LMA National Conference Attracts Record Turnout

By Johanna Kasper

More than 1,100 legal marketers and industry service providers gathered in Los Angeles March 12 - 15, 2008 for the 22nd Annual Legal Marketing Association’s Annual Conference. LMA International President Lisa Simon said the record-setting number of attendees confirmed the value that legal marketing professionals obtain from participation in the organization.

Conference co-chairs Aleisha Gravit and Felice Wagner noted that they could not be more pleased with the outcome of the conference. “Our goal to elevate our discourse, explore new ideas and challenge tried-and-true was advanced … The breakout sessions tested senior marketers, young professionals and service providers alike. Our professional tool boxes runneth over,” said Wagner, a former Capital Chapter President.

The conference’s theme, “Elevate,” was reinforced throughout the program. This year’s keynote speakers included attorney and human rights advocate Cherie Booth Blair, philanthropist and former studio executive Sherry Lansing, and futurist business guru Guy Kawasaki. Each speaker provided an inspirational example of a lifelong quest to elevate professionally.

Simon said, “The 2008 conference was an outstanding success; from the sheer number of attendees to the world-class keynoters. In an increasingly competitive profession, the educational programs and workshops provided an opportunity to attendees to learn from foremost thought leaders.”

The conference featured five breakout sessions, each lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. Within these sessions, attendees were able to choose from an array of topics, thus tailoring the conference curriculum to their needs and experience levels. For the first time, industry service providers were able to take advantage of breakout sessions customized to their needs. The diverse programming offered value for everyone who attended, regardless of area of specialization or level of experience.

A new feature at this year’s event was MORE – Mentoring Opportunities with Real Life Experts. In this session, formerly known as “speed mentoring,” LMA elevated the notion of connecting with like-minded colleagues and learning from recognized experts in brief, high-impact discussions. Hosted in a large ballroom, the session featured over 10 round conference tables, each hosting a different discussion group. Attendees were able to join a discussion group for the whole session, or circulate among a number of groups discussing topics of interest. Building on the breakout session topics, MORE presented an opportunity to exchange ideas, ask questions and explore the implementation of concepts.

After long days spent in breakout sessions and lectures, attendees were given nightly opportunities to kick back, relax and network with fellow professionals. The conference featured three receptions, including a welcome reception and “first-timers” reception Wednesday night. Thursday night, attendees were transported out to Hollywood for an evening of hip, L.A. fun at Wolfgang Puck’s Hollywood Highlands nightclub. Conference goers were greeted at the door by paparazzi and ushered into a 30,000 square-foot venue that offered some of the best panoramic views in Hollywood.

Details on this conference, as well as session handouts and literature, can be found at http://www.lmaconference.org/.

Johanna Kasper is a marketing coordinator in the D.C. office of McKee Nelson LLP.