VOICE
Advocacy in action: NAMA is the universally recognized and influential advocate of the convenience services industry.
July 23-24, 2024 • Washington, D.C.
Make your voice heard! Join your peers and colleagues to share your story on Capitol Hill. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with members of Congress and staff to address issues of importance to the convenience services industry.
Questions?
Please contact [email protected]
Featured Speaker
Jim VandeHei
CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF AXIOS AND CO-FOUNDER AND FORMER CEO OF POLITICO
Jim’s extensive experience covering presidential campaigns and his intricate knowledge of Washington politics will provide attendees with a dynamic perspective on amplifying the voice of the convenience services industry. His groundbreaking work in media innovation has reshaped storytelling, making his keynote a must-attend for powerful advocacy and communication insights. As a leading voice in American politics, Jim’s remarks are the perfect culmination for a day of important meetings with key decision-makers on Capitol Hill.
Agenda
subject to change
TUESDAY, JULY 23
9:30am
Registration/Badge Pickup Open
Elevation Foyer (roof level), Hotel Washington
10:00am – 10:30am
Networking
Elevation Foyer (roof level), Hotel Washington
10:30am – 10:45am
Welcome and Introduction
Elevation Foyer (roof level), Hotel Washington
- Carla Balakgie, NAMA
- Tom Steuber, Associated Services
- Bill Meierling, NAMA
10:45am – 11:45am
SNAP: Policy Implications and What it Means to Operators and Suppliers
Elevation (roof level), Hotel Washington
Convenience services are uniquely positioned to address food access issues for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries while at work. Learn more about SNAP and hear from an early adopter how to get started. Panelists will share their experiences, discuss challenges and provide insights into integrating SNAP into convenience services operations
- The Honorable Mike Conaway, Conaway Graves Group
- Sherri Hager, Vistar
- David Pemberton, The Pepi Companies
- Moderator: Bill Meierling, NAMA
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Lunch
Elevation (roof level), Hotel Washington
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Advocacy 101: You are the Message
Elevation (roof level), Hotel Washington
The perception is that partisan conflict has made advancing policy goals nearly impossible in today’s Washington. An expert panel of government affairs professionals will dispel that notion and discuss how to break through the gridlock and achieve legislative victory.
- Zak Baig, Cassidy & Associates
- Casey Christine Higgins, Akin Hump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
- Ben Rosenbaum, The Porter Group
- Moderator: Matt Bisenius, NAMA
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Tax Policy: The Impending Tax Cliff’s Effect on Convenience Services
Elevation (roof level), Hotel Washington
Many important provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) have been phased out or are due to expire in the coming years. Hear from top tax policy professionals about these endangered provisions and why their extension is important to the convenience services industry.
- Max Pedrotti, Office of Rep. Carol Miller (WV-1)
- Patrick Sheehan, Sheehan Brothers Vending
- Steve Wells, American Food & Vending
- Moderator: The Honorable Jon Porter, The Porter Group
3:00pm – 3:30pm
Networking Break
Elevation (roof level), Hotel Washington
3:30pm – 4:00pm
Getting to Know the Small Business Administration
Elevation (roof level), Hotel Washington
Learn about resources and support available to small business owners through the Small Business Administration (SBA). Hear how to navigate these programs and how to better leverage SBA resources.
- David Brown, US Small Business Administration
4:00pm – 5:00pm
The 2024 Election Forecast
Elevation (roof level), Hotel Washington
Election handicapper Kyle Kondik is back to give his take on the 2024 election. Kyle will offer an in-depth analysis of the rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump and dive into the House and Senate races that will dictate political control of Washington for the coming years.
- Kyle Kondik, UVA Center for Politics (Sabato’s Crystal Ball)
5:00pm – 6:30pm
Reception
Sky Room (roof level), Hotel Washington
A pre-dinner reception with stunning views of the Washington, D.C. skyline. An excellent way to engage with industry leaders and wind down after a full day of policy discussions.
Sponsored by: 
6:30pm – 9:00pm
The 2024 Election Forecast
Grand Ballroom (lower level), Hotel Washington
Continue the conversations and enjoy a meal in a formal setting while hearing key political insights and coverage of media and politics from Fly-In Keynote Speaker Jim VandeHei of Axios. Congressman Lloyd Smucker will also offer his perspective from Capitol Hill.
- Jim VandeHei, Axios
- Congressman Lloyd Smucker (PA-11)
Keynote sponsored by: 
9:00pm – 11:00pm
The Afterglow
Sky Room (roof level), Hotel Washington
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24
7:15am – 8:15am
Breakfast & Briefing
Grand Ballroom (lower level), Hotel Washington
Kick off with a breakfast session that includes a briefing on the day’s agenda, key talking points and strategies for effective advocacy. This is a great opportunity to prepare for your congressional meetings and ask last-minute questions. If you are departing for the airport directly from your meetings, please bring your luggage on the bus to be stored at the Capitol Hill Club.
8:15am
Board Buses & Depart for Capitol Hill
Hotel Lobby, Hotel Washington
Transportation will be provided to the Capitol Hill Club, which will serve as NAMA’s “home base.” Please ensure you are on time for bus departure and arrive promptly for your scheduled meetings. If you are departing for the airport directly from your meetings, you may bring your luggage on the bus to be stored at the Capitol Hill Club.
Sponsored by: 
8:45am
Group Photo
9:10am
Arrive at Capitol Hill Club
Eisenhower Room (lobby level)
Refreshments and luggage storage available until 3:00 PM
9:30am – 3:00pm
Meeting with Legislators
U.S. Capitol (See app for appointments)
Meet with members of Congress and their staff to discuss important issues affecting the convenience services industry. These meetings are a crucial part of industry advocacy efforts, providing a platform to voice your concerns and influence decisions.
11:30am – 1:30pm
Lunch at Capitol Hill Club
Eisenhower Room (lobby level)
3:00pm
Adjournment
Hotel & Travel Information
HOTEL WASHINGTON
515 15th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
website
NAMA ROOM RATE
$269 + tax / single or double occupancy
The NAMA room rate was available through July 1. If you need to make a reservation at Hotel Washington, please contact [email protected] to check availability in our group block.
PRE-DINNER RECEPTION SPONSOR
REGISTRATION & KEYNOTE SPONSOR
PAYMENT SPONSOR
TRANSPORTATION SPONSOR
Thank You to Our Annual Sponsors
DIAMOND
PLATINUM
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SILVER
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