NALA Conference & Expo Success: NALA’s Tips and Tricks for Making the Most of Your Time

Attending the NALA Conference can be an incredibly valuable experience for paralegals, paralegal students, educators, and legal practitioners. Not only does NALA provide opportunities to learn from experts in your field, but we also offer a chance to network with peers, share ideas, and gain new perspectives. There are so many sessions and networking opportunities at conference, so we put together the ultimate guide to NALA Conference & Expo success, filled with insider tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your experience.

 

Why Attending the NALA Conference is Important for Your Professional Development

Attending the NALA Conference is an investment in your professional development. The NALA Conference offers a variety of sessions and speakers that cover a wide range of topics. Attending these sessions can expose you to new ideas and advanced perspectives, help you stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices, prepare you to take the NALA Certified Paralegal (CP^®) Exam, and provide valuable insights you can apply to your work.

In addition to the educational value of the NALA Conference, we also offer opportunities to network with other professionals in your field. The NALA Conference attracts people from all over the world who share a common interest or expertise, allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals and build relationships that can last long after the NALA Conference.

Attending the NALA Conference can also help you stay motivated and inspired in your work. By immersing yourself in an environment filled with people who are passionate about the same things you are, you can renew your energy and enthusiasm for your work.

 

Pre-NALA Conference Preparation: Setting Goals, Researching Sessions, and Creating a Schedule

Before you attend the NALA Conference, it is important to do some pre-NALA Conference preparation to ensure that you get the most out of your experience. Here are some tips for preparing for the NALA Conference:

Set goals: Before you attend the NALA Conference, take some time to think about what you want to get out of the experience. Are there specific skills you want to learn or topics you want to explore? Do you want to network with certain individuals or companies? By setting goals for yourself, you can focus your energy on the most important things to you.

Research sessions: You can find a detailed schedule of sessions and events here. Take some time to review the schedule and identify the sessions that align with your goals. Look for sessions that are led by experts in your field, cover topics that are relevant to your work, or provide opportunities for new learning.

Create a schedule: Once you have identified the sessions you want to attend, create a schedule for yourself. Make sure to leave time for breaks, networking, and exploring the Expo Hall.

Pack accordingly: Make a list of everything you will need for the NALA Conference, including business cards, a notebook and pen for taking notes, comfortable shoes, and chargers.

Get plenty of rest: The NALA Conference has a full agenda, so make sure to get plenty of rest before the event. Consider arriving a day early to acclimate to the time zone and adjust to any jet lag.

 

Networking at the NALA Conference: Tips for Making Valuable Connections

One of the most valuable aspects of attending a NALA Conference is the opportunity to network with other paralegals in your field. Here are some tips for making the most of your networking opportunities:

Introduce yourself: Do not be afraid to introduce yourself to new people. Start by saying hello and sharing a little bit about yourself and your work.

Ask questions: Use networking as an opportunity to learn from others. Ask questions about their work, their experiences, and their perspectives on the industry.

Be a good listener: When you are in a conversation, make sure to listen attentively. Avoid interrupting or dominating the conversation, and show interest in what the other person is saying.

Exchange business cards: Make sure to bring plenty of business cards with you, and be prepared to exchange them with others. When you receive a business card, take a moment to look at it and make a note of any important details. You will also use this to register for any drawings in the Expo Hall.

Follow up: After the NALA Conference, make sure to follow up with the people you met. Send a personalized email, LinkedIn message, or NALA Commons message to thank them for their time, and consider setting up a follow-up call or meeting to continue the conversation.

 

Making the Most of the NALA Conference Sessions: Note-taking, Asking Questions, and Engaging With Speakers

Attending NALA Conference sessions is a great way to learn new skills, gain insights, and connect with experts in your field. Here are some tips for making the most of your NALA Conference sessions:

Take notes: Bring a laptop, tablet, or notebook and pen with you to each session, and take notes on the key points and takeaways. Consider using a structured note-taking template to help you stay organized and focused.

Ask questions: Do not be afraid to ask questions during the session. Questions are submitted through the conference platform.

Engage with speakers: After the session, consider approaching the speaker to introduce yourself. Ask any additional questions you may have, and share your thoughts and feedback on the presentation.

Be present: Avoid distractions during the session, such as checking your phone or laptop. Stay engaged and focused on the presentation, and take advantage of any opportunities for hands-on learning or group activities.

 

Staying Energized and Focused Throughout the NALA Conference: Tips for Self-care and Avoiding Burnout

The NALA Conference can be overwhelming,  which is why it is important to take care of yourself throughout the event. Here are some tips for staying energized and focused:

Stay hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Consider bringing a refillable water bottle with you.

Take breaks: Make sure to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Consider finding a quiet spot to meditate, taking a walk outside, or simply sitting and relaxing for a few minutes.

Stay nourished: Make sure to seek out healthy snacks and meals to keep your energy levels up. Consider bringing your snacks or researching healthy food options near the NALA Conference venue.

Get some exercise: Consider incorporating some physical activity into your day, such as going for a run or taking a walk. Exercise can help boost your energy levels and improve your overall mood.

Get plenty of sleep: Make sure to get plenty of rest throughout the NALA Conference. Consider taking a nap during breaks or making sure to get to bed early each night.

 

Post-NALA Conference Follow-up: Staying in Touch with New Contacts and Implementing What You Have Learned

After the NALA Conference is over, it is important to stay in touch with the people you met and implement what you have learned. Here are some tips for post-NALA Conference follow-up:

Send thank-you notes: Send personalized thank-you notes to the people you met at the NALA Conference. Include any relevant follow-up information, such as a link to an article you discussed or an invitation to connect on social media and NALA Commons.

Implement what you have learned: Review your notes from the NALA Conference and identify any key takeaways or action items. Consider implementing what you have learned into your work or sharing your insights with your colleagues.

Stay in touch: Consider staying in touch with the people you met at the NALA Conference. Follow up with them periodically to see how they are doing, and share any relevant industry news or updates.

 

Leveraging Social Media for NALA Conference Success: Promoting Your Attendance, Connecting with Other Attendees, and Sharing Insights

Social media can be a valuable tool for conference success. Here are some tips for leveraging social media before, during, and after the NALA Conference:

Promote your attendance: Share your attendance at the NALA Conference on social media, and let your followers know what you are hoping to gain from the experience. Use the NALA Conference hashtag (#NALACON24) to connect with other attendees and start building relationships before the event.

Connect with other attendees: Use social media to connect with other attendees at the NALA Conference. Follow the NALA Conference hashtag (#NALACON24), and reach out to other attendees to introduce yourself and start a conversation.

Share insights: Use social media to share your insights and takeaways from the NALA Conference. Consider live-tweeting sessions or sharing photos and quotes from sessions and speakers.

Stay engaged: Stay engaged on social media after the NALA Conference is over. Continue to follow the NALA Conference hashtag (#NALACON24), and stay in touch with the people you met at the event.

 

Insider Tips and Tricks from NALA Conference Veterans: Advice From Experienced NALA Conference-goers for Making the Most of Your Time

Finally, we have gathered some insider tips and tricks from experienced NALA Conference-goers to help you make the most of your time:

Arrive early: Consider arriving a day early to get acclimated to the venue and the city and to give yourself time to adjust to any time zone changes.

Attend the keynote session: The keynote session provides valuable insights and inspiration. Make sure to attend.

Take advantage of networking opportunities: Do not be afraid to approach people and introduce yourself. Attend networking events, and be proactive about meeting new people.

Bring comfortable shoes: The NALA Conference often involves a lot of walking and standing, so make sure to bring comfortable shoes to avoid sore feet.

Take time for self-care: Make sure to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Consider finding a quiet spot to meditate or simply sitting and relaxing for a few minutes.

 

Tools and Resources for NALA Conference Success: Apps, Websites, and Other Tools to Help You Stay Organized and Informed

There are a variety of tools and resources available to help you stay organized and informed at The NALA Conference. Here are some of our favorites:

NALA Conference App: The NALA Conference & Expo app connects in-person and virtual attendees and puts real-time conference information right in the palm of your hand. Be sure to download the NALA Conference app before you arrive, and review it each day to stay informed and organized.

LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to research the people you will be meeting at the NALA Conference and to connect with them before and after the event.

Facebook: Follow the 2024 NALA Conference & Expo Facebook group.  Share pictures and thoughts and even short live posts.

Instagram: Follow NALA and use the NALA Conference hashtag (#NALACON24) to link posts and videos to the 2024 NALA Conference & Expo.

Google Maps: Use Google Maps to navigate the NALA Conference venue and explore the surrounding area.

 

Conclusion: Reflect on Your NALA Conference Experience and Plan for Future Success

Attending the NALA Conference can be an incredibly valuable experience for professional development, networking, and inspiration. By following the tips and strategies suggested in this guide, you can make the most of your 2024 NALA Conference & Expo experience and leave feeling energized, inspired, and motivated. Remember to set goals, network, take notes, and prioritize your self-care throughout the event. Do not forget to follow up with the people you met and implement what you have learned into your work. Enjoy the NALA Conference!