On February 27, Cornerstone brought together over 70 embassy staff members representing countries throughout the globe for an in-depth discussion with members of Cornerstone’s federal government relations team and public affairs team on navigating the evolving U.S. political landscape. Former Republican and Democratic staffers, including Mike Reed and Lauren Tomlinson, provided an insider’s perspective on the priorities of the Trump Administration and the 119th Congress, focusing on key issues impacting foreign governments, including tariffs, trade, and national security.
Former DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Tomlinson shared insights on how embassies can effectively communicate with U.S. policymakers and the media to ensure their messages resonate, emphasizing the need for clear, proactive engagement to counter misinformation and align with U.S. priorities.
“We have to make sure that we’re identifying the right audiences and spokespeople for those audiences. There is a lot of trust within conservative circles for conservative speakers, so making sure to build that trust is important. Additionally, you really have to find the right message,” she said.
The event also featured a deep dive into legislative and regulatory challenges that foreign governments face when engaging in trade, defense, and economic policy. Former Republican National Committee Chief of Staff Mike Reed emphasized the importance of a clear and strategic approach when advocating for international and domestic priorities with the new administration.
“Don’t assume the administration knows the programs that you’re fighting for; a lot of folks in the administration are new. It’s only been five weeks, and they’ve cut a lot, but we haven’t seen the effects of the programs that have been cut firsthand yet. When communicating with the administration try to use testimonials and even better make them fit in the worldview of the folks in power,” he said.
Attendees left with actionable insights on how to navigate Washington’s shifting policy landscape, enhance their advocacy efforts and build stronger relationships with decision-makers.
You can read more from Mike and Lauren in O’Dwyer’s, where they provide additional guidance for navigating the second Trump Administration.
The 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival
The 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival, which runs from March 7 to 15 in Austin, Texas, is a weeklong event focusing on the latest developments in industry, public policy, and serves as a showcase for interactive art, music, and culture. Interested observers should watch for conversations around emerging trends in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the innovation economy, and how private industry is adjusting to an ever-changing policy landscape at both the state and federal levels. Even if you don’t have a festival badge, Austin is home to countless free events during SXSW including concerts, art installations, and interactive experiences across the city.
To stand out at SXSW, corporate communicators need to think beyond just messaging and focus on strategy, experience, and amplification. Here’s what to prioritize:
1. Defining a Narrative That Cuts Through the Noise
- Align SXSW messaging with current industry trends—AI, sustainability, the future of work, the economy, etc.
- Position your company as solving a big, urgent problem in a unique way.
- Develop a clear, bold message that differentiates your brand from others at SXSW.
2. Creating an Unforgettable Experience
- Attendees remember immersive, interactive activations more than speeches or booths.
- Consider hands-on product demos, live data visualizations, or gamified experiences.
3. Using Influencers & Media to Amplify Reach
- Partner with relevant creators, analysts, or journalists to preview your presence at SXSW.
- Pre-pitch media to secure coverage before the conference even starts.
- Plan real-time content strategies—live reactions, behind-the-scenes footage, or trend takeaways.
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska’s Expansion of Prairie Flower Casino
On February 17, the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska cut the ribbon on an expansion of Prairie Flower Casino, just minutes from downtown Omaha, Neb. The casino expansion increased the gaming floor by seven-fold, tripled the total number of gaming positions, and added a sportsbook.
Importantly, the revenue from Prairie Flower Casino is reinvested back into Tribal programs, like healthcare for Members, cultural preservation, job training, housing, transportation, and elder meal delivery. The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska has also voluntarily contributed more than $5 million to the local community to support police, fire, infrastructure, and general community improvements.
Cornerstone Public Affairs is proud to have worked alongside the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska for more than seven years, helping the Tribe navigate complex litigation, build relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials, and offering strategic communications on matters relating to gaming and Tribal services.
Congratulations to the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska on this momentous occasion! You can read more about the expanded casino here.
New Hire Announcement: Ashley Cain
Ashley Cain joined the Public Affairs team in February 2025 and is based in the Louisiana office. She joins the team following her time at the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA) where she served as the Director of Public and Government Affairs. Ashley was responsible for engaging with the state legislature, local officials, the media and the public to advocate for industry interests, building and maintaining these relationships to ensure a positive industry reputation and an optimal operating environment. She is a dedicated public and government affairs professional with over 14 years of experience, has a proven track record of delivering successful public relations campaigns and ability to navigate the complexities of the regulatory environment to influence public policy.
Join us in welcoming Ashley!
She can be reached at acain@cgagroup.com.