Our TECHSHOW issue is always a gem, enticing readers and showcasing what is to come at our yearly conference. This year, TECHSHOW 2021 is going to be a fantastic virtual event with cutting-edge programs, fresh legal tech and optimal accessibility for all to attend. Needless to say, I am very much looking forward to early March and the culmination of our TECHSHOW Board’s yearlong planning. Thank you in advance to Roberta Tepper and Allan Mackenzie, our TECHSHOW co-chairs; Ivan Hemmans and Brooke Moore, our co-vice chairs; and our phenomenal board, including Annette Sanders, Richard Ferguson, Chris Fortier, Erin Gerstenzang, Darla Jackson, Kim Bennett and Gyi Tsakalakis.
I’ll never forget my first TECHSHOW. I flew the red-eye from Portland to Chicago, grabbed a car directly from the airport to the hotel, spoke at the first session of the day, spent the entire day learning from colleagues, and then hopped on the midnight flight back home. It was a wonderful day and I loved the sessions and the EXPO floor, but I was disappointed that I was not able to stay longer (and, wow, it took me three days to recover from my crazy travel schedule). This year, I am looking forward to being able to attend the entire conference from the comfort of my own home, and although I am always up for an adventure, I won’t miss the travel. My first thought on what I would miss was the people, the connections and the interactions. But, true to form, our TECHSHOW Board is far ahead of the curve on every detail, and I cannot wait to experience new ways of networking and enjoying TECHSHOW—it will be a novel experience for all of us to enjoy and remember. The board is including tracks on lawyer well-being, the future of the practice, diversity, inclusion and leadership. They are also building networking and virtual EXPO Hall breaks into the schedule, as well as social/networking events to end the day in a way that ensures we do not miss out on the connections.
I am ready for the excitement of TECHSHOW and so are our colleagues. Here is what our past-chair, chair-elect, vice chair and secretary shared about their anticipation of TECHSHOW 2021:
Rodney Dowell: The virtual TECHSHOW 2021 creates a big tent with space for all attorneys to learn to effectively use legal tech.
Heidi A. Barcus: I am excited about the ability to attend more sessions. I always miss a program I really want to attend because it conflicts with another program.
Steve Embry: The opportunity to do things differently and reach a broader, younger and more diverse audience. The chance to try new things and grow for the future of TECHSHOW and LP as a whole.
Mary E. Vandenack: The great thing about having a virtual TECHSHOW is that we will be able to reach a much larger audience. Traveling to Chicago at the end of February is not an option for everyone. Going virtual will create the opportunity for many to join us who typically cannot. TECHSHOW has great information that is useful to almost every lawyer. I am really excited about going virtual and improving our ability to reach our audience.
See you all at TECHSHOW 2021!