Become a Member
We are focused on growing our membership and providing members with the tools to help them be successful in their profession. We will be growing our suite of member benefits and educational offerings to help lobbyists and government affairs professionals at all stages in their career.
Your membership will not only help you and your career, but will also signal your support of an open, accessible, and well-informed government that fosters the public trust and values the significant role lobbyists and government relations professionals play in the public’s right to be represented before government.
All Memberships Include
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Free admission to all Lunch n' Learns, Panel & Roundtable discussions, Networking Events, & Member of Congress Briefings (including access to archived recordings of these programs in the members only section of our website)
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Access to our Ethics Hotline
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Access to our Public Policy Certificate Program (PPC) - including discounted pricing on our PPC courses
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Member only discount codes to our partnering organizations
Top Lobbyist
Created BY lobbyists FOR lobbyists
We set out on a mission to create a yearly Top Lobbyist list that is more representative of the profession and not simply based on who you know or where you work. Our judges blindly evaluate each nominee to ensure receiving the honor of Top Lobbyists is 100% merit based.
Our list is comprised of lobbyists, PAC managers, and grassroots professionals that have been nominated by their colleagues, Congressional staff, or clients for their outstanding work. This distinction spotlights professionals that saw significant legislative success, have been innovative in their field, are held in high regard by their clients or members, and are individuals who give back to their community through charity or pro bono work.
2026 Partners:
2026 Top Lobbyist Nominations Are Open
2026 Timeline
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2026 Top Lobbyist Nominations Close - October 2
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2026 Top Lobbyists Announced - October 22
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2026 Top Lobbyist Gala in Washington D.C. - Nov 2
Nomination Guidelines
Please review the following eligibility requirements and nomination guidelines before submitting a nomination.
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Nominees must be nominated by a co-worker, client, congressional or agency staff, or peer within the profession.
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Nominations must clearly demonstrate the nominee's 2026 success and accomplishments in lobbying, PAC management, or grassroots advocacy. Accomplishments from previous years will not be considered.
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Federal and State lobbyists, PAC Managers and Directors, and grassroots professionals are eligible for nomination.
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Nominees for the Top Lobbyist category must be registered lobbyists.
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Nominees do not need to be a member of the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE) to be considered.
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Awards recognize individuals achievement only. Teams are not eligible for nomination.
Multiple Nominations
A nominee may receive nominations from multiple individuals. There is no limit to the number of nominations an individual may receive, provided each nomination is submitted by a different person.
Confidentiality
All information regarding nominators and nominees will remain confidential.
Nominees will only be notified if they are selected for an award. The identity of the nominator will not be disclosed to the nominee.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are encouraged and may be included as part of a nomination packet.
Letters may be submitted by:
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Congressional or agency staff members
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Clients
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Peers within the profession
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Representatives of community-based organizations
If you would like to submit a letter of recommendation for an individual you know has already been nominated, please send it to Nicole Smith at nsmith@millerwenhold.com.
Questions
For questions regarding the nomination process, please contact Nicole Smith at nsmith@millerwenhold.com.
Student Advocate of the Year Award
The Student Advocate of the Year Award honors an emerging leader who has made a meaningful impact on a specific issue or lobbying campaign over the past year. This award acknowledges a student advocate who has exhibited exceptional dedication and leadership in the field, driving change and showcasing the effectiveness of advocacy. It highlights the next generation of influential voices within the lobbying community. If you have a question let Nicole know at nsmith@millerwenhold.com.
Award Criteria
The Student Advocate of the Year Award recognizes a student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, integrity, and commitment to advocacy. The nominee should exemplify the core values of the lobbying and ethics profession while making a meaningful impact in their community. The individual must be a current full time undergraduate student.
Nominee Evaluation
Each nominee will be evaluated using the criteria below
Success
Did the nominee have significant 2026 lobbying, PAC, or grassroots success?
Innovation
Did the nominee innovate in their field? How were they thought leaders in their policy area or profession?
Character
Is the nominee viewed positively by their peers? Does the nominee provide pro bono services and/or participate within their community?