According to a survey conducted by the Congressional Management Foundation, ninety-seven percent of congressional staff said constituent visits to their Washington offices have “some” or “a lot” of influence on an undecided member of Congress, more than any other influence group or strategy.

With the election year in full swing, IDFA’s legislative fly-in, Advocacy Days, June 14-15 in Washington, D.C., provides the perfect opportunity for the industry to rally together to make its voice heard.

Congress will recess in mid-July and for the entire month of August and return only briefly in September before breaking again for the entire month of October to campaign. “This condensed calendar means that key issues will likely be decided in June and early July,” said Ashley Burch, director of political programs. “Every IDFA member should register today to participate in Advocacy Days and take advantage of what may be their last chance to be heard on issues being considered by the 114th Congress.”

The legislative fly-in will include many popular events from the past, including a briefing on pending legislation that will affect dairy businesses by IDFA’s top policy experts and face-to-face meetings with members of Congress and administration officials. The two-day conference will close with the 34th annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party.

“There is no way members of Congress can imagine all of the tangential impacts a particular proposal may have when it’s put into law,” said Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO. “Informing them of the nuances only someone steeped in a particular issue or industry would know is our right and responsibility; that’s why it is important to share your stories during Advocacy Days.”

Members with questions regarding the conference agenda or the scheduling of Capitol Hill meetings may contact Burch at aburch@idfa.org or (202) 220-3534. 

For information about registration or hotel reservations, contact Maria Velasco, IDFA meetings registrar, at mvelasco@idfa.org or (202) 220-3524.