Institute of Politics

The Power of the Schedule: Why Every Second Matters in Politics In politics, the schedule is one of the most powerful tools behind the scenes. Every meeting, call, briefing, and public appearance reflects a decision about priorities, strategy, and access. When a principal’s day is planned minute-by-minute, what makes it onto the calendar and what doesn’t can shape messaging, policy, and relationships. In this seminar, we’ll examine the role of the scheduler and the team responsible for managing a principal’s time. How do schedulers decide which requests get approved, delayed, or declined? How do they balance competing demands from staff, advisors, donors, media, and constituents? Why can a few minutes on the schedule make a political difference, and how should advocates make the most of their limited access? Students will gain insight into how political calendars are built, how time becomes a strategic resource, and why understanding the mechanics of scheduling is essential for anyone interested in campaigns, government, and policy advocacy. The session will be moderated by Opal Vadhan with guest speakers Marguerite Biagi and Jaclyn Gelfond. Marguerite Biagi has spent her career at the highest levels of government operations, from Capitol Hill and national campaigns to the White House and the Pentagon. Jaclyn Gelfond is a seasoned operations and advance professional currently serving as Director of Operations for Governor JB Pritzker's campaign. She previously served as Director of Presidential Advance at the White House, overseeing logistics for 400 domestic and 35 international presidential trips, and as Senior Advisor to the U.S. Ambassador to Italy.