2019 FAPL Conference  #FAPL 2019

The Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists Hold Annual Conference

Senate President Bill Galvano Conducts Open Keynote Presentation

TALLAHASSEE—Members of the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists (FAPL) gathered in Orlando September 11-13 for the 2019 Annual Conference at the Renaissance Orlando at Seaworld. Attendees heard from industry and issues experts, hosted a welcome reception for legislators, and recognized members who earned their Designated Professional Lobbyist (DPL).

The conference opened with a welcome from FAPL Chair, Jeff Kottkamp. Senate President Bill Galvano conducted a Keynote Presentation on the importance of leadership. The evening concluded with a welcome reception with legislators.

“I was honored to be asked to serve as the keynote speaker for this year’s FAPL conference,” Galvano said. “Professional lobbyists are a diverse group of advocates who passionately represent issues and entities across all areas of public policy. FAPL works diligently to maintain high standards of ethics and professionalism, and I appreciate their contributions to the legislative process.”

Conference speakers and panelists presented on a range of topics including: House and Senate Rules, Florida Sunshine Law, the 2020 Elections, Appropriations, Media Training, Compensation Reporting and Audits, Client Services, Ethics, Planning Capitol Days, Election, Law, Campaign Finance, Social Media, and Fundraising. The Closing Keynote Speaker was Representative Rene Plasencia. Programming was designed to provide the ethics and professional training attendees require to conduct themselves and their businesses in accordance with the FAPL Code of Ethics.

At the closing session, Chair Kottkamp awarded certificates and pins to the association’s twelve newest Designated Professional Lobbyist recipients. The DPL designates those government relations professionals who develop in-depth knowledge of the legislative and political process, its rules, regulations and ethics.  More than 70 percent of FAPL members are DPLs.

The DPL program is a voluntary opportunity to strengthen skills and effectiveness of government relations personnel in lobbying firms, corporations, and not-for-profit associations. Those new to the profession quickly gain expertise it might otherwise take years to acquire, while experienced lobbyists stay current on new ethical and regulatory areas. FAPL is the ONLY state lobbyist organization offering such a program.