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
Nancy Bélanger
Canada’s Commissioner of Lobbying
Kevin Vuong
Former Parliamentarian, Entrepreneur & Military Officer
Mayor Meed Ward
Mayor of the City of Burlington
Paul Pellegrini
Founder & Executive Counsel of Sussex Strategy Group
Saeed Selvam
Founder & President of Selvam Public Affairs
Adrian Macaulay
Opinion Research Consultant
Stacey Berry
Founder & President, Bstellar® Group Inc.
Matt Yeatman
Co-Founder & President, Momentuum
Chris Moffatt Armes
Govt Relations Specialist & Founder of PoliTraQ
Mitch Heimpel
Vice President, Government Relations
Jason Grier
Founder & CEO of Delphic Research
Laura Payne
CEO & Head Security Consulting, White Tuque.
Alina Rivilis
CEO & Co-Founder of AI Future Leaders
David Shipley
Head of the pack at Beauceron Security
Kanisha Clarke
Cybersecurity & Transformation Leader
Ian Stedman
Associate Professor of Canadian Public Law
Rose Genele
CEO, The Opening Door & Founder, Queuely AI
Joe Macdonald
Program Co-ordinator, Government Relations
Kishawan Peck
Founder & CEO of Woven
Kevin Derman
Head of the AI Innovation Lab at Slalom Canada
Dr. Andrea Ruotolo
AI Operations & Governance Executive
Host
Gold Sponsors
Our Partners / Sponsors
Schedule
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| 7:45 am — 8:45 am |
Check in at registration and kick off the day with a fully curated buffet breakfast and early networking with some of Canada's leading Government Relations and public affairs professionals. The conversations start before the panels do. |
| 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 & NetworkingEnjoy a full, chef-curated buffet lunch designed to let you unwind and refuel. This is a dedicated window to step away from the sessions, catch up with colleagues, and engage in casual, high-level conversation with fellow attendees, speakers, and partners in a relaxed setting. |
| 1:00 pm — 1:45 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. |
| 1:45 pm — 2:30 pm |
From City Hall to Parliament Hill: How Technology is Reshaping Government and AdvocacyAs technology transforms the way governments communicate, make decisions, and engage with citizens, the role of elected officials—and those who advocate before them—is evolving just as quickly.Join Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and former Member of Parliament Kevin Vuong for a candid discussion on the future of governance in the digital age. Drawing on their experience in municipal and federal government, they'll share their perspectives on how technology and artificial intelligence are influencing public leadership, what effective advocacy looks like from the government's side of the table, and how government relations professionals can build stronger, more trusted relationships in an increasingly connected world. |
| 2:30 pm — 3:00 pm |
Fireside Chat: Transparency, Ethics and the Future of Government RelationsAs technology, advocacy, and public engagement continue to evolve, transparency and trust remain fundamental to effective government relations. Join Commissioner Nancy Bélanger for a thoughtful discussion on the changing regulatory landscape, the importance of ethical advocacy, and the future of accountability in government relations. |
| 3:00 pm — 3:15 pm |
Network BreakTake a short break to recharge and connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and partners. Use this time to continue conversations, make new connections, and prepare for the next session. |
| 3:15 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!