Inside the Influence: A Conversation with Canada's Top Lobbyists

This event is designed exclusively for association and nonprofit executives, senior leaders, and board members. To foster meaningful peer-to-peer discussion, attendance is limited to representatives of associations, charities, nonprofits, and invited guests.

Join OAX for an exclusive discussion exploring the world of advocacy, government relations, and public policy in Canada.

Featuring three guests recognized among The Hill Times' 2026 Top 100 Lobbyists, this timely conversation will examine how associations can build influence, strengthen relationships with decision-makers, and advance their priorities in an increasingly complex policy environment. The three confirmed panelists are David Coletto, Rob Leforte and Lauren Kennedy.

Whether you're responsible for advocacy, government relations, stakeholder engagement, communications, or organizational strategy, you'll gain practical insight from people who understand how influence works from different sides of the table.

What makes an advocacy campaign resonate?

How do you turn a meeting with a decision-maker into a meaningful relationship?

What makes government pay attention to one issue when dozens of organizations are competing to be heard?

And how can an association with limited time and resources build real influence?

Inside the Influence goes beyond the basics of government relations to explore what effective advocacy looks like in practice.

The conversation will explore:

• Building influence and credibility with government and key stakeholders
• Developing relationships with decision-makers that extend beyond a single ask
• Cutting through the noise in a crowded policy environment
• Positioning your organization as a credible voice on the issues that matter
• Navigating changing political priorities
• Understanding what gets the attention of decision-makers
• Turning advocacy priorities into action

Expect a candid, practical conversation about what works, what doesn't, and what association and nonprofit leaders should be thinking about as they build their advocacy strategies.

Why You'll Want to Be in the Room

This isn't a session about lobbying theory.

It's a chance to hear directly from three people recognized for their work in Canadian government relations and advocacy, and to get into the questions association and nonprofit leaders actually wrestle with.

A clearer picture of what effective advocacy looks like today
Understand what separates activity from influence and where associations can focus their efforts.

Insight into how experienced advocates build relationships
Learn how strong government relations strategies move beyond a single meeting, request, or campaign.

A better understanding of what gets attention
Hear perspectives on positioning issues, creating relevance, and making your organization's voice easier for decision-makers to hear.

Practical ideas you can bring back to your organization
Come away with questions, approaches, and considerations that can inform your own advocacy strategy.

Connections with other association and nonprofit leaders
OAX is designed to create genuine peer-to-peer conversation, not simply another presentation followed by a quick exit.