- How to understand and respond to polling
- How different audiences hear and respond to messaging
- Who is the target audience for a ballot initiative? State Legislature? Congress?
- The importance of educating local reporters and how to interact with the press
- Tactics of the marijuana industry
Presenters:
Dr. Kevin Sabet, President and Co-Founder of SAM
Presenter Bio:
Labelled the "Quarterback of the anti-legalization movement", Dr. Kevin Sabet is a veteran drug policy advisor, having served in the Clinton, Bush, and Obama White House Administrations.
He founded Smart Approaches to Marijuana in 2013, alongside former Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Republican pundit David Frum.
Luke Niforatos, Chief of Staff & Senior Policy Advisor, SAM
Presenter Bio:
Luke's background is in nonprofit community healthcare, having helped manage Federally Qualified Health Centers and worked on health disparities. Prior to joining SAM, Luke was also the Co-Founder of DocBuddy, a healthcare start-up based in Denver, Colorado that he later sold.
At SAM, Luke serves as the principal deputy to the CEO in his roles, manages the day-to-day operations of the organization, and serves as a spokesman on marijuana issues.
Garth Van Meter, VP of Government Relations, SAM
Presenter Bio:
Garth Van Meter serves as chief legislative liaison for SAM. Previously, he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Louisiana Congressman John Fleming, M.D., a former addictions treatment center director and champion of public health-focused marijuana policies.
Van Meter also served as the Legislative Director for Congressman Chip Cravaack and Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Bob Inglis.
Colton Grace, Communications Associate, SAM
Presenter Bio:
Colton is an experienced communicator with experience in messaging, writing, marketing, and social media operations.
Prior to joining the SAM family, Colton served on the communications team of South Carolina Congressman Mark Sanford where he focused on news briefings, drafting opinion pieces, and running the congressman's social media accounts.
