2012 Program

Monday, April 23

2–4 p.m.

Networking Event for People with Alzheimer's or Dementia
Join people living in the early stages of Alzheimer's or other dementias for this informal social event, where participants will be energized around the importance of using their voice as advocates. Meet the Alzheimer's Association's Early-Stage Advisors, who will be on hand to share their stories and inspire others to become involved. Coffee and refreshments will be served.

2:30-4p.m.

GE Symposium
Renaissance Washington, D.C., Downtown
Learn what GE and corporate America are doing to help improve early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, in order to reduce costs, increase access and improve quality of life of all those impacted by Alzheimer's care globally. (Sponsored by GE)

4:30–5:30 p.m.

General Session
Advocacy 101
Is this your first Advocacy Forum? Come to Advocacy 101 to get a head start on learning what our legislative priorities are and why we advocate in Congress, practice your participation in a congressional meeting and learn about getting the most out of your first Advocacy Forum experience. We recommend this session for all first-time attendees but welcome everyone who wants to attend.

6:30–7:30 p.m.

Rally to Remember
Amplify your VOICE and let your passion shine through as we demonstrate our power. Join us as we rally to honor those affected by the disease.

*New location:

Renaissance Hotel, 999 Ninth Street, NW.

Exclusive Sponsor of the Rally to Remember

Evening on Your Own
Transportation will be provided back from the Rally site to the Renaissance Hotel, including a 20 minute nighttime Washington, DC tour. A list of suggested restaurants will be provided with your confirmation materials.

8–9:30 p.m.

Young Advocates Program
A program dedicated to discussing best practices around recruiting and engaging young advocates and an opportunity to network and make new contacts. Advocates ages 18 to 35 are invited to participate.

Tuesday, April 24

8–9 a.m.

General Session
Welcome and Roll Call of the States
Alzheimer's advocacy is not just about attending the Advocacy Forum, and it isn't just what happens in Washington, D.C. Throughout the year, advocates work hard to deliver changes for people with the disease and their caregivers. Hear from each state about the challenges and triumphs that they have experienced as they work to make a difference. We'll also be presenting the Outstanding Advocate Award during this program.

9–10 a.m.

Keynote Address – Frank Luntz, Ph.D., Political Commentator and Pollster
Dr. Luntz is one of the most honored communication professionals in America. He’s been called “the Nostradamus of pollsters” by Sir David Frost and the “hottest pollster” in America by The Boston Globe. Over the past decade, Dr. Luntz has written, supervised and conducted more than 2,000 surveys, focus groups, ad tests and dial sessions in more than two dozen countries on four continents. He has been featured on “60 Minutes,” “Good Morning America” and “Frontline,” and has been a guest on numerous talk shows, including “Meet the Press,” “Nightline,” “The Today Show,” “Charlie Rose,” “The Jim Lehrer News Hour,” “The O’Reilly Factor,” “Tavis Smiley,” “Montel Williams” and “Hardball.” More media outlets have turned to Dr. Luntz to understand the hopes and fears of Americans than to any other political pollster.

10:15–11:45 a.m.

Breakout Sessions — PART I

Federal Priorities and Advocacy Training — How We Will Make a Difference
During these breakout sessions, you'll receive an in-depth briefing on the Association's federal legislative priorities as well as training on how to deliver an effective message to lawmakers. You'll learn from grassroots experts about how to engage elected officials in both Washington and at home. As an effective advocate, you'll need to be able to advance the Association's legislative priorities as well as engage and energize your own community to help build a national movement. This two-part training program give you the tools needed to harness your passion to create real change for all those affected by the disease.

Noon–1:30 p.m.

Lunch and Program

The Plan
January 2011 saw the historic signing of the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA), and in the subsequent months the Association gathered input from people across the country about the impact of Alzheimer's disease on their lives. A report based on this feedback, Alzheimer's from the Frontlines: Challenges a National Alzheimer's Plan Must Address, was produced and shared with the Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care and Services — the group tasked with developing the nation’s first strategic plan to address Alzheimer’s disease.

Our lunch program will feature an address by Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, and will focus on the release of the draft NAPA plan and take a look at what happens next. A copy of the Alzheimer’s from the Frontlines report will be provided for all Forum attendees.

Featured Speaker – Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services
Since taking office on April 28, 2009, Kathleen Sebelius has led ambitious efforts to improve America’s health and enhance the delivery of human services to some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations, including children, people with disabilities and the elderly. Secretary Sebelius is working closely with doctors, nurses, hospital leaders, employers and patients to slow the growth in health care costs through better care and better health. In 2011, Forbes named her the 13th most powerful woman in the world.

1:45–3:15 p.m.

Breakout Sessions — PART II

Federal Priorities and Advocacy Training — How We Will Make a Difference
Continuing on from Part I in the morning, this session is not to be missed.

3:30–4:30 p.m.

State Caucuses
Your chance to caucus with your state's advocates, lock down your Capitol Hill visit strategy and get your “leave behind” kits. Association staff will be on hand to answer last-minute questions and ensure you are ready for your visits the next day.

6–7:30 p.m.

Presenting Sponsor

Inaugural Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) Reception
Join members of Congress and fellow AIM members for a reception celebrating AIM's first full year of operation. AIM works in strategic partnership with the Alzheimer's Association to make Alzheimer's disease a national priority. The purchase of a ticket to the reception ($20) includes an annual AIM membership. Look for invitation and registration information for this special event along with your Advocacy Forum confirmation.

National Alzheimer's Dinner

New! Included in your Advocacy Forum registration fee is your ticket to the National Alzheimer's Dinner!
Attend the National Alzheimer's Dinner and raise awareness to benefit the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. Building on the long-standing history of the National Alzheimer's Gala, this event will continue to address this rapidly growing health crisis. Our country's most influential and respected political, business, philanthropic, entertainment, media, social and advocacy leaders will gather to celebrate advances in the fight against Alzheimer's — and to rally around the growing movement to end the disease.

When: Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Renaissance Washington, D.C.
Contact: NationalDinner@alz.org

Business attire

Wednesday, April 25

7–8 a.m.

Kickoff Breakfast and Closing Program

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Capitol Hill
You've heard from the experts, you've talked to fellow advocates, you've got the messages — now it's your turn. Buses will begin departing from the hotel at 8 a.m. for Capitol Hill, and a shuttle service will run between the hotel and Capitol Hill until 5 p.m.

1–5 p.m.

Hospitality Suite
Stop by our hospitality suite, complete your congressional visit report forms, and share details of your visits with staff and fellow advocates.