Date: March 27, 2025
Location: Bay Atlantic University, Washington, D.C.
To register: https://forms.gle/RFt5bK4yzs8QECuf6
Step into the premier gathering of professionals in Government Relations, lobbying, advocacy, political communications, and regulatory strategy. The 10th Annual International Government Relations Forum, organized by IGAPA (International Government Affairs Professional Association), brings together over 600 experts from 16 countries to define the future of the field.
For over a decade, IGAPA has been the leading platform for professionals in government relations, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the advancement of a transparent and effective global Government Relations agenda. This milestone event in Washington, D.C., will bring together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to engage in critical discussions on the development of transparent dialogue between business, society, and the state. Attendees will gain actionable insights, explore emerging trends, and build strategic connections that drive meaningful change.
With a strong history of forums held across Europe, Turkey, and the USA, IGAPA has established itself as a key convener of thought leadership in the field. IGAPA’s commitment to strengthening the profession extends across 16 countries, where we actively support and connect Government Relations communities, promoting best practices and innovative approaches. This event is an unparalleled opportunity for professionals at all levels to engage in high-level conversations, share expertise, and collaborate on shaping the future of government relations worldwide.
IGAPA’s events feature representatives from various associations, including the Independent Association of Banks of Ukraine, chambers of commerce from different countries, such as Canada, as well as leaders from small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, prominent lobbying firms, including BGR, a well-known American lobbying company, will be present, alongside politicians, policymakers, and government officials. This event is an unparalleled opportunity for professionals at all levels to engage in high-level conversations, share expertise, and collaborate on shaping the future of government relations worldwide.
Organizers and Partners:
• Bay Atlantic University: a non-profit university in Washington, DC that offers higher education programs to domestic and international students. Bay Atlantic University undergraduate and graduate programs are taught by a first-class faculty of “scholar-practitioners”. They are all seasoned professionals and policy experts –be it in government, international institutions or the private sector. Thanks to this quality of instruction, BAU students have the unique opportunity to become members of a closely-knit community of global citizens. https://bau.edu/
• Global Policy Institute (GPI): a Washington-based think tank dedicated to addressing pressing global challenges through in-depth research and analysis. With a strong focus on global affairs, economics, and international relations, GPI aims to provide actionable insights that inform policy decisions and shape public discourse. https://globalpi.org/
• IGAPA (International Government Affairs Professional Association): a leading international association for public affairs professionals, established in 2018. The mission is to promote ethical, effective, and innovative GR affairs practices. https://igapa.net/
• The Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce (OJC) unites all factions of the global Jewish community’s business sphere – making an immense contribution to both the community’s businesses and professionals, and the business world at large. It is a global umbrella of businesses of all sizes, along with leading professionals, elected officials and communal activists. The Chamber empowers its members and the broader community to network with each other and harness this invaluable network to stimulate economic opportunity and positively affect the public policy of governments around the world.
• SIC Group: International consulting firms specializing in political consulting, political technologies, public relations, GR, and anti-crisis communications. The company has a proven record of success, with over 30 election victories, 50 successful anti-crisis projects, and 100 PR campaigns and projects in the USA, EU, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. https://sic-group.us/
• Institute for Democracy and Development “PolitA”: organization that conducts educational, analytical, and policymaking projects in the fields of democracy development, awareness campaigns and advocacy for meaningful social changes. In the United States, the institution focuses on communicating with decision-makers and providing analytics and solutions. https://institute-polita.us/
Agenda:
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM – Registration and communication
12:15 PM – 12:30 PM – Opening Remarks from Paolo von Schirach (GPI) and Kateryna Odarchenko
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM – Panel 1: Dialogue Between Business and Government
This panel dives into:
• The fastest-growing sectors (tech, healthcare, energy).
• Analytical insights into the GR market.
• Ethics and challenges in fostering effective business-government collaboration.
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Panel 2: GR in the U.S.: Challenges and Opportunities Post-Elections
As the forum takes place after the U.S. elections, this session examines:
• The impact of election results on lobbying and advocacy.
• Changes in key sectors like finance, energy, and technology.
• Success stories from leading lobbying firms.
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM – Panel 3: Best International Practices
Get a comprehensive look at GR across the world with insights into:
• Regulatory frameworks and their industry impact.
• Country-specific strategies.
• Green energy, transportation, and healthcare policies.
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Panel 4: Associations as GR Tools
Understand the power of industry associations in influencing public policy:
• How to create and sustain successful associations.
• Examples of associations driving long-term regulatory change.
• Practical advice for leveraging associations in GR campaigns.
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM – Panel 5: Tools and Strategies for Global GR Success
Discover the latest tools and strategies shaping international GR:
• Analytics, monitoring, and digital engagement.
• Integrating GR into economic and public opinion strategies.
• Real-world examples of innovative approaches in action.
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Closing Remarks
Media Partners:
Chief Data Officer Magazine, The Epoch Times, The Twist News, AN17 Local News, Spas of America, Swanodown, Lenta.ua, 97.5 The Bear.