Investing in Your Future: The Importance of Attending the 2024 NALA Conference & Expo and How to Convince Your Employer to Cover Your Costs

In today’s fast-paced world, where the legal industry is constantly evolving, it is essential to invest in your future. One of the best ways to get ahead in your career is by attending industry conferences and expos. When it comes to the legal industry, there is no better event than the NALA Conference & Expo. Hosted every year, this conference is the premier event for paralegals and legal professionals across the country. In 2024, the conference promises to be even more exciting and informative than ever before. However, attending a conference like this can be expensive, especially if you are not sure how to convince your employer to cover the costs. That is why we have put together this guide to help you make the case for why attending the 2024 NALA Conference & Expo is so important for both you and your employer. Let us dive in and discover how you can invest in your future by taking part in this unmissable event.

What is the NALA Conference & Expo?

The NALA Conference & Expo is an annual event hosted by NALA – The Paralegal Association. It brings together legal professionals from across the country to network, learn, and grow in their careers. The conference features educational sessions, a keynote speaker, networking events, and an Expo Hall where attendees can meet with exhibitors and learn about new products and services in the legal industry. The conference also offers opportunities for attendees to earn continuing education credits, which are essential for maintaining professional certifications.

Benefits of Attending the 2024 NALA Conference & Expo

Attending the 2024 NALA Conference & Expo offers a wide range of benefits for legal professionals. Here are just a few:

Networking Opportunities:

One of the most significant benefits of attending the 2024 NALA Conference & Expo is the opportunity to network with other legal professionals. You will have the chance to meet and connect with paralegals, legal assistants, and other legal practitioners from across the country. This can help you expand your professional network and make valuable connections that may lead to new job opportunities or collaborations. The Expo Hall is also open for the first two days of the conference, and you can network with vendors to learn more about new technologies.

Educational Sessions:

The 2024 NALA Conference & Expo offers a range of educational sessions designed to help legal professionals stay up to date on the latest trends and developments in the industry. You will have the chance to choose from 33 sessions to attend on a wide range of topics and levels. From Using AI to your Advantage and Improving your Written Motion Practice to a whole CP^® Review Track, NALA has it all.

NALA and Keynote Speakers:

The NALA Conference & Expo also features a keynote speaker and various NALA speakers who are leaders and influencers in the legal industry. These speakers offer insights and perspectives on the industry that you will not find anywhere else. Past keynote speakers have included renowned legal scholars, judges, and attorneys, so you can be sure that you will be hearing from the best of the best.

Expo Hall:

The conference’s Expo Hall is an excellent place to learn about new products and services in the legal industry. You will have the chance to meet exhibitors and learn about their latest offerings. This can be particularly valuable if you are looking for new tools or technologies to help you do your job more efficiently.

Continuing Education Credits:

Finally, attending the NALA Conference & Expo can help you earn continuing legal education (CLE) credits, which are essential for maintaining your professional certifications. The NALA Conference & Expo can earn you up to 14.5 hours of CLE in three days. The conference offers a range of sessions that qualify for credit, so you can be sure that you are getting the education you need to stay up to date in your field.

Who Should Attend the Conference?

The NALA Conference & Expo is designed for legal professionals of all levels. Whether you are a paralegal, legal assistant, educator, or attorney, there is something for everyone at this event. The conference offers sessions and events that cater to both seasoned professionals and those who are just starting their careers. Whether you are looking to expand your network, learn new skills, or stay up to date on the latest trends in the industry, the NALA Conference & Expo is the perfect event for you.

The Cost of Attending the Conference

Attending the NALA Conference & Expo can be expensive, particularly if you are traveling from out of town. The cost of registration varies depending on when you register, with early bird discounts available for those who register early. Additionally, you will need to factor in the cost of travel, lodging, and meals. Once registered, an email will be sent with the link to reserve your hotel room at the Louisville Marriott Downtown at the NALA group rate. To get a better idea of what you can expect to spend, use our Conference Budget Calculator here.

How to Convince Your Employer to Cover the Costs of Attending the Conference

If you are interested in attending the NALA Conference & Expo but are concerned about the cost, there are several things you can do to convince your employer to cover the costs.

Highlight the Benefits:

First, highlight the benefits of attending the conference. Let your employer know that attending the conference will help you stay up to date on the latest trends and developments in the industry, expand your professional network, and earn continuing education credits. All of these benefits will help you become a better, more valuable employee. Be sure to print the agenda and share all of the opportunities you will have. Also, with a full conference in-person registration, you receive the conference recording bundle at no extra cost! That way, you can watch any sessions you couldn’t attend and earn even more continuing education credits.

Present a Business Case:

Second, present a business case for attending the conference. Explain how attending the conference will help you bring new skills and knowledge back to the company, which will ultimately benefit the company as a whole. If you can show your employer how attending the conference will help the company achieve its goals, they may be more likely to cover the costs.

Offer to Share What You Learn:

Finally, offer to share what you learn at the conference with your colleagues. Some conference attendees commit to sharing what they learned with others on their team who were unable to attend but could benefit from the information and resources provided. This will help spread the knowledge and benefits of attending the conference throughout the company, making it more likely that your employer will see the value in covering the costs.

Tips for Making the Most out of Your Conference Experience

Attending the NALA Conference & Expo can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of your conference experience:

Plan Ahead:

Before you attend the conference, take some time to review the schedule and plan out which sessions and events you want to attend. This will help you make the most of your time at the conference and ensure that you do not miss any important sessions or events.

Network:

Be sure to take advantage of the networking opportunities at the conference. Attend receptions and meet-and-greet sessions and exchange business cards with other legal professionals.

Take Notes:

During sessions and speeches, be sure to take detailed notes. This will help you remember the key takeaways from each session and make it easier to apply what you have learned when you return to work.

Visit the Expo Hall:

Be sure to spend some time in the Expo Hall, where you can meet exhibitors and learn about new products and services in the legal industry. Take advantage of product demonstrations and be sure to collect information from any exhibitors that interest you.

Have Fun:

Finally, remember to have fun! Attending the conference is an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with other legal professionals. Enjoy the experience and make the most of your time at the conference.

Why Investing in Your Future by Attending Conferences and Expos is Worth It

Attending industry conferences and expos is one of the best ways to invest in your future. These events offer opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with other professionals in your field. The 2024 NALA Conference & Expo is a particularly valuable event for paralegals and legal professionals, offering educational sessions, networking opportunities, and an Expo Hall where attendees can learn about new products and services in the legal industry. While attending the conference can be expensive, there are several ways to convince your employer to cover the costs. If you are looking to take your legal career to the next level, attending the 2024 NALA Conference & Expo is a must.