Session: Opening Reception – Sponsored by Milwaukee Tool

Session Description: Kick off the 2025 IEC Policy Conference with a relaxed evening of networking, drinks, and conversation. Connect with fellow members, industry leaders, and partners as we gather to launch this year’s event.

Session: Member of Congress*

Session Description: Congresswoman Mary Miller will share her perspective on key legislative priorities in the House and discuss how federal policy decisions are affecting small businesses, the electrical contracting industry, and the workforce.

Speaker:

Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL)

*Session details subject to change.

Session: Issue Overview and Lobbying Discussion*

Session Description: Get prepared for your Capitol Hill meetings with an overview of IEC’s top legislative priorities and practical guidance on effective advocacy. Craig Brightup will walk through the issues, while the team from Advocacy Associates will explain how to navigate your schedule, use the event app, and make the most of your time with lawmakers.

Speakers:

Craig Brightup | Principal, The Brightup Group LLC

Bobbi Jo Ballard | Advocacy Associates

Lincoln Clapper | Advocacy Associates

*Session details subject to change.

Session:Department of Labor/National Labor Relations Board Update and SBA’s Office of Advocacy *

Session Description: This session will feature updates from leading voices on labor and regulatory policy. Josh Ulman will provide the latest developments from the Department of Labor and National Labor Relations Board that impact merit shop contractors. Representatives from the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy will share how they’re working to ensure small business concerns are heard in the federal rulemaking process—particularly on issues related to OSHA and labor policy.

Speakers:

Josh Ulman | Principal, Ulman Public Policy

Session: Where to Turn When the Political Climate Heats Up

Session Description: Amy Walter speaks with aplomb about the electoral process, congressional culture, and the Washington political scene as a whole. A familiar presence across the media spectrum, her range of topics and expertise provides an engaging, compelling presentation that keeps audiences riveted. Walter discusses not only electoral politics, but also the politics of policy, Washington’s dysfunction, and the people and strategies behind events unfolding in Congress and the White House.

 Amy Walter | Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter and Popular On-Air Political Analyst

Bio: For more than 25 years, Amy Walter has built a reputation as an accurate, objective, and insightful political analyst with unparalleled access to campaign insiders and decision-makers. Known as one of the best political journalists covering Washington, she is the publisher and editor-in-chief of the non-partisan Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, where she provides analysis of the issues, trends, and events that shape the political environment. A contributor to the PBS NewsHour, she provides weekly political analysis for the popular “Politics Monday” segment and is a featured contributor for the network’s election and convention special coverage events. She is also a regular Sunday panelist on NBC’s Meet the Press and CNN’s Inside Politics, and appears frequently on  Special Report with Bret Baier  on Fox News Channel. From 2017 until early 2021, Walter was the host of the weekly nationally syndicated program “Politics with Amy Walter” on  The Takeaway  from WNYC and PRX. She’s also the former political director of ABC News.

In her presentations, Walter expertly breaks down the electoral process, congressional culture, and the Washington political scene. Her astuteness, wit, and range of expertise creates an engaging, compelling presentation, and her reliable and accurate analysis has earned her numerous accolades. Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Amy Walter takes audiences on an insider’s tour of Washington through the eyes of the woman with her finger on the pulse of politics.

Before ABC, she was the  editor-in-chief of  The Hotline, Washington’s premier daily briefing on American politics. There she served as the political publication’s primary voice for three years, and she provided regular analysis of the national political environment in her weekly  National Journal  column,  On the Trail. Walter has provided election night coverage and analysis since 1998 and was a member of CNN’s Emmy-award winning election night team in 2006.

Named one of the “Top 50 Journalists” by Washingtonian  magazine, as well as one of its “50 Most Powerful Women,” Walter was dubbed one of the most powerful people in politics in George  magazine for her insights into the mechanics that make the political machine run. She also won the Washington Post’s Crystal Ball Award for her spot-on election predictions and has been frequently quoted as a congressional election expert in newspapers such as the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and the New York Times. Charlie Cook, Cook Political Report founder and contributor and political analyst for National Journal and NBC News, said, “Today, her work is trusted and respected by Democrats and Republicans alike. She knows how to get beyond bluster and spin to unearth — and explain — what really matters in a political arena. And, she has a proven track record of success, which is essential for those whose jobs depend on accurate political forecasting.”

Walter graduated summa cum laude from Colby College. She was also honored by her alma mater her with an honorary PhD, and now serves on the Board of Advisors. She is also a member of the Board of Advisors for the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics, where she was an inaugural fellow.

Session: Current Issues and Evolving Policies*

Session Description: The Treasurer of the United States will discuss his role within the Trump administration as well as break down the key parts of the president’s economic policies and looks at how they may impact the construction industry and economy as a whole.

Session: Tariff and Tax Updates*

Session Description: Join policy experts for an in-depth look at how evolving tariff and tax policies are shaping the economic landscape for electrical contractors. Craig Brightup and Brandon Audap will explore current developments in trade and tax legislation, providing insights on what contractors need to know and how these policies could impact business operations and growth.

Speakers:

Craig Brightup | The Brightup Group

Brandon Audap | Monument Advocacy  

*Session details subject to change.

Session: How to Lobby Congress: Strategies for Effective Advocacy*

Session Description:Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to sharpen your approach, this session will provide actionable tips for engaging with lawmakers and making your message count. Learn how to communicate effectively, share your story, and build relationships that support your industry’s priorities.

Deborah Mazol | National Roofing Contractors Association 

*Session details subject to change.

Session: IEC PAC Dinner (Invite Only)*

Session Description: An exclusive dinner for IEC’s PAC and Freedom Fund supporters, featuring remarks from key congressional allies and leaders in merit shop advocacy.

Speakers:

Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO)

Rep. Bob Onder (R-MO)

*Session details subject to change.

Session: Legislative Breakfast*

Session Description: Hear from Members of Congress as they discuss current legislation and priorities that could shape the future of the electrical contracting industry.

Speakers: (Additional Speakers TBD)

Rep. Bob Onder (R-MO)

Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (TBD)

*Session details subject to change.