This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. An insightful talk uncovering some of the myths of the world of lobbying. We are challenged to question whether 'perception is reality' and how and what makes governments act. The talk takes us back 400 years to the first formal use of lobbyists, and pushes us to face the complexity of the 'noise' in today's society. In looking at the work of lobbyists to create, and also go beyond, perceptions, what lessons can we take away for our various professions and our lives in using perception as a helpful and constructive tool? Maria Laptev is a lobbyist, teacher and trainer, and a leader in her field of Public Affairs. She is a recognised expert among professional lobbyists in Brussels and other European capitals. Few people have the depth of experience which Maria has cultivated in her over thirty years working for some of the largest global public affairs agencies on international campaigns with corporations, non governmental organisations and business associations as well as on single issue topics covering many sectors. She is a professor at United Business Institutes in Brussels where her students commonly remark on her passion, candour and thoughtfulness in her teaching. She has also taught in Vietnam, Croatia and Serbia and various countries in Western Europe. She is Executive Director to the European Centre for Public Affairs (the ECPA), a Brussels based think tank/platform for Public Affairs affairs excellence and best practice with a focus on training and skills development. About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)