06/01/2022

Tips for Associations Heading Back to the Hill

Some associations are venturing back

As the country returns to our “next normal,” some associations are resuming their in-person lobbying days. Because there is no substitute for live, in-person meetings, we looked at what one association did to help make its return to the Hill a success.

According to Diane Boyle, senior vice president of government relations at the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), the group typically hosts two days on the Hill each year—one in May and the other in fall. Pre-COVID, their in-person May Congressional Conference drew nearly 1,000 members from every state for meetings with approximately 90 percent of Congress in a single day. The fall day was combined with association programming for 200 attendees and roughly 100 Congressional meetings.

NAIFA members are accustomed to meeting in person and understand that these events are more than making an “ask” for legislative priorities. In-person meetings foster relationship development. While sharing preferences, detailing concerns with policy proposals, or urging support for legislation can be accomplished via Zoom, developing a relationship is best done in person.

Please select this link to read the complete article from ASAE's Center for Association Leadership.