Upcoming Events

Upcoming events

    • 24 Mar 2025
    • 1:00 PM
    • Virtual
    Register


    Join WASRG on Monday, March 24 for an insightful Inside the Dome, as seasoned lobbyists Brian McDaniel and Alysen Nesse of Momentum Advocacy delve into Minnesota's distinctive political landscape in 2025.

    This year has been marked by unprecedented events, including a power-sharing agreement in the evenly split Senate and a contentious battle for control in the House, following a court ruling that temporarily shifted the majority to Republicans. Despite these challenges, legislative priorities have emerged, focusing on child care, health care, and housing. Our speakers will provide an insider's perspective on navigating this complex environment and discuss the implications for policy-making in the state.

    Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Minnesota's current political dynamics and their impact on the legislative process.


    A FREE EVENT     |     WASRG MEMBERS ONLY

    The WASRG Inside the Dome series invites in-state contract lobbyists to share intel on legislative sessions, elections and political dynamics with WASRG members.



    ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS

    Brian McDaniel is an attorney, college professor, and governmental relations professional with over 25 years of experience at the Minnesota State Capitol. He has held key roles, including Legislative Director to the Speaker of the Minnesota House, Government Relations Director for the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development, and Fiscal Policy Director for the Minnesota Business Partnership. A former Metropolitan Council member, he also served as Committee Administrator for the House Commerce, Jobs & Economic Development Committee. Outside politics, Brian is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and media commentator, earning a 2024 Upper Midwest Emmy for a televised client event at the Capitol.

    Alysen Nesse brings 13 years of public and private sector leadership to the Momentum team. In the past three years, she has played a key role in securing Minnesota’s largest ongoing investment to combat homelessness with the 2023 Pathway Home Act, advancing funding for HIV/AIDS supportive services, and helping establish the Metro Area Sales Tax for housing. Before joining Momentum in 2022, she was the Senior Government Relations Representative for the City of Minneapolis, leading policy efforts on capital investment, housing, economic development, and public finance at the state and federal levels. Previously, she worked as a Project Manager for the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, focusing on post-9/11 economic and housing redevelopment. Committed to community-driven policy solutions, Alysen also teaches Neighborhood & Community Politics at Concordia University in St. Paul. She holds a bachelor's in political science and a master's in urban public policy.


    • 27 Mar 2025
    • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Penn Social
    Register



    You've made it to March! State sessions are starting to wind down, cherry blossoms are almost in bloom, and the tournament is heating up—what better time to celebrate? 


    Join WASRG for a March Madness Happy Hour at Penn Social on Thursday, March 27, as we toast to making it through the crush of the 2025 busy season with our favorite state government affairs colleagues.


    Registration Details:

    • FREE for WASRG members (free for individual members; organizational members get 3 free passes [additional registrations available at a discounted rate])
    • Members can bring a guest for just $20
    • Non-members welcome for $50
    • RSVP required to attend

    Come for the networking, stay for the NCAA Sweet Sixteen games, great drinks, and good company.




    • 28 Apr 2025
    • 1:00 PM
    • Virtual
    Register


    Join WASRG on Monday, April 28 for our next Inside the Dome virtual event, where Kaley Slattery and Rachel Cone of The Southern Group will break down Florida’s 2025 legislative session just days before the session's anticipated May 2 adjournment.

    Governor Ron DeSantis has set an aggressive conservative agenda for Florida’s fast-moving two-month legislative session, pushing for major changes like eliminating property taxes, loosening gun restrictions, and overhauling the ballot initiative process. However, Republican legislative leaders have their own priorities to advance, and the session is shaping up to be a balancing act between the governor’s proposals and the legislature’s agenda. Lawmakers are also expected to focus on immigration, education and workforce development issues. Hear how GOP leadership is navigating this dynamic while working to pass their key initiatives, as well as what to expect in the months ahead.


    A FREE EVENT     |     WASRG MEMBERS ONLY

    The WASRG Inside the Dome series invites in-state contract lobbyists to share intel on legislative sessions, elections and political dynamics with WASRG members.



    ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS

    Rachel Cone joined The Southern Group’s Tallahassee office in 2017, bringing extensive experience in government and policy. She previously served as Governor Rick Scott’s deputy chief of staff, overseeing 14 state agencies, and later as interim secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, managing its $11 billion budget. Her background includes leadership roles in economic development, environmental policy, and finance, as well as directing external affairs at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. A former military reporter, Rachel is an Auburn University graduate and serves on the Board of Trustees at Holy Comforter Episcopal School in Tallahassee, where she lives with her family.


    Kaley Slattery joined The Southern Group’s Orlando office in 2022, bringing expertise in energy, utilities, environmental regulation, and sustainability. Previously, she served as Legislative Director at the Florida Public Service Commission, managing its legislative agenda and strengthening state-federal regulatory coordination. She began her career in campaigns and the Florida House, working on mental health policy, environmental resilience, and appropriations. A second-generation Floridian, Kaley holds degrees in Political Science and English from UNF and a Master’s in Public Administration from FSU. She lives in Seminole County, where she was born and raised.


    • 21 May 2025
    • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM



    Admission will be free; advance registration required.

    Open to SGAC & WASRG members, partner organizations and prospective members.


    • 04 Jun 2025
    • 5:00 PM
    • Nationals Park
    • 40


    Save the Date for one of our most fun events of the year -- Networking at the Nats! WASRG members will meet up for casual networking and ballgame-watching as the Washington Nationals take on the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, June 5The game starts at 6:45pm; we'll share details soon about a pre-game event being hosted on the roof deck at the nearby offices of WASRG Member Global Business Alliance!

     


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