About the Summit
The policy landscape is changing.
The tools and strategies behind Government Relations must change with it.
Government Relations is entering a NewEra
Artificial intelligence, real-time legislative intelligence, and digital advocacy are reshaping how public policy is monitored, interpreted, and influenced. NewEra brings together GR leaders, public affairs professionals, policymakers, and digital innovators to explore what effective government relations looks like in 2026 and beyond.
Who should attend
• In-house Government Relations teams• Public affairs and advocacy consultants
• Policy and regulatory affairs professionals
• Political and legislative staff
• Executives responsible for public policy strategy
Practical Insight for Modern GR
• How AI is changing legislative monitoring• Digital tools that reduce risk and missed developments
• Best practices for real-time committee intelligence
• Data driven advocacy strategy
• The future skillset of successful GR leaders
Access to industry leaders
Connect with industry leaders and get their insights on the latest trends and strategies for success. Our conference brings together the best and brightest minds in business, making it the perfect place to network and learn.
Guest Speakers & Panel Members
Mayor Meed Ward
Paul Pellegrini
Saeed Selvam
Adrian Macaulay
Stacey Berry
Matt Yeatman
Chris Moffatt Armes
Mitch Heimpel
Jason Grier
Laura Payne
Alina Rivilis
David Shipley
Kanisha Clarke
Ian Stedman
Rose Genele
Joe Macdonald
Host
Gold Sponsors
Our Partners / Sponsors
Schedule
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| 7:45 am — 8:45 am |
Registration and full buffet breakfast provided |
| 8:55 am — 9:00 am |
Welcome Address from the NewEra Summit host PoliTraQ |
| 9:00 am — 10:00 am |
The State of AI: Capabilities, Limits, and What’s NextArtificial intelligence is rapidly evolving, transforming how information is processed, decisions are made, and systems operate across nearly every sector. This panel brings together leading experts in AI and data science to explore what today’s technologies can actually do—and where they are headed next. From machine learning and large-scale data systems to emerging breakthroughs and limitations, the discussion will provide a clear, grounded view of AI’s current capabilities and future trajectory. This session will cut through the noise and deliver practical insight into one of the most important technological shifts of our time. |
| 10:00 am — 11:00 am |
The Confidence Engine: Unlocking AI’s Potential Through Trusted DataIn the NewEra of business, data is more than just information—it is the foundation of every great idea and breakthrough. This session celebrates how modern security is evolving to become invisible, intuitive, and incredibly effective. Instead of slowing us down, the latest advancements in data protection are giving organizations the freedom to explore AI with total peace of mind. Join our panel of experts as they discuss how we are creating a world where data stays safe by design, allowing teams to focus on what they do best: creating, collaborating, and dreaming big. We’ll explore how building a "culture of trust" ensures that as our AI tools grow smarter, our shared information stays more protected and private than ever before. |
| 11:00 am — 12:00 noon |
The Modern Advocate: Enhancing Strategic Influence with AIFor the leaders of Government Relations, the "NewEra" represents a powerful evolution in how policy and influence are shaped. This panel brings together seasoned GR principals to discuss their transition into an AI-enhanced landscape. While these experts have spent years mastering the complexities of legislative strategy and political nuance, they are now integrating new tools to refine their tactical approach. Join us for a candid conversation on how these experienced consultants are leveraging AI to synthesize vast amounts of regulatory data and identify emerging trends with greater precision. We’ll explore how these veterans are successfully merging their deep institutional knowledge with modern technology to deliver more impactful, data-backed results for their clients. |
| 12:00 noon — 1:00 pm |
Lunch (full buffet lunch provided) |
| 1:00 pm — 2:00 pm |
The Integrity Blueprint: Shaping Ethical AI for Public TrustIn the rapid push toward digital transformation, ethical frameworks are not just safeguards—they are the essential foundations for success. This panel brings together leading AI ethicists to discuss the moral and practical imperatives of deploying artificial intelligence within government and advocacy. Our experts will move beyond the theoretical to explore how transparency, accountability, and fairness can be integrated into the very DNA of AI systems. The discussion will focus on how a "safety-first" mindset protects the public interest while providing the government relations industry with the clarity needed to navigate a shifting regulatory landscape. Join us to discover why the most successful AI strategies of the future will be those rooted in a steadfast commitment to human values and ethical excellence. |
| 2:00 pm — 3:00 pm |
The Civic Pulse: Mayoral Perspectives on AI and the Future of AdvocacyAs the leaders of our most dynamic urban centers, Mayors are at the forefront of navigating the real-world impact of the AI revolution. This panel brings together distinguished municipal leaders to share their firsthand perspectives on how artificial intelligence is reshaping city services and citizen engagement.Our discussion will explore the vital intersection of local governance and the government relations industry, examining how advocates can more effectively help cities harness technology to improve public outcomes. Join us for an essential conversation on balancing innovation with responsibility, ensuring that as our digital tools become more sophisticated, our commitment to transparent, community-focused advocacy remains stronger than ever. |
| 3:00 pm — 4:00 pm |
"Future of the Profession" - The Next Frontier: Shaping the 21st-Century PractitionerAs technology accelerates the political cycle, the skills required to influence policy are fundamentally shifting. This panel features a unique cross-section of academic leadership and polling expertise to analyze the evolution of the GR profession. The discussion will dive into the "Intelligence Revolution"—how the next generation of advocates is being trained to leverage data-driven insights and AI to navigate complex legislative landscapes. Join us to learn why the future of advocacy belongs to those who can synthesize human strategy with digital precision. |
| 4:00 pm — 5:00 pm |
The Efficiency Catalyst: Elevating Advocacy Through Intelligent AutomationThe most valuable asset in the Government Relations industry is time, and AI is becoming the ultimate tool for reclaiming it. This panel brings together the innovators behind the leading software platforms specifically designed for the GR and advocacy sectors. These experts will demonstrate how AI-driven tools are moving beyond simple automation to handle the industry’s most time-intensive tasks—from deep-dive policy tracking to complex data synthesis. The discussion will explore a future where practitioners are freed from the "administrative grind," allowing them to focus entirely on high-stakes strategy and relationship building. Our panelists will also share their unique vantage point on the broader industry shift, offering a roadmap for how GR firms and departments can adapt as AI adoption moves from a competitive edge to a standard requirement for success. |
| 5:00 pm — 5:05 pm |
Closing Remarks |
Venue: Raddison Blu Toronto Downtown
249 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2N5, Canada
PoliTraQ is thrilled to host such a prestigious lineup of panelists for this definitive event.
The NewEra Summit promises an incredible day of high-level insights from some of Canada’s leading experts—designed specifically for the modern GR practitioner.
Space is limited. We encourage you to register today to guarantee your seat among the industry’s top leaders.
For inquiries regarding sponsorship or attendance, please contact: Joel@NewEra-Summit.ca
We look forward to seeing you in downtown Toronto this September!
249 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2N5, Canada
PoliTraQ is thrilled to host such a prestigious lineup of panelists for this definitive event.
The NewEra Summit promises an incredible day of high-level insights from some of Canada’s leading experts—designed specifically for the modern GR practitioner.
Space is limited. We encourage you to register today to guarantee your seat among the industry’s top leaders.
For inquiries regarding sponsorship or attendance, please contact: Joel@NewEra-Summit.ca
We look forward to seeing you in downtown Toronto this September!