11:00 am

Registration opens

Noon – 1:30 pm

Welcome and Opening Keynote Lunch

1:45 – 4:00 pm

Diversity Initiative Programs
Elección Latina, Run Sister Run, Rising Stars

4:15 pm

Welcome and Opening Remarks

4:30 – 6:15 pm

Plenary Session: Digital Strategies for Candidates, Campaigns, and Advocates
Digital outreach is a key aspect of today’s political and advocacy campaigns  Online tools including blogs, social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other online organizing and communications resources are important for getting campaign messages out to a broad audience of potential voters or stakeholders. This session will provide an overview of best practices and offer practical tips on how to get started or enhance your online presence.

Presenter: Tara Dowdell,
Founder, Tara Dowdell Group

6:15 pm

Networking Reception

7:30 am

Registration Opens

8:15 – 9:45 am

Plenary Session

10:00 am – Noon

*Track 1: Launching your Campaign
This session provides an overview of the key elements of a campaign, including assessing and establishing oneself as a candidate, developing a campaign plan, structuring a campaign organization, and voter contact. 

Presenter: Eva Pusateri, President & Founder,
Expert Communications and Training, Inc.

10:00 am – Noon

*Track 2: Finding Your Political Voice and Influence
This session, designed for those who are not ready to run but want to have some impact on important issues, offers an overview of the "nuts and bolts" of government and political parties in the state. Topics covered will include positioning oneself for appointment to a public board or commission and getting active in a political party.

Noon – 2:15 pm

Plenary Session: Conquering the Camera: An Interactive Media Training
This interactive media training workshop will include tips for successful interviews on tough topics, how to looks poised and professional on camera, staying on message, and public speaking techniques. Selected participants will take part in mock interviews and on-camera practice sessions.

Presenter: Christine Jahnke, Founder,
Positive Communications

2:30 – 3:45 pm

*Track 1: Navigating New Jersey’s Political Parties As a Potential Candidate
The session will highlight the power dynamics of party organizations, building relationships with party operatives and gaining the party’s support, and will address how to respond when the party organization is not supportive.

2:30 – 3:45 pm

*Track 2: Legislative Advocacy
This session is designed for those who are not ready to run, but want to have an impact on important issues. Legislative advocacy is working with individual lawmakers and lawmaking bodies to gain support for your cause or initiative. Learn how to organize a legislative advocacy campaign, including gathering allies, creating a campaign structure, building a communication network, and cultivating media relationships.

4:00 – 5:30 pm

Plenary: Fundraising for Success
Fundraising is one of the most crucial aspects of a campaign. This interactive workshop covers key components of campaign fundraising, including special emphasis on understanding why people give and the in-person “ask”.

 Presenter: Nancy Bocskor,
 The Nancy Bocskor Company