Tuesday, September 2

3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Registration Open

Wednesday, September 3

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Registration Open

The Role of Leadership Staff

Indiana Senate leaders will lead a discussion on the important role played by dedicated, professional legislative staff.

Meet Your Colleagues

This session will provide an opportunity for you to get to know your counterparts from other legislatures and to build networks with staffers who have similar jobs and responsibilities.

Depart for Tour of Indy's "West Side"

Learn the "Indiana Motorsports Story" on this tour of research and racing centers including the garage of the Chip Gnassis racing team, winners of the 2008 Indianapolis 500.  We will also tour the fabulous Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Museum.  Members of the legislature's "motorsports caucus" will fill you in on their strategy to turn racing into a winning economic engine for the city and region.  Dinner included.

Thursday, September 4

8:30 am - 12:00 noon

Registration Open

Embracing Change and Transition

Leadership staff operate at the forefront of change, but it isn't always easy.  In this engaging and highly interactive session, participants will examine the four predictable emotional phases of change and learn how behavior affects success.

Faculty:  Tim Meier, Equis Counsulting, Indianapolis

Luncheon and LSS Awards Program

Self-Preservation in the Legislative Environment

Long hours, tight deadlines, quick turnarounds, tiny margins of error, high stress, changing priorities -- how do you survive in this environment?  This session will emphasize the importance of taking care of yourself to enable you to think clearly and be creative while you work through the turmoil of legislative life.

Faculty:  Dr. Vicki Mech-Hester, Mech Hester Solutions, Indianapolis

An Evening at the Indianapolis Zoo

Join participants for a fun and casual evening at the award-winning Indianapolis Zoo (www.indianapoliszoo.com), located just minutes from our hotel at nearby White River State Park.  This is the perfect way to wind down after two days of intense professional development training.

Friday, September 5

8:30 am - 10:00 am

Powerful Persuasion -- Keeping Your Cool While Dealing with the Media and Public

Emmy award-winning veteran journalist, Roger Harvey, now with a leading Indianapolis public affairs firm, will share his secrets on how to effectively deal with reporters and the public.  This interactive session will provide attendees with an insider's perspective on media relations and useful, practical tips to apply at your next legislative session.

Faculty:  Roger Harvey, Vice President, Bose Public Affairs Group, Indianapolis

Where Do You Draw the Line?

Leadership staff sometime walk a fine line between their political roles working on campaigns and their institutional roles working at the legislature.  Where -- and how -- do you draw the line?  Join your colleagues to discuss this important and sometimes difficult dilemna, and to help one another clarify where, and how, the line should be drawn.

Briefing on Energy Supply and Demand

No issue affects the economy and politics like energy and this briefing will help attendees understand the current market dynamics around oil and the costs of energy products.

Faculty:  John Felmy, Chief Economist, American Petroleum Institute, Washington, DC

Breakfast and Annual LSS Business Meeting

The LSS will elect a new chair and executive committee members to serve for 2008-2009.  Other policy items may be discussed.  Please be sure to attend to sign up for LSS committees and to learn about upcoming staff section events.

Presiding:  Dawn Reese, Pennsylvania, Chair, NCSL Leadership Staff Section

Seminar Wrap-Up

Meet with the LSS Executive Committee to discuss the seminar, provide important input regarding its overall effectiveness and to make suggestions for next year's event.