorrow, American Petroleum Institute
- B.R. McConnon, Co-Founder and President, DDC Advocacy
12:00–12:15 p.m.
Break
12:15–1:45 p.m. (working lunch)
Energy in the 21st Century
Energy-related issues have dominated media coverage in recent months. Whether it’s a debate about increasing access to supplies, energy security, industry earnings, or climate change, no political issue generates more discussion than energy. The manufacturing sector is affected by this ever-evolving industry and the challenges brought by increased energy costs and new government regulations. What does the energy sector look like in the decades ahead, and how will Washington play a role in the availability of energy and flexibility of regulations on the business sector?
Speakers:
- Mike Roman, Public & Government Affairs, Federal Government Relations Advisor, ExxonMobil Corporation
- Chris Leahy, Vice President, Federal Government Relations, Peabody Energy Corporation
- Tony Kavanagh, Vice President, Government Affairs, American Electric Power
- Moderator: Aric Newhouse, Senior Vice President, Policy & Government Relations, NAM
2:00–3:15 p.m.
Looking Ahead: Employee Engagement in 2012
There is much at stake for the manufacturing community in the 2012 elections, and we need an engaged employee base to ensure we elect pro-manufacturing candidates. The NAM is working to “Get Out the Vote” in 2012 and help employers and employees become engaged on the issues that are important to the manufacturing community. This interactive discussion will highlight how the NAM can help to activate your employee base and create a long-term grassroots plan.
Speakers:
- Kevin McLernon, Director, Political Operations, Verizon, Communications
- Marc Scarduffa, Vice President, Government Relations and Public Affairs, Pfizer
- Moderator: Ned Monroe, Senior Vice President, External Relations, NAM
3:30 p.m.
Free Afternoon
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Reception
7:00–9:00 pm
Dinner
NCAA 2.012
Full. Court. Press.
No need to check those smartphones for score updates. Join the Public Affairs team after dinner and watch the Men’s Basketball Championship game at the Cascata Bar – at least we can close out one season before November.
Tuesday, April 3
7:30–11:30 a.m.
Office Hours
7:30–9:15 a.m.
Regulatory Excess
The Administration continues to push an aggressive regulatory agenda that threatens energy policy, economic growth and jobs. We continue to see burdensome regulations from agencies; what's ahead, and what can we do to stop them before they happen? This panel will discuss what's on the regulatory horizon and strategize how the business community can combat these efforts.
Speakers:
- Richard Williams, Director of Policy Studies, Mercatus Center
- Paul Noe, Vice President for Public Policy, American Forest & Paper Association
- Moderator: Wes Irvin, Vice President, Government Relations, NAM
9:15–9:30 a.m.
Break
9:30–10:45 a.m.
Labor Policy for Manufacturers
Manufacturers and their employees rely on fairness and balance in our labor law system. Maintaining the time-tested balance between labor unions and employers is critical to economic growth and job creation. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), however, has undertaken an aggressive agenda that threatens jobs and economic growth. Its proposed “quick snap” election rules, its pending decisions, and the current employer requirement to post labor organizing instructions in the workplace. This panel will discuss strategy and the ongoing public relations campaigns to help protect the workplace.
Speakers:
- Greg Jacob, Partner, O'Melveny & Myers LLP
- Moderator: Joe Trauger, Vice President, Human Resources Policy, NAM
10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Where Do We Go From Here?
With unemployment stuck around 9 percent, financial uncertainties in the U.S. and Europe, and rising consumer and business anxiety, Americans have begun to worry about the possibility of another recession. Years of deficit spending have strained our nation's finances -- threatening the economic recovery and the future prosperity of our country. What do these economic challenges mean for you, your company and even your family? This panel will examine our country's current state of economic affairs and the implications on the manufacturing community.
Speakers:
- John Lonski, Managing Director and Chief Economist, Moody's Capital Markets Research Group
- William A. Strauss, Senior Economist and Economic Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
- Moderator: Aric Newhouse, Senior Vice President, Policy & Government Relations, NAM
Conference Wrap-Up
Adjourn
* Invited
Conference Fees
NAM members: $975 for the first registrant. Non-members: $1175 for the first registrant. Discounts are available for additional registrants from the same organization. Spouse/guest: $450. Fees include conference registration, favor, workbook, receptions, dinners, breakfasts and lunches. Fees do not cover accommodations. There is a $100 service fee for all cancellations made after Friday, March 23, 2012. No refunds will be made after this date. Substitutions may be made at any time.
Registration
Please click here to register for the NAM's Annual Public Affairs Conference. For questions, please contact the NAM's Dana Hartwig at (202) 637-3116 or dhartwig@nam.org.
Hotel Reservations
The Turnberry Isle Miami, 19999 Country Club Drive, Aventura, FL, is located approximately 30 minutes from the Miami International Airport (MIA) in Miami, FL and approximately 20 minutes from the Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
The NAM has secured guest rooms at the special rate of $279 per night, single/double, plus applicable taxes. Room taxes are subject to change at any time without prior notice. We have a limited number of rooms available, once the room block commitment has been met (this may occur before cut-off date), you may not be able to obtain the special NAM group rate.
Individuals attending the NAM's Public Affairs Conference should call the reservations office at 1 (800) 327-7028 and reference the National Association of Manufacturers in order to receive the special group rate. Registrants are responsible for making and canceling their own hotel reservations. You must make your room reservation by Friday, March 2, 2012.
Note: Once the room block commitment has been met (possibly before cut-off) or released, you may not be able to obtain our special rate.
Who Should Attend
Public and government affairs vice presidents, directors and managers or policy development executives, including government relations and political affairs; corporate communications and public relations executives; heads of Washington offices; Washington representatives; grassroots managers; policy lobbyists; PAC administrators; and key contact managers.
Spouse/Guest Registration and Activities
Spouses/guests are invited and encouraged to attend all meetings, meals and social functions during the conference. For a registration fee of $450, spouses and guests can attend all meals and sessions and experience a complimentary appointment at the Turberry Isle Miami spa. Please note, if you have a spouse/guest attending any part of the conference, they must pre-register. For more information or to register, please contact Dana Hartwig at (202) 637-3116 or dhartwig@nam.org.
Transportation
Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale have rental cars available from major chains. Turnberry Isle Miami is pleased to offer special service from Hertz or Enterprise Car Rental.
Taxi service is also available at approximately $50-$60 from Miami International Airport and $45-55 from Fort Lauderdale Airport (including tax and gratuity) for one to three passengers.
Dress
Business casual and/or resort casual attire is appropriate for all meetings. High temperatures in April average 79° and lows average 69°.