PR & The Legislative Process - Tuesday, May 2 @ the Governor's Mansion
Ever wondered how media is generated around Nevada laws or how media relations is used to shape legislative policy? Our expert panelists are seasoned PR pros turned lobbyists or public affairs experts who use their media expertise to guide and direct legislation in Nevada.

Meet our Panel

Moderator: Mike Draper, Argentum Partners

Named Public Affairs Professional of the Year in 2019 by PR News, Mike has managed a diverse client portfolio over his career, with specialties in government affairs, branding, strategic messaging, internal communications, crisis communications, issues management, stakeholder outreach and media relations. His background in multistate grassroots organizing and issues management has helped him navigate substantive issues for clients including NV Energy, El Paso Natural Gas Corporation, the Nevada Mining Association, Newmont Mining Corporation, Western Lithium Corporation, General Moly, Coeur Rochester, Lender Processing Services and Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, among others. 

Prior to joining Argentum Partners in 2016, Mike led the statewide government and public and affairs for R&R Partners, one of the largest advertising, public relations and government affairs firms in the West. 

Panelists

Abbi Whitaker, The Abbi Agency

President and Co-Founder of Nevada-based The Abbi Agency, Abbi Whitaker has over 25 years of public relations, public affairs and marketing experience, ranging from creating and implementing national media and marketing campaigns for technology companies HomeAdvisor, BrightEdge, Offerpop, CrowdTwist and Flirtey to creating awareness campaigns for national associations, advocacy groups and consumer brands. Abbi has worked extensively with travel brands such as TravelNevada, Intrawest, S & P Destination Properties, North Lake Tahoe, Butte County, Goleta, The Eldorado Resort & Casino, The Peppermill Resort Hotel, SugarBowl Resort, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Edgewood Resort, Discover Kalispell and Squaw Valley.                                                                                                                                                                                           

Mary-Sarah Kinner – Government Liaison to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office

A confident spokeswoman with a strong ability to package, tailor and deliver a message in any platform, Mary-Sarah Kinner has worked in the communications and government space for nearly 20 years. Kinner has had the opportunity to work at all levels government during her career including serving as the Press Secretary for the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the Deputy Press Secretary for the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. At the state level, Kinner served as the Press Secretary and Communications Director for Governor Brian Sandoval, both during his campaign and when he served as Governor. At the local level, Kinner served as the Public Relations Coordinator and currently serves as the Government Liaison to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. She has also worked in the private sector as a VP of Communications and Public Relations Manager at various local agencies. Throughout her career, she has positioned herself as a valuable and reliable resource for legislators, business leaders and journalists and can effectively convey a message across all parties for desired outcomes. 

Mari Nakashima - Director of Strategic Communications for The Perkins Group

Mari Nakashima has been with The Perkins Company since 2017 and uses her background in communications and crisis management to assist clients in navigating Nevada’s political climate. She has worked in the political and public policy arena at the state and national level for more than a decade and uses that experience to develop creative administrative and legislative strategies for a broad client list. Prior to joining The Perkins Company she served as the Communications Director for Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval. In that capacity she managed all media relations, expanded the governor’s online and social media presence, served as his primary speech writer, and worked to help build and strengthen the “new Nevada” brand as envisioned by Governor Sandoval and his administration.

Prior to state service, Mari worked in the private sector for a local marketing and public relations company where she served as the account representative for both public and private clients. Her experience also includes service working for members of Nevada’s congressional delegation in Washington, DC. She is a native Nevadan, proud graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and mother of two daughters.

Tickets

$30.00 Member Ticket

$45.00 Non-Member Registration

$25.00 Student Ticket