Opening Keynote: Surround Sound Advocacy from the Targets’ Point of View

2024 Buzz Advocacy Summit

What it is like to be on the receiving end of a Surround Sound advocacy strategy? Is it an effective way to reach lawmakers and their staff? Former Congressman Earl Pomeroy and former Chief of Staff Jen Daulby join us for a conversation on the tactics that resonated with him while on the Hill, and […]

Deep Dive Breakout 1: Cutting Through the Noise with a New Congress

2024 Buzz Advocacy Summit

The 118th Congress has been messy and its unclear whether the 119th Congress will be any better. What are some strategies to build visibility and awareness when a new Congress is in session? How do you assess changed committee and party leadership? How can you begin successful relationships with new members and their staff, and […]

Deep Dive Breakout 2: Dial Your Budgets up to 11: Optimizing Every Dollar

2024 Buzz Advocacy Summit

What are some creative budget hacks and tips of the trade that can help you create a big bang for your buck? Share your nifty tools that help you work smarter and cheaper. What are the paid budget items that are actually worth every penny? Notes: Introductions Jennifer McGarry, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Colleen […]

Deep Dive Breakout 3: The People’s Megaphone: Connecting with Lawmakers through Social Media

2024 Buzz Advocacy Summit

Social media continues to be among the most important instruments in surround sound advocacy. How do you build social media content to get lawmaker's attention? What are some successful examples of lawmaker engagement on social media that we can learn from? What are comms directors looking for when interacting on social media? Erin Fernandez, Children's […]

Lunchtime Speaker: Curtain Up! Audience Engagement Strategies from Stage to Seat

2024 Buzz Advocacy Summit

In an increasingly digital world, theater lives or dies by its ability to give its audience a visceral and memorable experience that is quintessentially analog. Hear from Shonali Burke, one of the country's leading growth strategists, on how theaters small and large in the DC Metro area have successfully engaged, retained, and converted audiences through […]

Deep Dive Breakout 1: Joining the Chorus: How Your Advocacy Work Actually Makes the World a Better Place

2024 Buzz Advocacy Summit

It's true: the data shows that participation in grassroots advocacy actually increases positive perceptions of democracy and civic engagement by advocates. Dr. Amy Meli presents her research findings and leads a panel of advocacy practitioners who will share the hopeful takeaways they’ve gathered from years in the industry. Nora Eigenbrodt, National Eczema AssociationGabe Snow, National […]

Deep Dive Breakout 2: Audience Mapping and Targeting: Building a Symphony of Data Points to Succeed at Surround Sound Advocacy

2024 Buzz Advocacy Summit

How can audience mapping help you target policymakers and the contacts in their circle? What role do paid media placements and influencer engagement campaigns have in getting lawmakers' attention. Most importantly, where can we find the data to shape it all? Notes: Panelists Genevieve Thompson, National Down Syndrome Society - moderator William Townsend, American Petroleum […]

Deep Dive Breakout 3: Engaging Your Grassroots Network in Regulatory Advocacy

2024 Buzz Advocacy Summit

Regulatory issues can be wonky and hard for potential advocates to comprehend. This session will look at ways to demystify regulatory advocacy and channel high-quality public comments to regulators. We will also discuss ways to build successful relationships with career regulators. Moderator: Jon Simons (NCTA - Internet & Television Association)  Panelists: Rachel Feinstein (Jewish Community […]

Networking Roundtable Discussions

2024 Buzz Advocacy Summit

Favorite Holiday Tradition Best Coffee in DC (or your city!) A Fun Fact that Surprises You (Share your 'Snapple Lid' fact) What is Your Favorite Olympic Sport to Watch? What was Your Dream Job as a Kid? If You Were a Kitchen Appliance/Tool, What Would You Be? Go-to Easy Dinner Recipe What Do You Wish […]

General Session: From Mess to Message: Advocating for Change through Songwriting and Embracing Your Superpowers

2024 Buzz Advocacy Summit

Transform your personal challenges into powerful messages for social change. Through embracing your story and recognizing the power of your voice, Emma G will help us explore advocacy in anti-racism, community diversity, and disability health. Learn to reframe disempowering labels into superpowers and use your voice to inspire. This session includes a reflective exercise to […]