CBCF’s Annual Legislative Conference 2025

September 24, 2025 –

September 28, 2025

A woman applauds at the podium onstage at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 2025 Phoenix Awards

About the Event

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) held its 54th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC54) from September 24th through September 28th, 2025, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, with off-site events across the city. The week’s worth of events, including panel discussions, a town hall, congressional receptions, an expo, and awards ceremonies, brought together leaders from the Black community in politics, industry, and activism to advance progress in policy, media representation, education, and industry.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy, research, and educational institute dedicated to advancing the global Black community. Through programs, scholarships, and events—most notably the Annual Legislative Conference—the CBCF works to develop leaders, inform policy, and educate the public on issues affecting African Americans.

Kamala Harris applauds onstage at the 2025 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Phoenix Awards Dinner

Panelists answer questions at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 2025 Annual Legislative Conference

Guests look up at the decor and chat over drinks at the 2025 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Phoenix Awards Dinner

A man smiles as he speaks at the podium for the 2025 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Phoenix Awards Dinner

A woman speaks onstage at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 2025 Phoenix Awards

Male and Female presenters on stage behind a lecturn during the CBCF Phoenix Awards Dinner 2025, an event produced by Stratus Firm, an event production company located in Washington, DC

Amazon product launch during the CBCF annual legislative conference. Event produced by Stratus Firm, an event planning agency located in Washington, D.C.

Scope of Services

Project Management

Stratus Firm provided comprehensive project management services, including vendor coordination, timeline development, deliverable tracking, and weekly meetings with the client. Post-event reporting captured key outcomes, insights, and recommendations.

Programmatic Management

The team managed all onsite and offsite programmatic elements, including sessions, activations, and auxiliary events. Stratus ensured that every component aligned with event goals, flowed seamlessly, and reflected the client’s mission and vision.

Logistical Support

Stratus oversaw all logistical elements, including floorplan creation and management, technical consulting and coordination, corporate sponsorship review support, and management of non-production vendor services such as RFP processes and contract drafting and review. The team also provided food and beverage planning and coordination.

Staffing

Stratus provided an experienced on-site production team, including senior producers, production associates, stage managers, show directors, a technical director, and specialized leads for transportation, food and beverage, exhibits, and off-site events. The team ensured efficient execution, proactive communication, and elevated on-site management.

Registration Management

Stratus oversaw local registration staff and managed registration processes to ensure a smooth guest experience.

Member of Congress Liaison

A dedicated liaison provided briefings on event logistics, assisted with on-site coordination, and supported Member of Congress movements and cues during signature events.

Rooming Management

A rooming manager coordinated pre-event lodging logistics, managed room blocks, and implemented on-site adjustments based on VIP needs and other requirements.

Sponsorship Management

A sponsorship manager supported the Resource Development team, liaised with sponsors for on-site activations, and ensured fulfillment of all contracted benefits.

VIP Management

Stratus managed logistics, hospitality, movements, and security coordination for high-profile attendees, including celebrities and dignitaries. The team also conducted pre-event briefings and provided on-site management to deliver a polished, elevated experience.

Rep. Yvette Clarke, CBC Chair

Nicole Austin-Hillery, CBCF President & CEO

Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, ALC Co-Chair

Rep. Joe Neguse, ALC Co-Chair

A man speaks into a mic at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 2025 Annual Legislative Conference

Sessions and Off-Site Events

Opening press conference – Sycamore & Oak
General sessions, established braintrusts, and member sessions, including panels on Black women and media, gun violence, collegiate sports and employment, and talks on energy, diaspora, and new policy.
Professional Development Series – Walter E. Washington Convention Center
HBCU College Fair – Walter E. Washington Convention Center
National Town Hall – Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Alumni and Friends Reception – Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Sojourner Truth Women of Truth Awards Reception – National Portrait Gallery
Community Breakfast & Health Fair – Shiloh Family Life Center
Gospel Extravaganza – United House of Prayer
Merrill Lynch Reception – Marriott Marquis Washington, DC
Leadership Reception – Luce Foundation Center, Smithsonian Museum of American Art
Legacy Reception – Conrad Hotel
Day of Healing Prayer Breakfast – Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Phoenix Awards – Walter E. Washington Convention Center
The Black Party – Hamilton Hotel

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