Roll Call Spotlights Success of Akin Gump’s Election-Focused Virtual Events

In its article “Forced to take networking virtual by pandemic, K Street may never go back,” Roll Call highlights how, amid the ongoing pandemic, firms such as Akin Gump are successfully using virtual events to inform and educate clients around the election and policy issues.

Akin Gump’s public law and policy team has hosted 10 events focused on the election and its impacts thus far this year, with plans for more headed into 2021. The article focuses on a post-election briefing on December 4 hosted by Akin Gump public law and policy partner Arshi Siddiqui, dubbed by colleagues, Roll Call notes, as “the Oprah of K Street” for her skill at moderating these new events, along with other Akin Gump personnel.

Siddiqui is quoted as calling Akin Gump’s policy panels one of the pandemic’s few bright spots because they enable clients and colleagues worldwide to meet and mingle virtually with top figures on both sides of the aisle.

The article notes that, for example, the firm also hosted Rep. Cedric L. Richmond (D-LA) for an online panel, among other events the firm has held this year.

On virtual panels, Siddiqui said, “The technology actually works better than being in person,” explaining that she can see participants’ questions in real time and steer the conversation accordingly. She said that, although she expected a recent webinar to focus on the transition period, the audience, instead, wanted to look to the next Congress’ and administration’s policy priorities.

Akin Gump public law and policy practice co-head Hunter Bates is also quoted in this article. On the December 4 event, in which Akin Gump partner and former Sen. Joe Donnelly also participated, Bates noted the significant interest in the virtual event which saw more than 600 RSVPs, compared to the 30-40 persons who would attend in-person events.

Bates added, “It’s a great way to be able to connect with current clients as well as other people who are talking with you that may be trying to get a sense of our depth and breadth of policy experience.” He expects that in-person events will return when it’s safe to gather, but that Web-based events will not go away.