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Buzz Advocacy Summit

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After canceling the 2020 Buzz Advocacy Summit due to COVID-19, we are excited to announce we will be resuming our in-person Summit in Annapolis, MD in 2021 from October 27th-29th!

The most valuable industry learning happens when like-minded communications and advocacy professionals gather to share their experiences, collaborate to overcome common obstacles, and strive to elevate the practice of modern public affairs.

For this reason, we launched the inaugural Buzz Advocacy Summit in 2016, and the event was a resounding success. After canceling the 2020 Buzz Advocacy Summit due to COVID-19, we are excited to announce we will be resuming our in-person Summit in Annapolis, MD in 2021 from October 27th-29th.

Unlike a typical conference, our approach is for the best in the industry to teach the best in the industry. This is why all invitees are asked to participate as a presenter, roundtable facilitator, or session moderator.

As participants rather than mere attendees, we become invested in each other’s learning, helping to boost the quality of the summit experience for all involved.

A different kind of industry event…

Creating a unique learning experience requires doing things a little differently. This is why the Buzz Advocacy Summit:

Watch our Summit experience video to see why you should participate in the Buzz Advocacy Summit!

The Summit Experience 

Hear what other participants had to say about the Summit:

Inviting a small group to the discussion of high-level advocacy strategies, from a variety of perspectives and approaches, was a brilliant idea that was executed seamlessly.

Jessica Cooper, National Federation of Independent Businesses

The Buzz Advocacy Summit has the most engaging and interactive format beyond the typical and tired conference structure. The featured speakers, deep-dive breakouts, and demonstration sessions all compelled us to challenge and question what we thought we know and how to improve and stand out in a world where everybody wants their stories heard.

Katherine Merullo, American Dental Association

It was a very productive conference and we have already begun to implement some of the takeaways I brought back to DC. Glad to have attended, participated, and shared.

Michael Lewan, The Recording Academy

If you want a conference that isn’t traditional, where everybody is participating, and you’re always learning from someone else, and not just from the people on stage, then this is the conference to go to.

Ory Rinat, The Heritage Foundation

Inviting a small group to the discussion of high-level advocacy strategies, from a variety of perspectives and approaches, was a brilliant idea that was executed seamlessly.

– Jessica Cooper, National Federation of Independent Businesses

The Buzz Advocacy Summit has the most engaging and interactive format beyond the typical and tired conference structure. The featured speakers, deep-dive breakouts, and demonstration sessions all compelled us to challenge and question what we thought we know and how to improve and stand out in a world where everybody wants their stories heard.

– Katherine Merullo, American Dental Association

It was a very productive conference and we have already begun to implement some of the takeaways I brought back to DC. Glad to have attended, participated, and shared.

– Michael Lewan, The Recording Academy

If you want a conference that isn’t traditional, where everybody is participating, and you’re always learning from someone else, and not just from the people on stage, then this is the conference to go to.

– Ory Rinat, The Heritage Foundation

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The Venue

Governor Calvert House
58 State Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401

This beautiful and historic venue is located directly across from the Maryland State House, and a 5 minute walk to the Waterfront.

    Past Participants

    Organizations that have participated in the Buzz Advocacy Summit.

    Featured Speakers
    • Competitive Enterprise Institute
    • DC Public Library
    • DC Strings Workshop
    • HaystaqDNA
    • Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr, LLP
    • Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
    • United States House of Representatives
    • University of San Francisco
    • USA TODAY Sports
    • Washington Improv Theater
    Participants
    • AAA National
    • AARP
    • Alzheimer’s Association
    • Amazon
    • American Academy of Neurology
    • American Academy of PAs
    • American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
    • American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
    • American Cleaning Institute
    • American Dental Association
    • American Diabetes Association
    • American Farm Bureau Federation
    • American Forest & Paper Association
    • American Gastroenterological Association
    • American Health Care Association
    • American Heart Association
    • American Hospital Association
    • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
    • American International Group
    • American Kidney Fund
    • American Library Association
    • American Medical Association
    • American Nurses Association
    • American Optometric Association
    • American Petroleum Institute
    • American Retirement Association
    • American Society for Microbiology
    • American Trucking Associations
    • American Urological Association
    • American Wind Energy Association
    • Americans for the Arts
    • Association of American Medical Colleges
    • Association of American Railroads
    • Baltimore Gas and Electric Company
    • BAYADA Home Health Care
    • BP America Inc.
    • Center for Audit Quality
    • Center for Civilians in Conflict
    • CF Industries
    • Children’s Hospital Association
    • Cobham
    • Council for Opportunity in Education
    • Council for Responsible Nutrition
    • Credit Union National Association
    • CVS Health
    • DaVita Kidney Care
    • Distilled Spirits Council
    • eBay
    • Engine
    • Entertainment Software Association
    • Feeding America
    • Ford Motor Company
    • Friendship Public Charter School
    • FWD.u
    • General Motors
    • Grain Foods Foundation
    • Grant Thornton
    • Grifols
    • Habitat for Humanity
    • Healthcare Leadership Council
    • Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association
    • Hemophilia Federation of America
    • Higher Learning Advocates
    • Horizon Pharma
    • Human Resources Professionals Association
    • Human Rights Campaign
    • International Franchise Association
    • International Paper
    • Johnson & Johnson Industries Inc
    • LeadingAge
    • Liberty Mutual
    • Microsoft
    • Molina Healthcare
    • National Alliance on Mental Illness
    • National Association of Chain Drug Stores
    • National Association of Home Builders
    • National Association of Manufacturers
    • National Association of Realtors
    • National Association of Secondary School Principals
    • National Federation of Independent Business
    • National Grid
    • National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
    • National Kidney Foundation
    • National Marine Manufacturers Association
    • National PTA
    • National Restaurant Association
    • National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
    • National Transportation Safety Board
    • NCTA – The Internet & Television Association
    • Novo Nordisk
    • Nurse-Family Partnership
    • Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
    • Partnership for Public Service
    • PhRMA
    • Prudential Financial
    • Public Affairs Council
    • Safe Kids
    • SBA Office of Advocacy
    • SIFMA
    • Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine
    • Society for Neuroscience
    • The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
    • The Association for Advanced Life Underwriting
    • The Fertilizer Institute
    • The Home Depot
    • The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
    • Thejll-Moller Communications
    • U.S. Chamber of Commerce
    • Western Governors University
    • Women in Government Relations
    • Youth First Initiative
    Sponsors
    • Beekeeper Group
    • Care2
    • Congressional Management Foundation
    • CQ Roll Call
    • Crowdskout
    • Davies Public Affairs
    • FiscalNote
    • Infogroup
    • L2 Political
    • MV Digital Group
    • NextWave Advocacy
    • Pandora
    • RAP Index
    • State and Federal Communications
    • VoterVoice, a FiscalNote Company

    The Agenda

    THEME: “The Future of Advocacy and Communications”

    Is the future of communications and advocacy a scary place filled with deep-fakes, co-opted data, artificial intelligence run amok, and automated interactions in place of real people? Or is it a hopeful landscape where permission-based data helps to build engaged communities, artificial intelligence advances transparency, and automation encourages supporters to share personalized stories?

    Whatever the implications, significant changes to our industry are inevitable. This year’s summit will explore how we can prepare for and adapt to whatever the future may bring. Your voice is an important part of this conversation. Join fellow practitioners who are constantly challenging themselves to advance their programs, find new and creative ways to deliver messages to stakeholders, and build awareness of their cause.

    To learn more about the Summit, please check out the agendas from previous years.

    You can view our agenda from 2019 here, 2018 here,  2017 here, and from 2016 here. 

    Pre-Summit: Tuesday, October 26th come in one night early to beat the morning traffic and/or join other early arrivals for a casual reception with food and drink.

    Day 1: Wednesday, October 27th starts with check-in and a light networking breakfast that opens at 8:30 AM with an opening keynote session at 9:50 AM. Programming concludes at 5:30 PM and is following by a networking reception and dinner.

    Day 2: Thursday, October 28th begins with a hot breakfast that opens at 7:30 AM and programming beginning at 9:00 AM. Programming runs until 3:00 PM at which point participants have a break until the gala reception at 6:30 PM.

    Day 3: Friday, October 29th starts with a hot breakfast that opens at 8:00 AM and programming at 9:00 AM. All sessions wrap up by 12:30 PM, allowing participants to beat the traffic back home.

    Wednesday, October 27th, 2021

    8:30 am – 9:50 amCheck-In & Pre-Summit Networking
    9:50 am – 11:15 amOpening Keynote: The Future of Media and Storytelling
    11:15 am – 11:30 amNetworking Break
    11:30 am – 12:30 pm DEEP DIVE BREAKOUT 1 Keeping It Cool on Hot-Button Issues DEEP DIVE BREAKOUT 2 Growing Your Community in a Challenging Social Media Environment DEEP DIVE BREAKOUT 3 The Art of Animation for PACs and Advocacy
    12:30 pm – 2:00 pm[Outside the Industry]: Generation Tik Tok (Lunchtime Speaker)
    2:00 pm – 3:00 pm DEEP DIVE BREAKOUT 1 Self Produced Media DEEP DIVE BREAKOUT 2 The Future of Fly-ins DEEP DIVE BREAKOUT 3 Demystifying Data and Metrics
    3:00 pm – 3:15 pmNetworking Break
    3:15 pm – 4:10 pmNetworking Roundtable Discussions
    4:10 pm – 4:20 pmTransition Break
    4:20 pm – 5:30 pmGeneral Session: Persuasion and Networking Masterclass
    5:30 pm – 7:00 pmEvening Cocktail Reception
    7:30 pm – 9:00 pmLocal Annapolis Restaurant Dining

    Thursday, October 28th, 2021

    7:30 am – 9:15 amBreakfast
    9:00 am – 10:15 amGeneral Session: Our World Changed: How Will Advocacy?
    10:15 am – 10:30 amNetworking Break
    10:30 am – 11:25 amIndustry Topic Roundtable Discussions
    11:25 am – 11:30 amTransition Break
    11:30 am – 12:30 pm DEEP DIVE BREAKOUT 1 Inter-Generational Communications DEEP DIVE BREAKOUT 2 What Would You Do? Real Life PR and Advocacy Challenges DEEP DIVE BREAKOUT 3 Engaging Stakeholders in Rural or Underserved Communities
    12:30 pm – 1:50 pm[Outside the Industry]: Digital Wellness and Mastering Work-life Balance (Lunchtime Speaker)
    1:50 pm – 2:00 pmTransition Break
    2:00 pm – 3:00 pm DEEP DIVE BREAKOUT 1 Building a Virtual Ambassador Engagement Program DEEP DIVE BREAKOUT 2 Advanced Storytelling , DEEP DIVE BREAKOUT 3 Messaging Post Covid
    3:00 pm – 6:30 pmExplore Annapolis
    6:30 pm – 10:30 pmCrab Feast Dinner

    Friday, October 29th, 2021

    8:00 am – 9:45 amBreakfast
    9:00 am – 10:10 amGeneral Session: Engaging Your Stakeholders in a Crisis
    10:10 am – 10:20 amNetworking Break
    10:20 am – 11:05 am DEMONSTRATION SESSION 1 Forward Planning Content Mapping DEMONSTRATION SESSION 2 Finding and Pitching Thought Leadesrhip Opportunities DEMONSTRATION SESSION 3 Technology Workshop DEMONSTRATION SESSION 4 Design Forward: A Return to Print
    11:05 am – 11:15 amTransition Break
    11:15 am – 12:30 pmClosing Keynote and Panel Discussion: The Impact of Social Media’s Political Ad Bans
    View Full Agenda

    Advisory Committee

    Our Advisory Committee is comprised entirely of industry practitioners who have a demonstrated passion for public affairs and advocacy. The Advisory Committee will be tasked to challenge traditional thinking, to recommend topics and presenters that are at the leading edge of innovative advocacy, and to find featured speakers from outside our industry who can offer new and unique perspectives.

    Committee MemberTitleOrganization
    Lauren CantrellGovernment Relations and Advocacy Projects and Events ManagerHabitat for Humanity
    Jessica CooperNational Grassroots DirectorNational Federation of Independent Business
    Eileen DenneDirector, Corporate CommunicationsAmerican Academy of PAs
    Rachel FeinsteinSenior Manager, Government AffairsHearth, Patio & Barbecue Association
    Jennifer FoxAssistant Vice President, Political AffairsFinseca
    Joe FrancoVice President, GrassrootsLeadingAge
    Andrew FullertonGovernment Relations ManagerNational Kidney Foundation
    Chris GoldenDirector of Rapid Response and Paid MediaFWD.us
    Trey HawkinsDeputy Chief Advocacy OfficerCredit Union National Association
    Joe JoinerPAC DirectorCTIA
    Adam Katz Assistant Director, Advocacy EngagementAmerican Society for Microbiology
    Erin O’NeillVice PresidentAmerican Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
    Katherine MerulloManager, Public Affairs and Advocacy CommunicationsAmerican Dental Association
    Katelyn Moga-GesingProgram Manager, Public PolicyAmazon
    Cody LyonManaging Director, Advocacy and Political AdvocacyAmerican Farm Bureau Federation
    Amy Shope ManziDirector, Grassroots AdvocacyAmerican Heart Association
    Deirdre MiddletonDirector, Strategic and Advocacy CommunicationsAmerican Optometric Association
    Brian LehmanDirector, Public AffairsAssociation of American Medical Colleges
    Ashley LernerGrassroots ManagerGeneral Motors
    Jim MacGregorDirector, Campaign Services and Member MobilizationNational Association of Realtors
    Sarah McDonaldDirector, Policy and Political ProgramsThe Home Depot
    Sarah NordstromAssociate DirectorBoehringer Engelheim
    Laura NessDirector, Government AffairsBAYADA Home Health Care
    Thao NguyenVice President of AdvocacyFeeding America
    Allen SegalDirector, Public Policy and AdvocacyAmerican Society for Microbiology
    Sarah ShinkmanProgram DirectorNew England Hemophilia Association
    Jon SimonsAssociate Vice President, Digital AdvocacyNCTA – The Internet & Television Association
    Gabe SnowDirector of ACRENational Rural Electric Cooperative Association
    Suzanne SwinkHead of Content & Creative CommunicationsBP America Inc.
    Emily Wagner Director of CommunicationsNational Head Start Association
    Sarah WeissmannAssociate Director, Grassroots EngagementThe Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

    Our 2021 Hosts & Sponsors

    You won’t see booths or hear sales pitches at the Buzz Advocacy Summit but you will meet with a curated selection of sponsors who understand that knowledge sharing and listening to practitioners is essential to create superior advocacy tools and services.

    Beautiful Historic Annapolis, MD

    Annapolis, MD is a hidden gem. Located less than 35 miles from the Washington, DC Metro Area, Annapolis, MD is far enough for a retreat-style getaway, yet close enough to travel there without much hassle.

    Register

    Please purchase your tickets early to get discounted pricing.

    The Summit fee includes 2 nights accommodation, commencing on October 27th, 2021. to ease your morning arrival, our first session will commence at 9:50 am, with registration opening at 9 am. Welcome refreshments will be provided.

    Please note that ALL ticket options include more than programming but also the cost of accommodations, receptions, meals, snacks/drinks, and professional notes from the program.

    For out of town guests, and those who want to get a jump-start on the first day of the Summit, you can purchase a room in our hotel block for October 26th, 2021 (the evening before the Summit). All early arriving guests are invited to a reception that evening at a local bar.

    *Please note that in the event that we need to cancel or postpone the Summit due to COVID-19, refunds will be available.

    If you would like to pay for your ticket by credit card, please visit the Eventbrite registration page (fees apply). To avoid the Eventbrite fees, please contact us at buzzadvocacy@gmail.com and we can send you an invoice.

    Early Bird

    $1,195 (if purchased before August 20, 2021)

    Early Bird tickets are 100% refundable before August 20th and 50% refundable* before September 15th, 2021.

    Standard

    $1,495 (if purchased between August 21st – September 15th, 2021)

    Our Standard Price ticket is eligible for a 50% refund* anytime before September 15th, 2021.

    Last Minute

    $1,695 (if purchased after September 16th, 2021)

    Last Minute tickets are not refundable.*

    Come in One Night Early

    $350 (optional add-on)

    For out of town guests, and those who want to get a jump-start on the first day of the Summit, you can purchase a room in our hotel block for October 26th, 2021 (the evening before the Summit). All early arriving guests are invited to a reception that evening at a local bar.

    FAQ

    What's Included in the Summit fee?

    The Buzz Advocacy Summit includes:

    • two nights hotel accommodation at The Historic Inns of Annapolis
    • welcome refreshments on the first morning (assorted breakfast treats)
    • two hot breakfasts
    • two lunches
    • two dinners
    • two evening cocktail receptions
    • wifi
    • coffee and snacks
    • professional notes from each session
    Can I just come for part of the Summit or forego the hotel accommodation?

    While the Summit may be close to home for most participants, this is intended as a convenience so invitees may avoid extensive travel to a far-flung destination. We want to preserve a retreat-style feeling to promote networking, shared experience, and to allow for an ongoing and informed discussion about the future direction of our industry. This is why hotel accommodations are included within the Summit fee, to encourage us to stay on-site together throughout the Summit. This also helps defray some of the costs of the event as meeting room space is included in the hotel room block.

    Of course, if you would prefer not to stay on-site overnight, we just ask that you commit to attend each day of Summit sessions. Unfortunately, no refund is available for unused hotel accommodations.

    Why host the Summit in Annapolis

    When planning the inaugural Buzz Advocacy Summit we wanted a destination that would be far enough away from DC to encourage a retreat-style atmosphere, yet close enough for an easily commutable end-of-the-week event. You don't need to hop on a plane to get to this summer destination! We also had the opportunity to secure a beautiful hotel in the center of Historic Annapolis, MD that is easy walking distance to the waterfront.

    Why do I have to participate, can't I just attend?

    We believe that something important changes when you become an active participant in an event. When you aren't just learning from others, but are also sharing your thoughts and ideas. There are numerous excellent industry conferences that offer attendees a chance to soak in knowledge without necessarily joining in. However, we want this Summit to be different. We want the best in the industry to teach the best in the industry, and your involvement is essential to that goal.

    For those less comfortable with the spotlight, there are a number of opportunities to participate in a smaller group setting including as a roundtable facilitator or networking session moderator. Please let the host know your preference and we will try to accommodate your request.

    What is the role of a panelist?

    Panelists will present at moderator led keynote or breakout sessions. Topics will be determined in advance and some preparation may be required including providing slides or other materials. Panel moderators will coordinate with panelists ahead of the event.

    What is the role of a roundtable facilitator?

    Roundtable facilitators will conduct a roundtable discussion on selected topics during our roundtable breakout session. Roundtable facilitators will assist with preparing materials on their selected topic as well as a discussion guide for their session.

    What is the role of a networking session moderator?

    Networking session moderators, will coordinate our networking speed dating session. They will host each networking group and will encourage interaction among participants.

    What is the summit dress code?

    Our only emphasis is on advanced advocacy learning among peers. Plan to bring your creativity, but leave the suits at home!

    Where are my hotel accommodations?

    We have attendee accommodations booked in two of the Historic Inns of Annapolis- the Governor Calvert House and the newly renovated Robert Johnson House. Both are on State House Circle and very easy walking distance from each other.

    What are my transportation options?

    We chose Annapolis because it is within easy driving distance for most attendees. If you'd like to participate in a carpool, please let us know and we will happily help coordinate it - please just reply to this email.

    For those driving themselves, there is valet parking at the hotel, but other parking options include the Noah Hillman Parking Garage (150 Gorman Street) and South Street Parking Lot (101-199 South Street).

    You can also Uber from DC for approximately $45 with UberX.

    May I share this invitation with others in or outside of my organization?
    If you know of someone from your organization - or another organization - that you think would be a great contributor to the Summit, please send along their information so that we can send them an invitation. Our programming is the best fit for advanced practitioners in advocacy and communications roles.

    There is always a lot of interest in the Summit, so we limit attendance to a maximum of two individuals from an organization. This also keeps our content fresh and diverse.