One of the favorite parts of my job is attending and participating in ABA TECHSHOW. This annual conference brings together the world’s leading legal technology experts and boasts one of the most expansive and on-point product Expositions in legal technology today. Yes, it’s a big deal, and I am so grateful that I get to be intimately involved with putting it together. I currently serve as Vice Chair, and will Chair ABA TECHSHOW in 2014.
Yes, that’s very nice, but why should Georgia lawyers get involved? Well, here’s what you can expect out of the conference. Each year, ABA TECHSHOW is a 3-day event that goes something like this:
Pre-Conference Events –
Arrive in Chicago.
Attend LexThink.1 which is an innovate program that gives hand-picked (attendees vote on who will present and what topics) presenters 6 minutes to present 20 slides. Check out this format and progrmming at http://www.pointonelaw.com/. This program delivers a high-energy stage and start to the conference.
Pick up your conference registration materials and go through the conference bag. Key things to take notice of are drink tickets for the Welcome Reception and the conference materials thumb drive.
Conference Day 1 – Pick up conference registration (if you got side-tracked by the City or other pre-Conference events) and map out which programs you will attend at the show. Stop by the Concierge Booth to get directions, if needed.
Sit in on the Welcome Plenary session to hear what this year’s conference highlights will be and get some more general directions.
Start your working your way around the Educational Sessions and get wowed during the programs with the latest in legal technology topics applicable to your practice delivered by experts.
Begin the first leg of your trek around the Exhibit Hall and meet new vendors and learn about their products and services. You’ll get goodies – lots of goodies!
End the conference sessions for the day with the “60 in 60” program of the day. The room is always packed!
Attend the Welcome Reception with the vendors back in the Exhibit Hall, and head out to dinner on your own or with a group for Taste of TECHSHOW. (Dutch treat dine arounds lead by speakers from the conference.)
Conference Day 2 – Repeat with day of Educational Sessions and visits to the Vendor Hall. End the day with a “60 in 60” session. Room will still be packed!
Plot your plan of attack for improving technology back home!
Taste of TECHSHOW dinner, if you didn’t go last night!
Conference Day 3 – Only half-day to wind up conference. Attend general plenary on hot topic, and finish conference with a final!
Final Day – Head back home with all you’ve learned and plan to do with legal technology!!!!
(More conference information, registration, 1st Time Experience Guide, and full schedule at www.techshow.com.)
We hope to see you in Chicago!
Natalie
Georgia Practice Advisor 