Forming Congressional Roundtables

in-depth course designed to provide comprehensive guidance on organizing a successful congressional roundtable

Forming Congressional Roundtables is an in-depth course designed to provide comprehensive guidance on organizing a successful congressional roundtable that brings together trade associations to advise elected officials on crucial commercial and trade issues. This course will equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to establish, manage, and maintain an effective roundtable that addresses relevant industry concerns and facilitates productive dialogue between stakeholders and policymakers.

Participants will learn how to:

  • Identify the objective: Understand the importance of defining the roundtable’s purpose, outlining specific issues to be addressed, determining the intended beneficiaries, and setting achievable goals.
  • Identify the stakeholders: Discover how to recognize trade associations with a stake in the commercial and trade issues being discussed, focusing on those with expertise in the field and representing diverse business interests.
  • Invite the stakeholders: Learn the process of formally inviting stakeholders, ensuring that the invitation includes the roundtable’s objectives, date, time, location, and list of participants.
  • Select a venue: Understand the considerations for choosing a suitable venue that accommodates the number of participants, format of the roundtable, and provides easy access, necessary technical infrastructure, comfort, and privacy.
  • Plan the agenda: Delve into the process of creating a comprehensive agenda, detailing the topics to be addressed, the sequence of discussions, and the time allotted for each segment, including opening and closing remarks and time for questions and open dialogue.
  • Secure a moderator: Learn the importance of selecting an experienced moderator who is knowledgeable about the commercial and trade issues under discussion, skilled in managing group dynamics, and can maintain impartiality throughout the roundtable.
  • Prepare briefing materials: Understand the significance of providing participants with background information on the commercial and trade issues to be discussed, allowing them to come prepared and facilitate a well-informed conversation.
  • Conduct the roundtable: Learn how to effectively manage the roundtable according to the agenda, ensuring that each participant has an opportunity to contribute their insights and feedback, and fostering an environment of productive dialogue.
  • Follow-up: Recognize the importance of post-roundtable communication, including summarizing key points, identifying action items, and scheduling follow-up meetings to continue the discussion or take action on specific items.

By following the steps in this course, participants will gain the skills necessary to create and manage a successful congressional roundtable, effectively bridging the gap between trade associations and elected officials to address critical commercial and trade issues. This course will empower participants to foster productive discussions and build lasting partnerships that benefit all stakeholders involved in the roundtable process.