Your Ultimate Guide to the 2025 Advocacy Conference: Insights, Tips, and Tools

The Public Affairs Council’s Advocacy Conference is one of the most highly anticipated events in the advocacy and public affairs industry. Designed to bring together public affairs professionals to share best practices, this conference is a hub for learning, networking, and innovation. First launched over two decades ago, the Advocacy Conference was created to address the growing need for collaboration and strategic thinking in grassroots advocacy, public affairs, and government relations. Over the years, it has grown into a premier event, drawing participants from around the country to share insights, tools, and strategies that shape the future of advocacy.

Scheduled to take place from February 2-5, 2025, at the luxurious Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this year’s conference promises to deliver unparalleled value. Advocacy professionals, from grassroots organizers to public affairs executives, will have the opportunity to attend expert-led sessions, participate in innovative workshops, connect with like-minded peers, and meet best-in-class software vendors like CiviClick, Adfero, and Aristotle. Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned expert, this event offers something for everyone—making it a cornerstone in the calendar of any advocacy professional.

Advocacy Conference Overview

The Advocacy Conference is more than just a professional gathering—it’s a dynamic gathering of the brightest minds in advocacy and public affairs. This event caters to professionals across the advocacy spectrum, including grassroots advocacy professionals, public affairs practitioners, communication strategists, and stakeholder engagement experts. With carefully curated sessions and workshops, the conference offers actionable strategies to tackle today’s most pressing challenges in advocacy, from data-driven campaigns to coalition building and legislative engagement.

One of the highlights of the conference is its advanced sessions tailored for senior professionals, providing deep dives into complex topics such as leveraging artificial intelligence in advocacy and navigating evolving public policy landscapes. Attendees will also benefit from the Resource Marketplace, where the latest tools and technologies are showcased, giving participants the opportunity to discover solutions that can optimize their advocacy efforts, like CiviClick. Additionally, the Innovation Awards celebrate campaigns that exemplify creativity, inclusiveness, and measurable impact, inspiring attendees to push the boundaries of their own initiatives.

Beyond the educational value, the conference is an unparalleled networking opportunity. Participants can connect with industry leaders, establish meaningful relationships with peers, and exchange ideas that lead to transformative collaboration. Whether you’re seeking to improve your advocacy strategies, explore new tools, or simply broaden your professional network, the Advocacy Conference provides the ideal environment to achieve these goals while staying ahead in a rapidly evolving field.

Event Details

• Date: February 2-5, 2025
• Location: Ft. Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, 3030 Holiday Dr., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Travel Information

• Nearest Airport: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), approximately 5 miles from the venue. Rideshare services typically cost around $20.
• Alternative Airports: Miami International Airport (MIA) and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) are also accessible options.
• Parking Rates: Onsite parking is available at $52.43/day, and valet parking at $58.85/day (rates subject to change).

Packing Essentials

To ensure a comfortable and productive experience, consider bringing the following items:

• Business Casual Attire: The conference maintains a business casual dress code.
• Evening Wear: Prepare for after-hours networking events and dinners.
• Beach Gear: With scheduled free time, pack swimwear, sandals, sunscreen, and sunglasses to enjoy the beach.
• Business Cards: Essential for networking and establishing new connections.
• Activewear: Join the Morning Run Club from February 3-5 at 7:00 AM for a refreshing start to your day.
• Portable Charger: Keep your devices powered for note-taking and networking.
• Notebook or Tablet: Choose your preferred method for capturing session insights.
• Light Sweater or Jacket: Conference rooms can be cool; an extra layer is advisable.

Packing thoughtfully for the Advocacy Conference can make a significant difference in your experience. By bringing business casual attire, evening wear, and beach essentials, you’ll be prepared for both professional engagements and moments of relaxation. Don’t forget practical items like a portable charger and a notebook to stay organized and capture key insights. Planning ahead ensures you’re comfortable and ready to maximize both the professional and personal aspects of the event.

Maximizing Your Conference Experience

1. Align Your Schedule with Your Objectives
   Whether your focus is on data-driven advocacy, social media amplification, or coalition building, the conference offers diverse sessions to meet your needs. Utilize the event app to plan your agenda and connect with peers facing similar challenges.
2. Balance Work and Leisure
   Advocacy work is demanding. Embrace opportunities for relaxation by packing beach essentials for downtime. Consider participating in the Morning Run Club to network while enjoying Fort Lauderdale’s scenic views.
3. Engage in Meaningful Networking
   Move beyond exchanging business cards. Engage with curiosity, ask insightful questions, and initiate conversations that could lead to transformative connections.
   Networking Tips:
   • Discover Common Interests: Build rapport by identifying shared experiences or goals.
   • Prepare Thoughtful Questions: For instance, inquire, “What challenges are you currently addressing?”
   • Follow Up: A personalized message post-conference can solidify new relationships.
4. Explore the Resource Marketplace
   Visit CiviClick’s website to learn how our platform can streamline your advocacy efforts, from managing grassroots campaigns to engaging supporters effectively.
5. Evening Networking Opportunities
   Post-session hours are ideal for deepening connections. Plan informal gatherings or dinners to continue discussions in a relaxed environment.
6. Initiate Pre-Conference Connections
   Begin networking before the event by reaching out to fellow attendees via the event app or LinkedIn. Early engagement can lead to meaningful interactions during the conference.

To make the most of the Advocacy Conference, align your schedule with your objectives, balancing professional development with opportunities for relaxation. Effective networking goes beyond exchanging business cards—engage meaningfully with peers and follow up to foster lasting connections. Explore the Resource Marketplace and evening events to expand your knowledge and build valuable relationships. By taking these steps, you can turn your time at the conference into a transformative experience for your advocacy work.

Connect with Industry Leaders

If your current advocacy strategies feel outdated, it’s time for a refresh. CiviClick offers tailored solutions to meet your organization’s unique needs, helping you build lasting relationships with advocates and create impactful campaigns that resonate with policymakers.

Looking for innovative advocacy tools? Schedule a demo with CiviClick today.

We look forward to seeing you in Fort Lauderdale!