Higher Education Government Relations Workshops

Higher Education Government Relations Workshops
Reserve September 23-24, 2026
Reserve October 28-29, 2026
Save the Dates!
Our government relations workshops will be held on September 23-24, 2026 and October 28-29, 2026. Agendas will be forthcoming. For details, please contact Chris Mather, Director of Business Development for Higher Education.

Now more than ever, higher education leaders need proactive strategies to define their institution’s message in Washington, D.C. Please join us for our invite-only workshop designed for higher education leadership to learn, network, and discuss navigating a federal government in flux.

Building a Smarter Government Relations Strategy in a More Complex Washington

These workshops will give higher education leaders practical, actionable tools to strengthen their federal advocacy efforts. Through expert‑led discussions, real‑world case studies, and networking with peers, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively engage with congressional offices and federal agencies in an evolving policy environment.

Workshop Topics Include:

Attendees Will:

  • Government relations in the Trump Administration.

  • Competing for and diversifying funding under the new administration’s priorities.

  • Discerning political rhetoric from reality using strategic intelligence.

  • Develop an actionable government relations strategy in a curated one-on-one session with an in-house expert.

  • Network with higher education peers and influencers.

  • Leave the workshop with the knowledge and resources needed to secure funding and influence in Washington.

What are attendees saying about the workshops?

“My colleague and I attended the McAllister & Quinn Government Relations Workshop and found it very beneficial. The experienced team at McAllister & Quinn did a great job providing a roadmap of how to improve and elevate our government relations efforts. The sessions were informative, practical and full of good takeaways. This was one of the best workshops I have attended and I highly recommend it.
Government Relations, Higher Education Grants Washington DC
Sara AcostaSenior Philanthropic Officer
"I can’t recommend the Government Relations Workshop enough. The content and the speakers were exceptional and provided timely, relevant, and actionable information. I left the workshop more confident in my understanding of what is happening in Washington, DC and much more confident in my future interactions with elected officials. We now have stronger intentionality to how we approach our government relations work and see far more opportunities than we did before attending the session.
Dr. Stacey Robertson
Dr. Stacey RobertsonPresident of Widener University

WORKSHOP FACILITATOR

Managing Partner, John McAllister

Government Relations Workshop Facilitator

John McAllister
Founding & Managing Partner at McAllister & Quinn

Over 100 colleges and universities have benefited from John’s extensive experience in securing federal and foundation funding. His unique approach and effective strategies have helped higher education institutions nationwide. John is a former Legislative Director for a U.S. Congressman and an appropriations lobbyist.

The workshop will feature guest speakers ranging from former congressional representatives to association and thought leaders.

Workshop Schedule and Details

*Each workshop will begin around lunchtime on day 1 and conclude around lunchtime the following day. More details to come.*
Dates:
September 23-24, 2026
October 28-29 2026
Location:
McAllister & Quinn
1625 Eye Street, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20006
Audience:
Workshop for Presidents, Provosts, Chief Advancement Officers, and other leadership from small and mid-sized colleges and universities. Registration includes up to 2 attendees per institution.
Fee:
$5,000 per institution

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