The Utah Chamber and Salt Lake Chamber’s Government Affairs Boot Camp is an intensive two-day boot camp designed for new and experienced government affairs professionals, company executives and public policy advocates. Attendees learn how to improve their effectiveness and understanding of advocating in the state of Utah. A maximum of 35 people are admitted to the program. Attendees graduate with a Certificate of Government Affairs from the Utah Chamber and with a deeper understanding of lobbying.
2026 Government Affairs Boot Camp
October 23 & 30, 2026
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Utah State Capitol
350 N State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
9:00 a.m. | Networking and Registration
9:15 a.m. | Opening Remarks
Mary Catherine Perry, Executive Vice President of Public Policy & Government Affairs, Utah Chamber
9:30 a.m. | Keynote: Building Trust With Policymakers
Natalie Gochnour, Director, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, and Associate Dean, David Eccles School of Business, University of Utah
Drawing on decades of experience at the intersection of business, government and public policy, Natalie Gochnour will explore how credible information, sound research and data-driven conversations contribute to better public policy. Participants will learn how bringing trusted information and thoughtful analysis to policymakers can elevate policy discussions, inform decision-making and build credibility over time.
10:15 a.m. | Legislative Panel: Hot Issues and What to Expect in 2027
11:00 a.m. | Break
11:15 a.m. | How a Bill Becomes a Law and Finding a Bill Sponsor
Adam Sweet, Deputy Director, Office of Legislative Research, and General Counsel, Utah State Legislature
11:45 a.m. | The State Budget and How to Ask for an Appropriation
12:15 p.m. | Lunch (provided)
1:00 p.m. | Navigating the Legislative Session
1:30 p.m. | Effective Engagement: Contract Lobbyists
2:00 p.m. | Q&A and Day 1 Wrap Up
9:00 a.m. | Networking and Overview of the Day
9:15 a.m. | Keynote: Effective Communication with Policymakers
Maura Carabello, Founder & President, The Exoro Group
Maura Carabello will break down the art of communicating a policy position clearly and persuasively. From knowing your audience and framing an issue to making the ask, participants will learn how to develop messages that are concise, compelling and most likely to resonate with decision-makers.
10:00 a.m. | Lobbyist Registration and Ethics
Jodi Hart, Lobbyist & Partner, RRJ Consulting
10:30 a.m. | Break
10:45 a.m. | Tour of the Utah State Capitol
11:15 a.m. | How Local, State and Federal Policy Intersect
12:00 p.m. | Lunch (provided)
12:30 p.m. | Effective Engagement: In-House Government Affairs
1:15 p.m. | Keynote: Utah’s Political Landscape
Jason Perry, Vice President for Government Relations, and Director, Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah
Jason Perry will provide an inside look at the forces shaping Utah politics, from changing demographics and voter attitudes to elections, political institutions and emerging trends. Participants will gain context for understanding where Utah is headed and how the state’s evolving political landscape may influence future policy debates.
2:15 p.m. | Close Out of Boot Camp: Q&A and Graduation
More information to come.
More information to come.
More information to come.