NABE Communications Section Workshop Event Information

communications during public relations campaigns • social media • communicating bad news in a down economy • bar membership value proposition • recruitment campaigns geared to young lawyers • editing—old school truths & new media • making your publications shine online • e-mail newsletter best practices • bar blogs • association communications in a tough economy • social media tools in the legal community • communications during public relations campaigns • social media • communicating bad news in a down economy • bar membership value proposition • recruitment campaigns geared to young lawyers • editing—old school truths & new media • making your publications shine online • e-mail newsletter best practices • bar blogs • association communications in a tough economy communications stripped down Tuesday, October 20 – Friday, October 23, 2009 Rio-All Suites Hotel, Las Vegas, NV The National Association of Bar Executives’ Communications Section is proud to announce this year’s workshop will be held from Tuesday, October 20 through Friday, October 23, 2009 at the Rio All-Suites Hotel in Las Vegas. Bars on bare-bone budgets can plan for as little a two-night stay! The main event starts after noon on Wednesday, October 21 and ends Friday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m. Without any organized excursions off-site during the day, this efficient format allows for bar associations to send more staff to this important event. Aptly named “Communications Stripped Down,” the programming for the event will focus on how to make the most of a bare-bones budget and features a brief schedule of programming. NABE Communications Section Workshop FORMAT – It’s a shorter event this year! PROGRAMMING – Page 2 REGISTRATION – Page 7 ACCOMMODATIONS – Page 8 This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors. Special thanks to the following organizations for support of this year’s event: PLATINUM LEVEL SILVER LEVEL SPONSORSHIPS – Support the event and get noticed! Fastcase, Inc. Legal Directories Publishing Co., Inc. West, a Thomson Reuters business State Bar of Nevada IN-KIND Intus Technologies Kamer Zucker Abbott Jones Vargas Affiniscape, Inc. ElectionsOnline ESQSITES 123 Law Firm Merchant Account NABE Communications Section Workshop communications stripped down October 20-23, 2009 Rio All-Suites Hotel Las Vegas http://www.abanet.org/nabe/communications/workshops.html Interested in sponsorship? Get more information online! Visit the Communications Section Web page at http://www.abanet.org/nabe/communications/workshops.html to download the Sponsorship Information form or contact Eric Mann, Executive Director, Clark County Bar Association (Las Vegas, NV) at emann@clarkcountybar.org, (702) 387-6011. If your bar is strapped for cash and concerned about the registration fee, consider applying for a scholarship! For more information on scholarships, contact Francine A. Walker, APR, CPRC, Director of Public Information and Bar Services, The Florida Bar, (850) 561-5762, fwalker@flabar.org. SCHOLARSHIPS – It’s affordable! communications stripped down 1 The NABE Communications Section is truly appreciative for the support this year’s Communications Section Workshop by the following organizations: PLATINUM LEVEL communications stripped down Tuesday, October 20 – Friday, October 23, 2009 Rio-All Suites Hotel, Las Vegas, NV NABE Communications Section Workshop TUESDAY, OCT. 20 COUNCIL MEETING. 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Palma A A brief grouping of the NABE Communications Section Executive Council. Fastcase, Inc. Legal Directories Publishing Co., Inc. West, a Thomson Reuters business SILVER LEVEL WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21 BREAKFAST/LUNCH. – On your own dime and time! A place for event attendees and sponsors to check-in and check-up on event information and continued upates throughout the event. WORKSHOP CHECK-IN. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Salsa Registration Affiniscape, Inc. ElectionsOnline ESQSITES 123 Law Firm Merchant Account State Bar of Nevada IN-KIND Intus Technologies Kamer Zucker Abbott Jones Vargas SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Palma C, D, G, H Meet & greet with event sponsors during the beverage break. Relax and refresh in our very own “Communications Lounge.” Available as an open space throughout the workshop, attendees can relax with scattered tables and chairs creating a place for event attendees to sit and catch up with colleagues. This space will feature the sponsor booths. Snacks and refreshments will be presented here during the Sponsor Highlight sessions. THANK YOU! 2 communications stripped down communications stripped down Tuesday, October 20 – Friday, October 23, 2009 Rio-All Suites Hotel, Las Vegas, NV NABE Communications Section Workshop Join us for a magical evening! WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 21 RECEPTION DINNER & SHOW SPONSORED BY WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21 WELCOME. 2:30 to 2:45 p.m. Tropical A, B, C, D Welcome to “Communications Stripped Down!” Opening comments featuring the leadership of the National Association of Bar Executives (NABE) and the NABE Communications Section. Fastcase, Inc. AND PLENARY 1. 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. Tropical A, B, C, D Beyond the Blast Fax: The New Age of SMART Communications. Use the economic times to your advantage! Learn effective strategies to reboot, reassess and rethink your approach to communicating with your members, the media and the public. Speaker: Deanne Rymarowicz, Counsel, Greater Las Vegas Association of REALTORS (membership organization of 13,000+). Legal Directories Publishing Co., Inc. RECEPTION. 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Palma DINNER. 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Palma SHOW. 9:00 to 10:30 p.m. Penn & Teller Theater BREAKOUT 1. 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Tropical A, B, C, D Massaging the Media: Channeling the News You See Fit for Print. Communicating unpleasant or unexpected news to your members and the public through the filter of local, state and/or national media involves equal parts of art, science and luck. This interactive panel discussion focuses on how to prepare for, and address the challenges of, getting your message out the way you want others to see it. Moderator: Frederick D. Massie, Communications Director, Rhode Island Bar Association BREAKOUT 2. 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tropical E, F E-mail Newsletter Best Practices. A panel of bar communicators will review and discuss e-newsletters from around the country as well as provide tips on best practices for writing, editing and designing e-newsletters for your bar members. Delivery issues and best practices for keeping your bounce-rate low and click rates high may be touched on as well. Moderators: Landry Butler, Publications Coordinator, Tennessee Bar; Christine McManus, Director of Communications, Colorado Bar RECEPTION. DINNER. SHOW. 6:00 p.m. and on. Starts in Palma A magical evening sponsored by our friends at Legal Directories Publishing Companies, Inc. and Fastcase, Inc. Starting at 6:00 p.m., event attendees can convene in the Palma room to enjoy a nice reception with a hosted bar followed at 7:00 p.m. with a nice, plated dinner. Festivities then begin with a transition to the Penn & Teller Theater for the 9:00 p.m. performance of “Penn & Teller: Living in Vegas, Live at the Rio.” PENN & TELLER! 3 communications stripped down Want to experience Las Vegas, but you’re strapped for cash? Think THURSDAY, OCT. 22 BREAKFAST. – On your own dime and time! PLENARY 2. 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. Tropical A, B, C, D Your Court’s All-A-Twitter: Social Media’s Threat to the Legal Community. Everyone now has a cell phone capable of instant video, audio and e-mail communication with anyone, anywhere. Being connected now means frequently updating a Twitter, Flickr, Qik, Facebook or MySpace page. People are compelled to Tweet, as though their lives depend on it. This has brought about a new communication paradigm. The use and misuse of social media and the impact on courts and the legal community will be covered by Michael Sommermeyer, a social media expert and the Court Information Officer for the Clark County Courts in Las Vegas, Nevada. FREE style! These attractions may be of interest: The Aquarium at the Silverton CBS Television City Research Center Conservatory at Bellagio Ethel M Chocolate Factory Fountains at Bellagio Fountain shows at Caesars Fremont Street Experience Lion Habitat at MGM Grand Marjorie Barrick Museum Show in the Sky at the Rio M&M’s World Neon Museum The Sirens of TI Streetmosphere Sunset Stampede Volcano at the Mirage Welcome to Las Vegas sign Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo More information on these attractions and more on the “Free Attractions” page at http://www.vegas.com/ SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT. 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. Palma C, D, G, H Meet & greet with event sponsors during the beverage break. Relax and refresh in our very own “Communications Lounge.” Available as an open space throughout the workshop, attendees can relax with scattered tables and chairs creating a place for event attendees to sit and catch up with colleagues. This space will feature the sponsor booths. Snacks and refreshments will be presented here during the Sponsor Highlight sessions. BREAKOUT 3. 11:00 to 12:00 p.m. Tropical E, F Social Media. Learn more about social networking tools that bars are using to reach members and the public: Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Digg, YouTube, LinkedIn, and more. What’s really working and what strategies are communicators using? How are bars using these new tools to raise money, build membership, publicize community initiatives and more. Panel members: Elizabeth Derrico, Associate Director, ABA Division for Bar Services; Michael Sommermeyer, Court Information Officer, Clark County Courts; and Barbara Straczynski, Director of New Media and Promotion, New Jersey State Bar. Moderator: Kevin Hunt, Editor, Legal Current, Thomson Reuters Legal. BREAKOUT 4. 11:00 to 12:00 p.m. Tropical A, B, C, D Recession-Proof Editing. As the economy goes up and down there is one inherent constant—editing. Editing is the glue that keeps our publications consistent. Come join our session where we will share tips and best practices for successful editing. This course is geared to be a refresher of the basics with some advanced tips. Both print and web editing will be discussed. Don’t crap out on the basics! We will provide information that will load the dice in your favor! Panel: Jennifer Mason, Assistant Director of Communications, State Bar of Georgia; Marci McNeal, Associate Executive Director of Communications and Membership, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association; and Dan Wise, Communications Director and Bar News Editor, New Hampshire Bar Association. Moderator: Derrick Stanley, Section Liaison, State Bar of Georgia. GROUP LUNCH. 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Palma A, B, E, F This fabulous buffet luncheon is sponsored by State Bar of Nevada. 4 communications stripped down THURSDAY, OCT. 22 BREAKOUT 5. 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. Tropical A, B, C, D What’s the Catch? Reel in Those Young Lawyers! One of the major challenges that bar associations face is convincing young attorneys to join and then to keep them actively engaged. While technology makes it technically easier to reach them than ever before, it has also made it more difficult than ever to reach them on a substantive level. A panel of young lawyers and a membership development specialists from voluntary and unified bar associations will share their young lawyer focused marketing campaigns and useful tools to keep younger members involved. In this session you will learn how to recruit and retain the best and brightest young lawyers by developing fresh marketing strategies to find and engage Gen-X and Gen-Y in the changing economy. Panelists: Lauren Calvert-Arnold, Esq., Associate, Lionel Sawyer & Collins and Co-Chair, New Lawyers Committee, Clark County Bar Association; Sharon Nolan, Director of Marketing, The Chicago Bar; Kendelee Leascher Works, Esq., Associate, Marquis & Aurbarch and Board Member, Young Lawyer Section, State Bar of Nevada, and Sayre Happich, Assistant Director, Communications & Public Relations, Bar Association of San Francisco. Moderator: Leanna Dickstein, Office of Bar Relations Outreach, State Bar of California and Staff Liaison, California Young Lawyer Assn. Visiting with friends and family? Think Only Vegas style! Visit the official travel site for the Las Vegas Visitors Convention and Vistors Authority VisitLasVegas.com Get information about: Travel Shows Music Dining Shopping Sports Golf Attractions Spas Nightlife Weddings Fun Facts History News 5 BREAKOUT 6 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. Tropical E, F Do We Blog and How? A Bar Communicator’s Guide. Bloggers from bar associations large and small describe why and how they got into the blogging business and how you can do it, too. Topics include choosing and setting up blogging software, establishing guidelines for member/volunteer bloggers, deciding what makes a good blog post, and measuring a blog’s success. Panelists: Barbara Beauchamp, New York State Bar Association; Kevin Ryan, Vermont Bar Association; John Sirman, State Bar of Texas. Moderator: Mark Mathewson, Illinois State Bar Association. SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT. 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. Palma C, D, G, H Meet & greet with event sponsors during the beverage break. Relax and refresh in our very own “Communications Lounge.” Available as an open space throughout the workshop, attendees can relax with scattered tables and chairs creating a place for event attendees to sit and catch up with colleagues. This space will feature the sponsor booths. Snacks and refreshments will be presented here during the Sponsor Highlight sessions. BREAKOUT 7 – 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. Tropical A, B, C, D Born to Run: A Speed-Networking and Idea-Sharing Event This session is sponsored by Affiniscape, Inc. A lively, interactive event based on the speed-dating concept, but without the romantic entanglements. You will move around a lot, meet colleagues old and new, and discuss bar association scenarios in a fast-paced format that encourages participation including knowledge sharing and focused brain storming. Topics range from successfully managing volunteer demands to addressing inter-generational communications challenges to implementing personal time management strategies. All in just over an hour! Moderator: Frederick D. Massie, Communications Director, Rhode Island Bar Association. Facilitators: Dan Wise, Communications Director, New Hampshire Bar Association; Kevin Ryan, Director of Education & Communication,Vermont Bar Association; Kelley Jones King, Communications Division Director, State Bar of Texas; Ann Murphy, Communications & PR Director, Bar Association of San Francisco; and Brad Carr, Director of Communications, Alabama State Bar. DINNER. – Dine Around options to be announced soon! communications stripped down FRIDAY, OCT. 23 BREAKFAST. – On your own dime and time! WORKSHOP CHECK-IN. 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Salsa Registration PLENARY 3. 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. Tropical A,B,C,D Branding Las Vegas: A public relations campaign. A presentation about “What Happens Here, Stays Here,” the most successful branding campaign in the travel and tourism industry. The speaker will provide insight on how Las Vegas is currently marketing the destination in the midst of a recession, while new resorts and amenities have already opened and more on the horizon. Speaker: Terry Jicinsky, Senior Vice President of Operations, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS. 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. Palma C, D, G, H Meet & greet with event sponsors during the beverage break. Relax and refresh in our very own “Communications Lounge.” Available as an open space throughout the workshop, attendees can relax with scattered tables and chairs creating a place for event attendees to sit and catch up with colleagues. This space will feature the sponsor booths. Snacks and refreshments will be presented here during the Sponsor Highlight sessions. BREAKOUT 8. 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tropical E, F A look at how to enhance your online publications and journals. Moderator: David Beam, Director of Publications, The Chicago Bar Association Making Your Publication Shine Online. BREAKOUT 9. 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tropical A,B,C,D What’s In It for Me? Making the Case for the Value of Bar Membership. This session is sponsored by Law Firm Merchant Account. In a time of law firm layoffs and cutbacks in discretionary spending, bar associations are finding it increasingly crucial to emphasize the value of bar membership. From high-tech networking opportunities to the personal touch, bar associations are scrambling to remind members—and potential members—of the many tangible and intangible benefits that come with bar membership. What is at stake? For unified bars, it is an opportunity to ensure continued member interest and involvement; for voluntary bars, convincing lawyers that bar membership is a “must have” may mean the difference between survival and irrelevance. Join an outstanding panel of bar communicators for this session to learn more about the innovative actions they are taking in identifying members’ needs, adapting to meet those needs, and then enhancing member awareness. You are sure to take away valuable tips on how you can make sure that your members clearly understand and value the multiple benefits of bar membership. Panelists: Christine Cendagorta, Executive Director, Washoe County (NV) Bar Association; Jenna Grubb, Director of Communications and Membership, Toledo Bar Association; Kelley Jones King, Deputy Director, Communications and Presidential Initiatives, State Bar of Texas; Jane Schoenike, Executive Director, Nebraska State Bar Association; and Cynthia G. Kuhn, Director of Communications, The District of Columbia Bar. Moderator: Gary Toohey, Director of Communications, The Missouri Bar. LUNCH. 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Palma A, B, E, F The Luminary Luncheon. The Luminary Luncheon is generously sponsored by West, a Thomson Reuters business. A highlight of the Communications Section Workshop are the award presentations, including a variety of Luminary Awards and special presentations of The Anne Charles Award for Distinguished Service and the E.A. “Wally” Richter Leadership Award. This year, the luncheon will include the Communications Section Business Meeting. THE END. – Thanks for your continued support of the NABE Communications Section! 6 communications stripped down EVENT REGISTRATION Tuesday, October 20 – Friday, October 23, 2009 Rio-All Suites Hotel, Las Vegas, NV Official Event Registration Form Workshop Attendee Information. (One form per person, please.) Name: Bar Association / Employer: Position/Title: Address 1: Address 2: City: Phone: E-mail: Special dietary needs or accommodations: ST: FAX: Zip: NABE Communications Section Workshop **NEWS** For an extra fee, guests of registered attendees can sign up for lunch on Thursday and Friday as well as attend Dinner, Reception & Show on Weds. night. Fees below are per person (section & non-section members) and include: two lunches, one dinner, reception and ticket to a show during workshop, admission to all workshop sessions, and related educational materials.) Registration Fee. (Check the appropriate amount below). o o $250 $350 Early-bird Special. Registration form & payment must be received through Monday, September 21, 2009. Standard Registration. Registration form & payment received after Monday, September 21, 2009. Registered Attendee/Sponsor and Bringing a Guest? For an extra fee, guests accompanying registered workshop attendees can join us for the Wednesday night group dinner and reception followed by the Penn & Teller magic show by registerig for the “Dinner, Reception & Show” event. They can also join us for lunch on Thursday and Friday. o $75 $70 $70 Dinner, Reception & Show. Registration form & payment received by Monday, September 21 Guest name(s): Thursday Group Lunch. Registration form & payment received by Monday, September 21 Guest name(s): Friday Luminary Lunch. Registration form & payment received by Monday, September 21 Guest name(s): Total Enclosed o o $ IMPORTANT! Registration form and fee must be paid in advance. Credit cards will NOT be accepted for payment of event registration. There will be no on-site registration. Mail this registration form with your check or money order payable to “National Association of Bar Executives” to: Tondanisha Nevels ABA Division for Bar Services 321 N. Clark Street, 20th Floor, Chicago, IL 60654 Direct registration inquiries to Ms. Nevels at (312) 988-5360 or NevelsT@staff.abanet.org. communications stripped down 7 communications during public relations campaigns • social media • communicating bad news in a down economy • bar membership value proposition • recruitment campaigns geared to young lawyers • editing—old school truths & new media • making your publications shine online • e-mail newsletter best practices • bar blogs • association communications in a tough economy • social media tools in the legal community • communications during public relations campaigns • social media • communicating bad news in a down economy • bar membership value proposition • recruitment campaigns geared to young lawyers • editing—old school truths & new media • making your publications shine online • e-mail newsletter best practices • bar blogs • association communications in a tough economy NABE Communications Section Workshop HOTEL REGISTRATION Tuesday, October 20 – Friday, October 23, 2009 Rio-All Suites Hotel, Las Vegas, NV Hotel Registration Information Event attendees, speakers and guests should make reservations for their accommodations at our host hotel, Rio All-Suites Hotel located West of Las Vegas Boulevard at 3700 W Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas NV 89103. For information on hotel accomodations and features visit http://www.riolasvegas.com/. EVENT HOTEL – Join us at The Rio! The Rio Hotel & Casino has offered us a block of rooms at a special rate of $179 per night and is available for a limited time on a space available basis! This rate is for one night in a Standard Suite at $179 per night, arriving Tuesday, October 20, 2009 and departing Friday, October 23, 2009. The group cut-off date for reservations in this room block is Monday, September 21, 2009. ACCOMMODATIONS – Get the special rate! As of 8/14/09, The Rio has reduced our special room rate to only $120 a night! This rate is now available when booking as part of the NABE Communications Workshop Group. NOTICE OF RATE CHANGE – Now only $120 per night! As of 9/23/09, The Rio All-Suites Hotel informed us that the cut-off for the group rate was on Sep 21, 2009. However, they are kindly leaving the group rate open for an unspecified amount of time in hopes that attendees book their rooms soon. As this offer could be off the table without prior notice, make sure to book your room now. HOTEL UPDATE – Latest news on group block rate! NABE Communications Section Workshop communications stripped down October 20-23, 2009 Rio All-Suites Hotel Las Vegas http://www.abanet.org/nabe/communications/workshops.html Event attendees are part of the NABE Communications Workshop group. Group attendees will be making reservations directly with The Rio Hotel by calling The Rio Hotel at 1-888-746-6955 on or before the group cut-off date. Individuals must identify themselves as part of the group “THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BAR EXECUTIVES” to receive the special group rate. Online reservations can be made in reference to group code SRNABE9 at http://www.harrahs.com/ CheckGroupAvailability.do?propCode=RLV&groupCode=SRNABE9. All reservations must be guaranteed with a deposit of first night’s room and tax charge. If reservation is guaranteed to a credit card, a first night’s room and tax charge, per room, will be billed immediately to the cardholder’s account. The Rio Hotel allows individual attendees the right to cancel their guestroom reservations without penalty up to seventy-two (72) hours prior to attendees’ scheduled arrival date. The Rio Hotel shall charge the individual attendee one (1) night’s guaranteed guestroom rate plus tax for cancellation within seventy-two (72) hours of the scheduled arrival date or failure of the individual to check-in on the scheduled arrival date. Any remaining nights of a no-show reservation will be canceled. It is policy to require a credit card or cash deposit for incidental charges. The Rio Hotel accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Carte Blanche or JCB. Check-in time is 4:00 PM, and check-out time is 11 :00 AM. Any departures after 11 :00 AM are subject to the full day charge. Each guestroom must have at least one registered guest 21 years of age or older. RESERVATIONS – Book your rooms ASAP! 8 communications stripped down