What is the Public Affairs Institute?
Public Affairs Institute is the preeminent professional development experience for public affairs professionals.
It is a three-year course of study designed to expose mid- to senior-level public affairs professionals to issues and trends that shape the business and public policy environments in which their companies/associations compete. Institute sessions are engaging and interactive. Led by leading thinkers in their fields and delivered via a mix of large group lectures, small group discussions and the concluding Capstone Session designed to tie together themes that have emerged during the week, Institute fosters in-depth analysis and discussion of the topics.
Completion of the Public Affairs Institute strengthens participants abilities as a strategic analyst, as a counselor to senior management, and as a liaison with governmental policy makers, business and community leaders.
What is unique about the Institute?
Institute participants commit to attending one week-long session every year for three consecutive years. Once enrolled, participants become part of a "class" of students that remains intact during the three-year experience. Each class meets with faculty members separately, takes meals together and participates in free-time activities together. This enables participants to build strong relationships with their classmates and broaden their professional networks.
What does the Institute program consist of?
The Institute program is built around six major themes. Themes for 2013 will be announced in late summer. Each theme is examined during a series of small group discussions, large group lectures and a final Capstone Session.
Who are the faculty?
Each member of the faculty is distinguished in a particular field of expertise. They are recruited from leading universities, think tanks and government. The 2013 faculty list will be announced in late summer.
Who attends the Institute?
Institute participants are mid- to senior-level public affairs professionals from leading corporations and associations nationwide. Each must have at least five and preferably seven years of experience in the field. A list of the organizations that have enrolled their public affairs staff in the program is here.
How will my organization and I benefit if I attend Institute?
Participants benefit by thoughtfully examining broader business and public policy issues that affect not only their immediate job, but also the entire organization s competitive position and ability to thrive in a dynamic environment. The format is ideal for in-depth discussion and idea sharing with world-class faculty and peers other senior public affairs managers. The three-year experience builds relationships and broadens participants professional network.
Companies and associations that send employees to Institute get back managers who are better prepared to take on additional responsibility, who have developed a better ability to deal strategically with the larger issues and trends that shape the nation's and world's business and political environments.
When and where will the Public Affairs Institute be held?
The 2013 Public Affairs Institute will be held January 13-17 at the Surf and Sand Resort in Laguna Beach, California.
How much does it cost to attend the Public Affairs Institute?
Fees for Institute participation are separated into three segments:
1. Tuition
2. Lodging & Meals
3. Transportation & Personal Expenses
For 2013, the following fees apply:
1. Tuition for the five-day program is as follows:
| Participant Type 1st/2nd/3rd Year Institute Fellow | Council Member $3,800 $1,900 | Non-member* $4,900 $1,900 |
*Non-Member: Join the Council today, and save by registering at the member rate and using the $200 new-member coupon you will receive. Contact Shelly Deavy at 202.787.5967 or by e-mail for more information on membership.
2. Lodging & Meals
The fee for your stay at the Surf & Sand Resort is made up of two components: 1) the sleeping room which is $249 per night (includes complimentary wireless access) plus taxes and 2) the mandatory Institute meal package which is $752 for the entire week. This package includes breakfasts, lunches, refreshment breaks, receptions, access to the fitness center, valet parking and all applicable service charges and taxes. These fees are not included in the tuition fee and will be separately billed to individuals by the hotel. You will be sent hotel reservation information upon receipt acceptance into the program.
Off-site meals are not included in the Institute meal package. On three evenings during the week, classes enjoy group dinners in town. Usually, class groups invite one or more faculty members to join them. The cost of these dinners is divided among the class participants who attend them.
3. Transportation & Personal Expenses
Round-trip airfare and ground transfers are the responsibility of each participant. Transportation to off-site functions and other personal expenses are not included in the fees listed above and will be separately billed to individuals by the hotel at the time of check-out or by Public Affairs Council following the conclusion of Institute.
Are meal and room fees included in the cost of tuition?
No. Room fees are the responsibility of each participant. All breakfasts and lunches are included in the Institute meal package. Dinner will be provided on Sunday and Thursday night at the Surf and Sand Resort. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings, Institute classes traditionally dine together at off-site restaurants where the total charge for the meal is split equally among those Institute participants and their guests who attend the dinner.
How do I register for the 2012 Public Affairs Institute?
First-year applicants must complete the registration form and a separate application form here. You will be notified within two weeks after we receive your application.
Second- and third-year participants and Institute fellows will be readmitted automatically upon receipt of their registration forms and payment. Returning participants and fellows can complete a registration form here.
When is the deadline for registration?
We recommend that you register well before the Friday, December 14, 2012 deadline. Space is limited for the first-year class and Institute fellows. In the past, the first-year class has filled up before the deadline so be sure to register early.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Cancellations received before Friday, November 16 will be fully refunded. Cancellations received after that date will be subject to a 35% penalty charge. Cancellations received after Monday, December 3 will be subject to a 65% penalty charge. No refunds will be given after Friday, December 14.
Who are Institute Fellows?
Graduates of the Public Affairs Institute are entitled to attend Institute again on a one-year basis as Institute fellows. Fellows are placed in one of the three classes of participants and receive a substantial discount off the regular tuition.
When should I plan to arrive for at Institute?
Registration begins at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 13, followed by the MANDATORY orientation (first-year class only) at 4:00 p.m. The opening session for all classes begins at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 13.
When will the Institute adjourn?
The Institute will adjourn in the evening on Thursday, January 17. Please arrange your flight schedule so that you don't miss the final session.
Is there any advanced preparation required for attendance at the Institute?
Yes. Each faculty member assigns one or more advance readings in his or her topic area. The Public Affairs Council will send a set of advance reading materials to Institute participants one month prior to the program. Participants are strongly encouraged to read all materials in order to be well prepared for class discussion.
What is the attire for Institute?
Dress is casual at Institute most people find khakis and casual shirts or sweaters the most comfortable. You may wish to dress up at night for off-site dining but you don't have to! Be prepared for warm days and crisp, cool mornings and evenings.
How much free time will I have?
The Institute schedule provides two-hour lunches daily and free time on Wednesday afternoons to ensure that participants can keep in touch with business at home.
Can I bring a guest to Institute?
Spouses and other personal guests who RSVP by Friday, December 14 are welcome to join evening receptions and dinners on Sunday and Thursday nights, as well as off-site dinners on the other evenings. However, guests may not attend breakfasts, lunches or coffee breaks, and class sessions are restricted to paid participants. Please note this is a change from previous years, due to the increase in class sizes and the number of guests who accompany participants.
