2025 Lobbyist 101 Series

The Minnesota Governmental Relations Council will again be hosting its Lobbyist 101 program on Friday mornings throughout the 2025 Session. This popular educational and networking opportunity for new and experienced lobbyists alike will be held virtually via Zoom.  

MGRC will bring you timely and important information about working with legislators and the legislative process.  Legislative leaders, committee chairs, non-partisan staff, and administration officials will be speaking with us during the six sessions, with the first session scheduled for January 17, running each week through February 21. Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. each Friday and conclude by 10:00 a.m.

Speaker line-up for January 24

Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson will joining us for our Lobbyist 101 program this week. Leader Johnson has successfully negotiated a power-sharing agreement with DFL Senators which has led to a smooth start to the legislative session in the Senate. 

We will hear from House DFL Outreach Director Tara Schaefle and Senate Rules Committee Executive Director Bri Sharkey-Smith about their staffing changes and assignments for 2025.

Senate Rules Committee Executive Director Bri Sharkey-Smith about their staffing changes and assignments for 2025 and Nicole Kaplan will join us to talk about serving as a co-committee administrator. 

Corey A Picha Jr, the new chef manager of the Centennial and Rathskeller will give us a quick hello and a rundown on their hours and offerings. 

Finally, we hope to have enough time at the end to be introduced to a couple of first-term members. 

Registration is required for the Series.  Details on how to join the meeting will be sent to you one week in advance of the series. Lobbyist 101 is a free program offered by MGRC and is open to all who would like to participate. So, be sure to share details with your interns or others who may find this programming valuable.  Click here to register.  Not a MGRC member?  Call 612.682.7826 or email to register. 

Additional details on specific programs and speakers will be available in early 2025.  Stay tuned! If you have questions or program suggestions, please email Joel Carlson.