POLLIES 2023
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA | APRIL 18-20 | 2023
Welcome to POLLIES 2023!
As The Political Consulting Event of the Year, the Pollies is your best opportunity to grow your skills and expand your network.
Politics is a relationship business. Pollies ‘23 is designed to bring our community together to reconnect and ready ourselves for the new challenges ahead. No other industry event offers the same caliber of speakers, attendees, dining, adventures—and FUN.
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AAPC Foundation Golf Tournament
Enjoy 18 holes of fun on Tuesday, April 18th at 11:30am while supporting the next generation of political consultants! All proceeds from the tournament benefit the AAPC Education Foundation, a non-profit that helps to protect political free speech, and provides scholarships and paid internships to students preparing to enter the field of politics.
COUNTDOWN TO POLLIES 2023
CUTTING-EDGE PROGRAMMING
Improve your campaign skills over 3 full days of engaging, insightful sessions led by the leaders on the forefront of modern political campaigning.
MIX & MINGLE WITH THE BEST IN BIZ
Connect with the nation’s largest network of political consultants while in Palm Springs!
LEARN FROM THE BEST
Pollies ‘23 is headlined by those who are on the front lines of the midterm cycle. Get first-hand knowledge and be inspired by their campaigning creativity!
Conference Hotel
Located in the beautiful Coachella Valley, a short drive from Palm Springs, La Quinta Resort & Club is a renowned desert destination. Set on 45 lush acres of vibrantly colored gardens and pathways in La Quinta, California, this luxury hotel will capture your spirit and transport your peaceful getaway. Located at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains, La Quinta Resort is an original desert hideaway, offering personal refuge to Hollywood starlets and world travelers. Escape your worries, and vacation to one of the premier resorts in Palm Springs.
AAPC has reserved a discounted block of sleeping rooms for registered Conference attendees at the Conference host hotel, La Quinta Resort. Information on how to book is provided to delegates upon registering for the conference.
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CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE: COVERED WAGON FAULT ADVENTURE
Experience an off-road adventure into the San Andreas Fault and the Sonoran Desert aboard a Covered Wagon!
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CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE: PALM SPRINGS FOOD TOUR
Visit four of Palm Springs’ tasting stops along this specially curated, narrated walking tour.
Conference Agenda
*Subject to change
Tue 18 April
Wed 19 April
Thu 20 April
11 events found.
USPS Listening Session: A Conversation with the Postal Service on Harnessing the Growing Impact of Direct Mail
Sponsored by: United States Postal Service
Join the United States Postal Service® to discuss the ways in which direct mail was used effectively this past election cycle and how to harness the growing impact of direct […]
Join the United States Postal Service® to discuss the ways in which direct mail was used effectively this past election cycle and how to harness the growing impact of direct mail for your next campaign. During the session, USPS will engage with AAPC members and also share insights from their newly released joint white paper with AAPC that includes insights from their 2022 Midterm Elections voter research, as well as comparisons to similar research conducted by the Postal Service following the 2020 National Elections, to provide an overview of what voters think about when viewing political advertising and a path to more effective and efficient use of direct mail as part of an integrated political campaign. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of a conversation with the Postal Service and its dedicated direct mail experts.
Democratic Caucus
In this Democrat only session, join the conversation with the D committees as plans for 2024 kick off. You won’t want to miss the insights on the maps, where teams […]
In this Democrat only session, join the conversation with the D committees as plans for 2024 kick off. You won’t want to miss the insights on the maps, where teams are hiring, and where Dems think we can pick things up.
Speakers include:
Republican Caucus
To remain competitive in this industry, consultants must be proactive in attracting new clients, establishing long-lasting relationships, and learning new business management skills. Hear the key strategies that veteran Republican […]
To remain competitive in this industry, consultants must be proactive in attracting new clients, establishing long-lasting relationships, and learning new business management skills. Hear the key strategies that veteran Republican consultants used to create successful businesses that continue to attract campaigns.
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Happy Hour
Sponsored by: L2
Opening General Session: Covering the News in Today’s Environment
Top journalists will discuss the big trends heading into the 2024 election cycle, including the role of social media in driving news and the decline of local journalism.
Top journalists will discuss the big trends heading into the 2024 election cycle, including the role of social media in driving news and the decline of local journalism.
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40 Under 40 Awards Ceremony
Sponsored by: Ampersand, Cox Media, Effectv, Spectrum Reach
19 events found.
General Session: Expert’s Guide to Getting the Most Out of Polling
A panel of experienced pollsters will provide an in-depth understanding of polling data and explore evolving polling methodologies. They will also discuss the best use of polling data for messaging and […]
A panel of experienced pollsters will provide an in-depth understanding of polling data and explore evolving polling methodologies. They will also discuss the best use of polling data for messaging and strategy to achieve campaign success.
Speakers include:
Breakout: The First ChatGPT Election
Attendees will gain insights into the reality and risks of using ChatGPT and AI/ML in the upcoming election cycle. Learn about the capabilities and limitations of ChaGPT and other AI/ML […]
Attendees will gain insights into the reality and risks of using ChatGPT and AI/ML in the upcoming election cycle. Learn about the capabilities and limitations of ChaGPT and other AI/ML technologies, and how to best leverage these tools to achieve campaign goals while avoiding potential pitfalls.
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Breakout: Harnessing Social Media Influencers for Campaigns
Find out how innovative campaigns have successfully harnessed the power of social media influencers to reach new audiences and build support for their campaigns. Learn how to identify and partner […]
Find out how innovative campaigns have successfully harnessed the power of social media influencers to reach new audiences and build support for their campaigns. Learn how to identify and partner with social media influencers who align with your candidate's values and messaging and the importance of building authentic relationships with influencers.
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Masterclass: The Emerging Role of Data and Intelligence in the New Age of Political Advertising
This session will explore and affirm how data usage in political advertising continues to evolve to more efficiently reach targeted voters and win elections.
This session will explore and affirm how data usage in political advertising continues to evolve to more efficiently reach targeted voters and win elections.
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Breakout: Art of the Pitch and Closing the Deal
Discover the practical strategies and tips for crafting and delivering successful business pitches that will help you win over clients. The session will cover various aspects of the pitching process, […]
Discover the practical strategies and tips for crafting and delivering successful business pitches that will help you win over clients. The session will cover various aspects of the pitching process, including how to get the meeting, conduct research, develop a strategy, create a compelling presentation, deliver the pitch and build strong client relationships that will keep them coming back.
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Breakout: Creative and Targeting Strategies for State and Local Campaigns
Sponsored by: Pubmatic
State and local campaigns’ smaller budgets make it challenging to compete for attention. The panel will share insights on how to create compelling content and messaging on a budget that […]
State and local campaigns’ smaller budgets make it challenging to compete for attention. The panel will share insights on how to create compelling content and messaging on a budget that reaches and resonates with voters and wins elections.
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Masterclass: Google for Elections, Leveraging YouTube & Google to Connect with Voters
Sponsored by: Google
Join us for a deep dive on Google and YouTube ads best practices as well as key information to keep your clients and campaigns secure online.
Join us for a deep dive on Google and YouTube ads best practices as well as key information to keep your clients and campaigns secure online.
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Breakout: Strategies for Getting Press Coverage
This session will explore strategies campaigns have used for bringing attention to state and local campaigns in areas where traditional news sources are no longer available. Learn the earned media […]
This session will explore strategies campaigns have used for bringing attention to state and local campaigns in areas where traditional news sources are no longer available. Learn the earned media strategies that can be used when local press disappears that will reach voters and raise awareness about your candidate.
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Breakout: Winning Elections with Good Creative
Creative directors who have worked on successful political campaigns will offer their insights and best practices for crafting compelling and memorable creative that speaks to a candidate’s values and messaging. […]
Creative directors who have worked on successful political campaigns will offer their insights and best practices for crafting compelling and memorable creative that speaks to a candidate's values and messaging. Learn how to measure the impact of creative direction on voter engagement and turnout.
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Masterclass: Winning the Ad Race with Integrated TV
Sponsored by: MiQ
The television landscape is increasingly complex and fragmented. Is your political advertising strategy taking advantage of the latest tech innovations and ad strategies to reach and engage voters? Join MiQ […]
The television landscape is increasingly complex and fragmented. Is your political advertising strategy taking advantage of the latest tech innovations and ad strategies to reach and engage voters? Join MiQ for a masterclass on advanced TV planning, activation, and measurement. Discover lessons learned from the midterms, priorities for the 2023/2024 cycle, and how expert strategists are approaching TV media buying today.
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Breakout: Targeting, Polling and Audience Modeling
Where does one end and the other begin? Why is it getting more difficult and costly to do these critical campaign functions? Learn how to meet these challenges, stay compliant […]
Where does one end and the other begin? Why is it getting more difficult and costly to do these critical campaign functions? Learn how to meet these challenges, stay compliant and within budget.
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Luncheon General Session: Crafting the Right Media Mix
Sponsored by: The Trade Desk
A panel of experts will share how they navigate the changing media landscape to optimize spending in a multi-platform world to reach voters effectively. The session will also examine how […]
A panel of experts will share how they navigate the changing media landscape to optimize spending in a multi-platform world to reach voters effectively. The session will also examine how media is being consumed today and the trends shaping media consumption.
Speakers include:
Shark Tank
Speakers include:
Republican Caucus Session
Sponsored by: Holtzman Vogel
This closed-door Caucus session is a “one of a kind partisan political briefing” providing insights as we look ahead to the next election cycle.
This closed-door Caucus session is a “one of a kind partisan political briefing” providing insights as we look ahead to the next election cycle.
Speakers include:
Democratic Caucus Session
Sponsored by: Assembly
In this Democratic only session, leaders of important independent organizations will discuss their role in the broader Democratic ecosystem and their areas of emphasis (time and money) to build momentum […]
In this Democratic only session, leaders of important independent organizations will discuss their role in the broader Democratic ecosystem and their areas of emphasis (time and money) to build momentum through 2024. We will also explore what issues and messaging will continue to motivate Democratic voters as we buckle down and battle up!
Speakers include:
Happy Hour
Sponsored by: MyCodeMedia
15 events found.
General Session: Breaking into the Insider’s Network
This session will spotlight the strategies and tactics followed by those who have been historically underrepresented in firms, political committees, and PACs to reveal how they “got in the door”. […]
This session will spotlight the strategies and tactics followed by those who have been historically underrepresented in firms, political committees, and PACs to reveal how they “got in the door”. An experienced panel will share their personal stories and insights on how they navigated the industry, established a reputation, and built their businesses.
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Breakout: The Changing Latino Electorate
Sponsored by: Televisa Univision
This session will examine the impact of the Latino vote in recent elections as well as key differences in voting among regional Latino populations, the factors and issues that determine […]
This session will examine the impact of the Latino vote in recent elections as well as key differences in voting among regional Latino populations, the factors and issues that determine Latino turnout and the first-time voters represented in the Latino population.
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Breakout: Branding to Build a Winning Campaign
Sponsored by: Gamut Media
Learn how to develop a brand strategy that “clicks” with voters and communicates your candidate’s message effectively. Explore the tools and strategies you need to help your candidate stand out […]
Learn how to develop a brand strategy that “clicks” with voters and communicates your candidate's message effectively. Explore the tools and strategies you need to help your candidate stand out in the most competitive races.
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Masterclass: OTT / CTV Advertising: Midterms Lessons Learned and 2023-24 Priorities
Sponsored by: Premion
CTV proved to be the essential channel for political advertisers to build a complete media strategy to reach and win over voters in the midterm elections as political advertisers spent […]
CTV proved to be the essential channel for political advertisers to build a complete media strategy to reach and win over voters in the midterm elections as political advertisers spent more on ad-supported streaming than previous cycles.
And streaming will remain a priority channel for reaching voters for the 2023-2024 cycle. Almost half (46 percent) of U.S. households are only reachable on streaming TV, according to MRI Simmons — and nearly 40 percent of daily TV time in the U.S. this year will be spent streaming, according to eMarketer.
Join the Premion roundtable featuring political operatives, buyers and experts from leading OTT platforms for a timely discussion on priorities and expectations with OTT / CTV campaign advertising in the 2023-24 cycle — as well as lessons learned from the midterms, and results from a new OTT political advertising survey.
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Breakout: Getting to Profitability and Avoid Getting Stiffed
Explore the fundamentals of profitability and practical strategies to ensure your firm is fairly compensated for its work. Discussion will include the importance of effective pitching, pricing strategies, and engaging […]
Explore the fundamentals of profitability and practical strategies to ensure your firm is fairly compensated for its work. Discussion will include the importance of effective pitching, pricing strategies, and engaging resources to support the campaign.
Speakers include:
Breakout: Winning Public Affairs and Advocacy Campaigns
Learn how political consultants can support non-partisan causes and initiatives. Gain an understanding about messaging that brings both parties to the table, how bipartisan legislation gets done and how to […]
Learn how political consultants can support non-partisan causes and initiatives. Gain an understanding about messaging that brings both parties to the table, how bipartisan legislation gets done and how to get out the vote out for those who identify as independent.
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Masterclass: Tried and NEW Digital Strategies to set your Campaign up for Success
Sponsored by: Causal iQ
Political campaigns have employed digital marketing strategies for years. But digital advertising channels have become increasingly sophisticated and innovative. With new offerings like in-game advertising recently emerging, we now have […]
Political campaigns have employed digital marketing strategies for years. But digital advertising channels have become increasingly sophisticated and innovative. With new offerings like in-game advertising recently emerging, we now have the capacity to identify, reach, and interact with individual voters. Join Causal IQ’s masterclass to hear what the experts have to say about setting your campaign up for success in the 2024 election cycle and beyond.
Speakers include:
Living through the AI Inflection Point
Artificial Intelligence has recently reached a tipping point. Instead of taking years to come to fruition, new advances are taking just months or weeks to affect our daily jobs and […]
Artificial Intelligence has recently reached a tipping point. Instead of taking years to come to fruition, new advances are taking just months or weeks to affect our daily jobs and entire industries. Don't worry that AI will take your job; worry that someone who uses AI better than you do will take your job! Listen to understand where this technology is and where it's going.
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Luncheon General Session: Can We Rebuild the Public’s Trust in Democracy?
Join a robust discussion of whether consultants bear some responsibility for restoring trust in democratic institutions. Veteran pollsters Celinda Lake and Ed Goeas, together with top consultants, will discuss America’s growing polarization […]
Join a robust discussion of whether consultants bear some responsibility for restoring trust in democratic institutions. Veter
Speakers include:
