The duo humorously went through all kinds of available gadgets to do what they say tech does best: make work-life balance an actual reality. (There is even an app developed by Charmin called the BRB Bot that can help you when you need a “break” during a marathon Zoom meeting. No, seriously.)
Members then had their pick from a range of topics, including ways to modernize partner compensation, developing a communications strategy, meeting client diversity to an update on unemployment law, plus many others.
Later, members and business partners connected over conversation and lunch in the Exhibit Hall. First-time exhibitor Kenect — whose platform enables business to do such things as text and video chat with customers — reflected on their inaugural experience.
“Everyone at ALA has been very friendly,” said Dallin Clemens, an Account Executive with Kenect. “We have created a lot of business partnerships here and even though we have just started working with a lot of the firms represented here, it feels like we have known everyone for a long time.”
After the booths began coming down, thoughts turned to the evening’s main event: the Association Awards Presentation and the VIP Grand Finale featuring The Grooves.
Once again, President Michael T. Bumgarner, CLM, CPA, CGMA; Immediate Past President Debra L. Elsbury, CLM; and President-Elect Sarah Evenson, JD, MBA, took the stage to honor committee members and award recipients from both 2020 and 2021. (For a complete list of award recipients, check out the 2020 and 2021 print issues of Legal Management.)
“I should also mention that, with the exception of one group, the physical awards have already been shipped to recipients,” said Bumgarner. “Didn’t want you all to think we were shortchanging these folks.”
With that, the 2021 Annual Conference & Expo Planning Committee was asked to come on stage for some well-deserved recognition: Chair Kara Brostron, CLM; Art Bernstein; Ellen Rosenstiel, SHRM-SCP; Elyssa Goldstein, CLM, PHR, SHRM-CP; Terri Oppelt, CLM, PHR, SHRM-CP; Gail Semonian, CLM, MBA, PHR; and Lisa Sterritt.
“While our time in Austin is coming to an end, the night is still young and the real fun is about to begin,” said Bumgarner. The Grooves took the stage as members do what they do best when there is a music and dance floor.
In just six short months, we’ll be back at it in Kissimmee, Florida, for the 2022 Annual Conference & Expo. Check your inbox for more details coming soon!
