I’ve walked the halls of Capitol Hill twice to talk about print, and if invited, I’d go back again tomorrow.

That might not be something I would have said a few years ago. As SVP of Operations for an events and exhibit-focused visual communications company, my focus is usually on production schedules, logistics, and delivering for clients. My business trips are usually tied to customer locations and strategic business goals.

Public policy and advocacy felt outside my lane. And, honestly, a “business trip” to Capitol Hill was a little intimidating.

But saying yes to my first printing industry legislative fly-in quickly changed that.

What I Found When I Finally Said Yes

In 2024, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. What I found was that these meetings aren’t about being a policy expert or memorizing talking points word for word. They’re simply conversations. Lawmakers and their staff want to hear from people working in an industry; they want to talk to people who can speak to what’s actually happening on the ground.

And in my world, that means supply chain realities, the economic impact of global tariffs on inputs needed for wide-format graphics production, and the need for a policy landscape that allows the live events and exhibition sector to thrive.

Heels, Hallways and Head-of-State Lockdowns

Unsurprisingly, to anyone who knows me, I showed up to my first legislative fly-in in high heels. I quickly learned that a day spent on Capitol Hill demands function over fashion when it comes to footwear. (More on that later.)

I also learned that adaptability – a trait key to success in the printing business – is also required on Capitol Hill. During my first visit, an unexpected appearance by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a Joint Session of Congress meant several of our meetings were hastily rearranged, along with the minor excitement created by a full-on head-of-state security lock-down.

At another visit, we ended up meeting in the hallway outside a House office due to standing-room only conversations happening all around us. Either situation could have felt chaotic, but both were reminders that the setting matters less than the message.

Why We Have To Tell Our Own Story – Especially as Women in Print

The unfortunate truth is that print doesn’t always speak up for itself. And many Senators and Representatives simply don’t know how far the scope of print extends beyond campaign mailers and yard signs. If those of us in the industry aren’t taking part in these conversations, that full picture doesn’t always come through.

And for women in print, telling that story first-hand is doubly important. Our industry benefits from a wider range of voices at the table – and advocacy is just one more place where representation matters. When we have the opportunity to showcase print as a manufacturing sector where hard-working, knowledgeable females can and do succeed, we need to take it. Being part of Women in Print Alliance has reinforced that for me.

It’s also critical that we speak in a unified voice. At Orbus, we specialize in wide-format printing for exhibits and live events, but on the Hill, I was part of a delegation representing a diverse range of printing companies. This included book manufacturers, direct mail providers, and OEMs. Together, we showed just how broad and vibrant this industry really is.

Advocacy is a Loop, Not a One-Day Event

Our company has hosted our U.S. Representative for a facility tour back home in Illinois, so these conversations in Washington, D.C. aren’t happening in isolation. They’re part of an effort to build a relationship with an external stakeholder – Congress – that often gets overlooked.

That’s when it really clicked for me: advocacy isn’t a one-time event. It’s a loop. You show up, build context, and continue these networking conversations both in your district and on Capitol Hill.

Here’s My Case For Showing Up

By the time I returned for my second fly-in – this time in more practical (but still polished) walking-shoe loafers – I felt more confident and prepared. I also saw how advocacy builds over time.

Each time, it gets easier. And each time, you feel like you’re making more of an impact. And when you show up as part of a unified print community, you’re reinforcing the economic, environmental and societal importance of our industry.

That’s why I’d go for a third time.

So, if you’ve ever thought, “I’m not sure this is for me,” I understand. I felt the same way at first. But I’d strongly encourage you to consider signing up for a future Printing Industry Legislative Fly-In.

You might be surprised at how your passion for print makes you a natural as a grassroots advocate on Capitol Hill.