Government Affairs Leadership Academy

GALA 2025-2026 -- Application dates announced

HPBA staff is excited to announce that the application window for the 2025-2026 Government Affairs Leadership Academy (GALA) class will open on Friday, November 1^st.  Links to the application form will be posted here and shared on other social channels.
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Since 2006, the Tom Pugh Government Affairs Academy has cultivated industry champions to advocate at all levels of government. However, GALA will take this legacy to new lengths. GALA offers a comprehensive experience, not only nurturing advocacy capabilities but also honing essential leadership skills crucial for our industry's future.

GALA participants will join their peers in learning how to protect their businesses, develop leadership skills, expand industry knowledge, and grow their network. GALA will offer valuable training in navigating government affairs issues and advocating for the industry – all while preparing attendees for leadership roles in their companies and within HPBA. 

Kicking off with an in-person session at the HPBExpo 2025 in New Orleans, GALA will offer virtual sessions throughout the year, with sessions including:
     - Understanding legislative and regulatory processes
     - Policy impacts on the industry
     - Preparing to engage with elected officials, case studies in successful meetings
     - Advocacy tools and resources
     - Understanding the impact of codes & standards
     - Profiles in leadership from industry executives

These skills will be on display as HPBA Government Affairs staff will host GALA participants in Summer 2025* in Washington, DC to meet with their congressional members, committee staff and other key stakeholders.

* Note: Washington DC meeting dates will be confirmed once the legislative session calendars are posted by House and Senate leadership offices.

New to the 2025-2026 GALA, applicants will be required to be sponsored under one of the categories below:
     1. Retailers, distributors and service-related members: sponsored and mentored by their regional affiliate director.
     2. Manufacturer members: sponsored by company and submit internal leadership mentor with their application.
 

Are you ready to make a difference? Check back with us. Applications for 2025 will open on Friday, November 1^st.

 

 

 
Tom Pugh Government Affairs Academy Class of 2014