GOVERNMENT MEETING PLANNERS: WHAT TYPE OF WORK DO THEY DO?

Working in the field of government keynote speakers, we often get asked: What types of events do you perform at – what types of meetings and conventions do public service agencies and institutions hold? It would seem that a little bit of background discussion and input is in order, yes? For simplicity’s sake, perhaps it would help if you’re not a government keynote speaker to know that meetings in the arena (government meetings, specifically) refer to any formal gatherings or events held by national- or state-level entities for official business purposes. Such get-togethers and leadership retreats often take the form of…

• Legislative sessions – Enjoyed by elected officials and legislative bodies at the local, state, or federal level meeting to introduce and vote on proposed laws and regulations. Think U.S. Congressional sessions or city council meetings.
• Committee meetings – Smaller groups of elected officials will meet in committees focused on specific policy areas, like finance, foreign affairs, or transportation that prepare legislation to bring to a full vote.
• Public hearings – These allow members of the public to contribute input, feedback, and opinions on legislative proposals or government activities. Often required before final votes.
• Town halls – Casual public meetings that allow residents of a locality to pose questions to their elected representatives.
• Budget meetings – Meetings focused on allocation of public funds and resources for the coming fiscal year. Budget meetings often involve presentations from government department heads.
• Policy briefings – Internal meetings where government staff or officials are updated on regulations, programs, projects and strategic priorities.
• Intergovernmental meetings – Sessions that bring together government stakeholders from different levels or jurisdictions to coordinate plans. For example, federal and state transportation agencies collaborating on infrastructure projects.
• Public administrative meetings – Routine working meetings of government departments, agencies, boards and commissions to manage operations.

Ask government keynote speakers and they’d tell you government meetings come in all shapes and sizes and serve a host of different purposes at the federal, state and local levels.