Leading Through Change: Insights from the NHC Events Professionals Affinity Meeting

By Racquel Codling, Senior Director, Meetings & Events

On June 26, the National Health Council (NHC) hosted its latest Events Professionals Affinity Meeting, featuring a timely and thought-provoking discussion titled “How to Lead in a Changing Political Environment.” The session welcomed guest speaker Joel Roberson, Public Policy and Regulatory Partner at Holland & Knight, who brought a wealth of experience and insight into the evolving intersection of politics and event planning.   

Roberson opened the session with a comparison of executive actions taken by former President Donald Trump within his first six months in office versus those accomplished by President Joe Biden over his four-year term. This comparison set the stage for understanding how rapidly political priorities can shift—and how those shifts can directly impact the work of meeting and event professionals. 

Roberson then outlined the top priorities of the Trump administration, highlighting how these policy directions influenced federal operations, regulatory landscapes, and public engagement. He emphasized that understanding these priorities is essential for professionals who plan events involving government stakeholders, policy discussions, or federally funded programs. 

Four Opportunities for Innovation in Group Events 
One of the most valuable takeaways from the session was Roberson’s identification of four key areas where event professionals can lead and innovate in response to political and regulatory changes: 

    1. Upfront Pricing – Emphasize the importance of consumer rights through clear, upfront disclosure of event costs. This includes promoting transparency and predictability in pricing, while also assessing how these practices affect group contracts and long-term planning. 
    2. Government Travel – Prioritize early engagement to secure participation from government speakers and attendees, ensuring alignment with their travel approval timelines. Be mindful of reimbursement constraints that impact government travelers, and design events with cost-sensitive options. Offering seamless hybrid participation can also enhance accessibility and reduce travel-related barriers. 
    3. Employment and Immigration – Equip staff with clear guidance on how to respond appropriately in the event of inquiries from federal investigators. Ensure employees are informed and compliant with evolving immigration policies that may affect travel or participation. Additionally, explore creative strategies to incentivize both domestic and international travel, while remaining sensitive to regulatory and logistical challenges. 
    4. Trade and Tariff Disruption – Stay informed about evolving trade and tariff policies that may impact event logistics and vendor relationships. Proactively anticipate potential supply chain disruptions and build flexibility into Consider innovative contractual provisions that account for market volatility and protect against unforeseen cost fluctuations.

Roberson encouraged attendees to stay informed, be proactive, and embrace flexibility as core leadership traits in today’s dynamic environment. Whether planning in-person, virtual or hybrid events, understanding the broader political context can help event professionals anticipate challenges and seize new opportunities. 

A full recording of the meeting is accessible via NHC Connect

Stay tuned for future virtual meetings from the NHC Events Professionals Affinity Group by contacting the staff liaison and NHC’s Senior Director of Meetings & Events, Racquel Codling!

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