#542: Getting the Most out of Legal Conferences, with Ruby Powers
Jan 23, 2025
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In this engaging conversation, Ruby Powers, an immigration lawyer and podcaster renowned for her insights on legal technology, shares her thoughts with Stephanie. They delve into the transformative power of legal conferences, particularly the ABA TECHSHOW. Ruby emphasizes networking and staying updated with industry trends as key benefits. She also provides practical tips on maximizing conference experiences and discusses exciting upcoming changes for the ABA Tech Show in Chicago, including registration options and opportunities to connect with peers.
Attending national legal conferences like the ABA Tech Show offers exposure to industry leaders and innovative technologies, enhancing professional growth.
Effective networking and strategic goal-setting before and during conferences can significantly boost the value of the overall experience for attendees.
Deep dives
The Value of Networking at Conferences
Networking at conferences provides significant advantages for professionals, particularly in the legal and tech fields. Attendees have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and industry leaders, fostering meaningful relationships that can lead to future collaborations. For instance, speakers and participants at events like Tech Show often share valuable insights, transforming the experiences into life-changing professional trajectories. Engaging with peers and building a supportive community encourages individuals to challenge their assumptions and explore new ideas, enhancing their practice and service delivery.
Choosing the Right Conference Experience
Attending national conferences, as opposed to local events, allows for exposure to a wider variety of speakers, vendors, and cutting-edge knowledge. National events tend to attract industry leaders and innovators, granting participants access to insights that may not be available at smaller gatherings. For example, attending the ABA Tech Show proved to be a turning point for some professionals, as it introduced them to groundbreaking technologies and approaches they had not previously considered. By comparing the differences in attendee composition and educational offerings, individuals can make more informed decisions about which conferences to prioritize.
Maximizing Your Conference Attendance
To get the most out of a conference experience, attendees should prepare by identifying their goals, creating a schedule, and networking strategically. Engaging in conversations with other attendees and participating in smaller group discussions can lead to unexpected opportunities and insights. Additionally, joining or forming groups, such as WhatsApp chats, can enhance connectivity and foster collaboration even after the conference concludes. Setting clear objectives, whether for learning about new technologies or establishing business referrals, can make the event far more productive and beneficial.
In this conversation, Ruby Powers and Stephanie discuss the significance of attending legal conferences, particularly the ABA TECHSHOW. They explore the differences between local and national events, the benefits of networking, and how to maximize the conference experience. Ruby shares her personal experiences and insights on how these events can be life-changing for legal professionals, emphasizing the importance of staying updated with technology and trends in the legal field. They also provide practical tips for attendees and highlight the upcoming ABA Tech Show in Chicago.