NewEra Summit 2026

About the Summit

The policy landscape is changing.
The tools and strategies behind Government Relations must change with it.

Government Relations is entering a NewEra

Artificial intelligence, real-time legislative intelligence, and digital advocacy are reshaping how public policy is monitored, interpreted, and influenced. NewEra brings together GR leaders, public affairs professionals, policymakers, and digital innovators to explore what effective government relations looks like in 2026 and beyond.

Who should attend

• In-house Government Relations teams
• Public affairs and advocacy consultants
• Policy and regulatory affairs professionals
• Political and legislative staff
• Executives responsible for public policy strategy

Practical Insight for Modern GR

• How AI is changing legislative monitoring
• Digital tools that reduce risk and missed developments
• Best practices for real-time committee intelligence
• Data driven advocacy strategy
• The future skillset of successful GR leaders

Access to industry leaders

Connect with industry leaders and get their insights on the latest trends and strategies for success. Our conference brings together the best and brightest minds in business, making it the perfect place to network and learn.

Guest Speakers & Panel Members

Mayor Meed Ward

Paul Pellegrini

Saeed Selvam

Adrian Macaulay

Stacey Berry

Matt Yeatman

Chris Moffatt Armes

Mitch Heimpel

Jason Grier

Laura Payne

Alina Rivilis

David Shipley

Host

Gold Sponsors

Our Partners / Sponsors

Schedule

Time	Agenda
7:45 am — 8:45 am	Registration and full buffet breakfast provided
8:55 am — 9:00 am	Welcome Address from the NewEra Summit host PoliTraQ
9:00 am — 10:00 am	The State of AI: Capabilities, Limits, and What’s Next Artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving, transforming how information is processed, decisions are made, and systems operate across nearly every sector. This panel brings together leading experts in AI and data science to explore what today’s technologies can actually do—and where they are headed next. From machine learning and large-scale data systems to emerging breakthroughs and limitations, the discussion will provide a clear, grounded view of AI’s current capabilities and future trajectory. This session will cut through the noise and deliver practical insight into one of the most important technological shifts of our time.
10:00 am — 11:00 am	The Confidence Engine: Unlocking AI’s Potential Through Trusted Data In the NewEra of business, data is more than just information—it is the foundation of every great idea and breakthrough. This session celebrates how modern security is evolving to become invisible, intuitive, and incredibly effective. Instead of slowing us down, the latest advancements in data protection are giving organizations the freedom to explore AI with total peace of mind. Join our panel of experts as they discuss how we are creating a world where data stays safe by design, allowing teams to focus on what they do best: creating, collaborating, and dreaming big. We’ll explore how building a "culture of trust" ensures that as our AI tools grow smarter, our shared information stays more protected and private than ever before.
11:00 am — 12:00 noon	The Modern Advocate: Enhancing Strategic Influence with AI For the leaders of Government Relations, the "NewEra" represents a powerful evolution in how policy and influence are shaped. This panel brings together seasoned GR principals to discuss their transition into an AI-enhanced landscape. While these experts have spent years mastering the complexities of legislative strategy and political nuance, they are now integrating new tools to refine their tactical approach. Join us for a candid conversation on how these experienced consultants are leveraging AI to synthesize vast amounts of regulatory data and identify emerging trends with greater precision. We’ll explore how these veterans are successfully merging their deep institutional knowledge with modern technology to deliver more impactful, data-backed results for their clients.
12:00 noon — 1:00 pm	Lunch (full buffet lunch provided)
1:00 pm — 2:00 pm	The Integrity Blueprint: Shaping Ethical AI for Public Trust In the rapid push toward digital transformation, ethical frameworks are not just safeguards—they are the essential foundations for success. This panel brings together leading AI ethicists to discuss the moral and practical imperatives of deploying artificial intelligence within government and advocacy. Our experts will move beyond the theoretical to explore how transparency, accountability, and fairness can be integrated into the very DNA of AI systems. The discussion will focus on how a "safety-first" mindset protects the public interest while providing the government relations industry with the clarity needed to navigate a shifting regulatory landscape. Join us to discover why the most successful AI strategies of the future will be those rooted in a steadfast commitment to human values and ethical excellence.
2:00 pm — 3:00 pm	The Civic Pulse: Mayoral Perspectives on AI and the Future of Advocacy As the leaders of our most dynamic urban centers, Mayors are at the forefront of navigating the real-world impact of the AI revolution. This panel brings together distinguished municipal leaders to share their firsthand perspectives on how artificial intelligence is reshaping city services and citizen engagement. Our discussion will explore the vital intersection of local governance and the government relations industry, examining how advocates can more effectively help cities harness technology to improve public outcomes. Join us for an essential conversation on balancing innovation with responsibility, ensuring that as our digital tools become more sophisticated, our commitment to transparent, community-focused advocacy remains stronger than ever.
3:00 pm — 4:00 pm	The Strategic Hub: Maximizing In-House Impact Through AI In-house government relations teams serve as the vital link between corporate objectives and the evolving legislative landscape. This panel gathers experienced in-house practitioners to discuss how they are modernizing their day-to-day operations to meet the demands of a faster political cycle. Our speakers will explore how they are integrating AI to streamline essential processes—from automated legislative monitoring to sophisticated stakeholder reporting. The discussion will focus on practical strategies for using technology to cut through the noise, allowing in-house teams to deliver more precise insights to their executive leadership. Join us for an inside look at how today’s GR departments are balancing rigorous internal management with proactive advocacy to drive organizational success.
4:00 pm — 5:00 pm	The Efficiency Catalyst: Elevating Advocacy Through Intelligent Automation The most valuable asset in the Government Relations industry is time, and AI is becoming the ultimate tool for reclaiming it. This panel brings together the innovators behind the leading software platforms specifically designed for the GR and advocacy sectors. These experts will demonstrate how AI-driven tools are moving beyond simple automation to handle the industry’s most time-intensive tasks—from deep-dive policy tracking to complex data synthesis. The discussion will explore a future where practitioners are freed from the "administrative grind," allowing them to focus entirely on high-stakes strategy and relationship building. Our panelists will also share their unique vantage point on the broader industry shift, offering a roadmap for how GR firms and departments can adapt as AI adoption moves from a competitive edge to a standard requirement for success.
5:00 pm — 5:05 pm	Closing Remarks