Dozens of Washington's foremost lobbyists will take time from their lame-duck labors Dec. 3 for some lunch, learning and high-level networking. The event is the latest program sponsored by the Government Relations Leadership Forum, which brings together senior government affairs executives from business-related trade groups, corporations and lobby shops.

"This has been a unique opportunity to connect industries that normally would never connect," said Forum co-chair Marlene Colucci, executive vice president of public policy at the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Programs and speakers focus on best practices, innovations and also professional development, she said. "The folks in this group, many of them are aspiring CEOs," Colucci said.

Membership is free, but usually limited to the top government relations or public affairs person at an organization, as well as people considered by the group to be real up-and-comers. Members who do become CEOs get kicked out, as was Jay Timmons when he took the reins at the National Association of Manufacturers.

The forum is the brainchild of Executive Director John Motley, a longtime association executive who now owns a lobbying consulting practice, and who also works as president of the North American Perishable Agricultural Receivers. Organizing started with an introductory cocktail party in the summer of 2010.

Motley said the group has 80 or 90 members now, and is recruiting members and sponsors. Original sponsors include strategic advisors DDC Advocacy, speakers bureau and events company Leading Authorities (owner of CEO Update) and executive search firm Lochlin Partners. Motley said DDC Advocacy retains him to coordinate the activities of GRLF, which is registered in Maryland as a limited liability corporation.

The 12-member executive committee includes Colucci and co-chair David French of the National Retail Federation, membership chair Colin Woodall of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Mike Hershey of the National Association of Broadcasters, Lisbeth Lyons of Printing Industries of America and past co-chair Katherine Lugar of the Retail Industry Leaders Association.

"The real benefit is getting a broader network of folks that I can call upon for advice and expertise," French said.

Events, held every two to three months, have ranged from wine tastings to seminars. Colucci said a retreat is possible in 2013. But luncheons with networking time and speakers seem to be the most popular given everyone's busy schedules, she said. The Dec. 3 event will feature a timely look at the election and what it means for the business community, with insights from leading lobbyists.