Pack your sunscreen and polish your networking skills — the Public Affairs Council is taking The Advocacy Conference to the beach in 2025!
From February 2-5, 2025, advocacy professionals will gather at the Marriott Harbor Beach in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As proud sponsors of this must-attend event, we’re here to help you make the most of your time both at the conference and by the shore.
Keep reading for practical tips to help you make waves at this year’s Advocacy Conference:
The Conference At A Glance
The Advocacy Conference is your chance to meet the top leaders in grassroots, public affairs, communications, and stakeholder engagement while gaining actionable strategies to elevate your advocacy efforts.
With advanced sessions for senior professionals, unparalleled networking opportunities, and mentoring from industry experts, you’ll leave inspired and equipped to tackle your biggest challenges.
Don’t miss the Resource Marketplace, where you can explore cutting-edge tools to strengthen your program, or the Innovation Awards, which recognize outstanding initiatives that exemplify creativity, inclusiveness, innovation, and organizational impact.
Event Details
Date:
February 2-5, 2025
Location:
Ft. Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
3030 Holiday Dr.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
View The Advocacy Conference Agenda
Getting There
Closest Airport: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), just 5 miles away. Rideshare fares from the airport to the hotel typically fall around $20.
Other Options: Miami International Airport (MIA) and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) are farther but available.
Parking (rates are subject to change):
- Onsite parking: $52.43/day
- Valet parking: $58.85/day
What to Pack for PAC
Don’t forget to bring these Advocacy Conference essentials:
- Business Casual Attire: The conference dress code is business casual, so you can leave your nicest suits at home (unless it’s a swimsuit).
- Evening Wear: After a busy day at the conference, make sure you have a few fresh fits for after-hours networking receptions and dinner plans.
- Beach-Ready Gear: Free time is factored into the conference agenda, so be sure to bring a swimsuit, sandals, sunscreen and sunglasses if you plan to take advantage of some sunny downtime.
- Business Cards: Make sure your business cards are up-to-date so you’re ready to form new connections and leave a lasting impression.
- Activewear: Perfect for a refreshing run with the Morning Run Club or squeezing in a workout between sessions.
- Portable Phone Charger: Keep your phone charged for networking, taking notes, and capturing conference moments.
- Notebook or Tablet: While digital notes are convenient, a physical notebook can sometimes be more efficient for jotting down key takeaways during sessions.
- Light Sweater or Jacket: Conference rooms can get chilly, so having a layer on hand is always a good idea.
How to Make Waves at The Advocacy Conference
Here are a few tips to get the most out of your conference experience:
1. Plan Your Day in Alignment with Your Goals
Whether you’re focusing on data-driven advocacy, amplifying messages via social media, or building coalitions to reach policy goals, this conference offers something for everyone. Use the event app to customize your schedule ahead of time and connect with others working on similar challenges.
2. Pack for the Beach and Beyond
Working in advocacy is rewarding, but it can also leave you feeling drained. Bring your ‘work hard, play hard’ mindset to the conference and make sure to pack a beach towel for some well-deserved R&R. Need a boost? Join the Morning Run Club (February 3-5, starting at 7:00 AM) to connect with fellow endurance-driven attendees while taking in Fort Lauderdale’s scenic coastline.
3. Keep the Conversation Flowing
Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards. Be curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to spark up a conversation – one great connection could transform your strategy for years to come.
Three quick networking tips:
- Find common ground. The fastest way to build strong connections is by discovering what you share with others. Approach conversations with curiosity to uncover mutual experiences, interests, or goals. These commonalities create a solid foundation and momentum for developing genuine, lasting relationships.
- Come prepared for meaningful conversations with thoughtful questions. For example, “What’s a challenge you’re working to solve?”
- Don’t forget to follow up. A quick message – whether it’s an email, a LinkedIn note, or a reference to something specific from your conversation – can turn a brief interaction into a lasting relationship. It shows you listen, value their insights and genuinely care about building an authentic connection.
4. Visit the Resource Marketplace
Swing by Speak4’s booth to discover how we’re helping advocacy professionals solve their biggest challenges — from streamlining grassroots campaigns to engaging supporters in innovative ways – so you can leave a lasting impression on lawmakers.
5. How to Spend Your Evenings
Networking opportunities don’t end when the last session wraps up — some of the best connections happen after hours. Take the time to plan a happy hour with new acquaintances, or join colleagues for a dinner that mixes business with local flavors. Whether you’re building on conversations from the day or starting fresh ones, the evening is a perfect time to deepen connections in a relaxed setting.
Bonus: join us for the Speak4 Speakeasy happy hour on February 3. It’s the perfect spot to head to right after the Networking Reception in the Resource Marketplace (and we heard there’s an open bar…). RSVP here for a chance to win some Speak4 swag!
6. Start Strong with Pre-Conference Connections
Start building connections before the conference even begins. Reach out to fellow attendees through event apps, LinkedIn, or pre-conference forums to introduce yourself ahead of time. Engaging early helps you identify key people you want to meet and gives you a head start on forming meaningful relationships. By the time you arrive, you’ll already have a few familiar faces to seek out, making the experience more productive and enjoyable.
Connect with Industry Leaders
If you’ve been relying on the same strategies and tools since your grassroots program began, it’s time to reassess.
Is your current advocacy setup serving you at the highest possible level? If you’re not getting a resounding “yes,” let’s talk. We can help you find the right tools to meet your specific needs, build lasting relationships with advocates and craft memorable campaigns that stand out to lawmakers.
Looking for smarter ways to advocate? Schedule a demo.
See you at the beach! 🌴