Policy on the Rocks

Policy on the Rocks is an event series that brings our community together to connect, network, and exchange ideas in a relaxed setting.

Over drinks and hors d’oeuvres, participants hear from leading experts on today’s most pressing public policy and management challenges. Hosted at the Washington, D.C. metro area offices of APPAM institutional members, Policy on the Rocks was created to foster face-to-face interaction and meaningful networking opportunities.

All events are 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm with a one-hour panel followed by a one-hour networking reception. APPAM members are free; non-members have a $10 registration fee. 

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Interested in Hosting?

Why co-host: Policy on the Rocks is a great way to highlight your organization, meet with 100+ attendees, and share information that’s of special interest to you & our field. Co-hosts must be institutional members of APPAM and will receive logo recognition and brief welcome remarks in exchange for complimentary meeting space & AV, while showcasing the organization’s preferred facilities.

Event Details: Policy on the Rocks is a one-hour panel followed by a one-hour networking reception, typically 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Most Policy on the Rocks events are hosted in the Washington, DC metro area, but we’re open to hosting these outside of DC with the right amount of support & interest. For example, in conjunction with our Annual Fall Research Conference, November 5  -7, 2026, in Boston. Below is what we’re looking for in an event venue:

  • Theater or classroom seating for 100, with room for 5 speakers & projection in the front of the room.
  • Adjacent or nearby reception space that can accommodate a bar, buffet tables, and scattered high-top tables.
  • On-site AV equipment and tech support – 1 podium mic, five speaker mics, one audience mic, internet, and projection.

How it works: The co-host takes the lead on content, speakers, and meeting space, while APPAM handles promotion, registration, and catering. ​

Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis. The 2026 schedule is full so we’re scheduling for 2027.

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Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?

Sponsorship is a great way to connect with 100+ policy researchers and practitioners across the DC metro area. Each Policy on the Rocks event offers up to two sponsorship opportunities: $2,000 each for APPAM institutional members ($2,500 for non-members). Sponsors receive prominent branding, recognition in all event materials, a display table, and the opportunity to personally welcome attendees.

For more information, contact Samantha Oliver Thomason at [email protected].

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