ESSAE SPECIAL EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT | OCTOBER 12, 2026

ESSAE Brings Capitol Reporters Together to Help Nonprofit Associations Successfully Leverage PR and Earn News Coverage

October 29 roundtable at The Sagamore will explore what makes a story newsworthy, how reporters evaluate pitches and how associations can become trusted sources.

ALBANY, NY — What makes an association’s issue worth covering—and what causes a pitch to be overlooked?

As first reported in the Empire Report on October 9, the Empire State Society of Association Executives, Inc. (ESSAE) will bring together journalists covering New York State government for a candid reporter roundtable during Harvest Highlight on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing.

Moderated by Leanne Politi, Director of Public Affairs at The Martin Group, the session will take association executives, government relations professionals and communications leaders inside the decision-making process of the Capitol press corps.

The roundtable runs from 9:30–10:30 a.m. Conference registration is required to attend.

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Hear From the Capitol Press Corps

Featured panelists include:

• Dan Clark, author of Capitol Confidential, Times Union
• Katelyn Cordero, health care reporter, POLITICO, and president of the New York State Legislative Correspondents Association
• Austin C. Jefferson, Albany Bureau Chief, Streetsblog
• Raga Justin, Albany correspondent, Bloomberg Government

Panelists will discuss how they identify emerging stories, evaluate pitches, find credible sources and decide which policy developments warrant deeper coverage.

The conversation will explore what reporters need from associations and how to translate complex policy positions into timely, compelling stories. Panelists will discuss how member experiences, original data and subject-matter expertise can strengthen a pitch.

Reporters will also address common missteps, the realities of today’s fast-moving news cycle and the best ways to build productive, trusted relationships with journalists before an organization urgently needs coverage.

Association executives, government relations professionals and communications leaders will leave with a clearer understanding of how the Capitol press corps works and practical strategies for earning meaningful attention for their organizations’ issues, expertise and advocacy priorities.

View the roundtable session details »

Join ESSAE at Harvest Highlight

The reporter roundtable is part of a full day of education and professional connection at Harvest Highlight on Thursday, October 29, at The Sagamore Resort. ESSAE has built the program around executive-level challenges and opportunities, including setting strategy, leading teams, advising boards and making decisions that shape an organization’s future.

Additional sessions address practical applications of artificial intelligence, leadership and communications, tax status and governance, and New York lobbying requirements. You do not have to work in association management or be an ESSAE member to find value in the program.

Bring a colleague or volunteer board leader. With concurrent sessions, attendees can divide the program, compare takeaways and bring more ideas back to their organizations.

Early-bird registration ends Friday, October 16. Eligible nonmember nonprofit staff and volunteer board members may use HHBMDISC when registering to receive the $195 Harvest member early-bird rate through that date.

The Sagamore is offering attendees a special $209 overnight rate for Wednesday, October 28, with its customary $60 resort fee waived. The special room rate is available through October 15.

Explore Harvest Highlight and register »

About ESSAE

The Empire State Society of Association Executives, Inc. supports New York’s association community through professional education, knowledge sharing, connections and advocacy. Learn more at www.essae.org.

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