Next week (May 18-21) is the Annual Association of Legal Administrators Conference & Expo in New Orleans.  The conference will have over 200 exhibitors and includes 100 educational sessions designed for law firm administrators.  The conference has some great educational tracks and exhibitors are allowed to attend all the sessions (space permitting) except for the idea exchanges.  This is a great way for vendors to get even more out of their exhibiting experience and allow for better networking with the attendees. 

On Tuesday, ALA is hosting a vendor eduation workshop entitled, "A Peek Behind the Curtain: Business Partner Survival Strategies".  The panel discussion will offer tips and suggestions to help business partners weather this difficult economic climate.

"Panelists will respond to issues raised by our Vendor Relations Committee and Vendor Advisory Panel members such as predicted changes in buying habits over the near term, ranking what influences decisions about vendor selection, ranking the more effective marketing materials and techniques, describing the legal landscape 18 to 24 months from now, and suggestions for better ways to gain access to large firm administrators.

Time has been allocated for the panelists to respond to questions from the business partners attending the session. There will also be time for the informal exchange of ideas, business relationship building, and a prize drawing following the presentation." 

The session will be Tuesday, May 19, 2:15–3:45 p.m. in NOMCC Rooms 283/284/285.

In addition to the general and vendor session, exhibitors are encourged to attend the social events including Welcome Reception Sunday and Finale Party Wednesday night.  The Finale Party will be held at Mardi Gras World, that houses the most awesome floats ever built, illuminated with tens of thousands of fiber optic lights, thousands of sensational sculptures, breathtaking giant figures, and an ALA Parade.  Tickets to these events are available onsite.

InsideLegal will be onsite and we look forward to seeing you there!