The QED-C Law & Policy Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) is hosting Policy Finishing School, a preparatory session designed to help participants make the most of meetings with policymakers on Capitol Hill during the week of the QED-C Quantum Summit in Washington, D.C.
Many QED-C members use their time in Washington during the Summit to meet with Members of Congress and Congressional staff. This session is designed to ensure participants are well prepared for those conversations—providing the policy context, practical guidance, and insider perspectives needed to engage effectively with policymakers.
Participants will hear from former Members of Congress, Congressional staff, and quantum industry policy leaders about how Congress operates, how industry perspectives shape policy discussions, and how to structure productive meetings with Congressional offices.
Topics will include:
- An overview of QED-C’s current policy priorities
- A practical introduction to the legislative branch and Congressional process
- Insights from former Congressional staff and policymakers
- Guidance on requesting and conducting effective Congressional meetings
- What to expect when navigating Capitol Hill logistics
This session will help participants represent both their organizations and the broader quantum ecosystem effectively in conversations with policymakers. Please note – no previous policy experience or knowledge is necessary to attend this event.
Agenda
| Time | Session | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM | Check in | |
| 1:00 PM – 1:10 PM | Welcome | Evangeline Williams, Law & Policy TAC Chair |
| 1:10 PM-2:00 PM | QED-C Policy Position Overview | Danielle (Dani) Couger, LMCO & QED-C Steering Committee member) |
| 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Intro to the Legislative branch | Paul Stimers, Executive Director of the Quantum Industry Coalition Ed Perlmutter, Partner at Holland & Knight and former US Congressman |
| 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Coffee/snack break | |
| 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Congressional Staff Panel | Panelist: Joshua Blume, Director of Governmental Affairs at Bluefors Panelist: Chris Cook, VP of Government Affairs at Infleqtion Panelist: Kevin Cummins, Partner at Franklin Square Group Moderator: Christina Willis, Director of Government Affairs at Infleqtion |
| 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Hill Logistics/Conclusion | Christina Willis, Law & Policy TAC Vice Chair |