Would you attend an all-day conference not knowing the agenda or who was attending. Many CEOs of large law firms did just that in Sydney! Why?
Re-thinking the economics of legaltech conferences. The formula is clearly working, or is it? They're certainly well attended.
I'm guessing, organiser locks in key sponsors to mitigate risk. Source keynote speakers and industry experts interested in establishing thought leadership credibility. Add additional sponsors and exhibitors. Market to attendees. If successful, rinse and repeat next year.
Attendee registration and travel costs are more than met with new ideas, professional development and peer networking.
Sponsors and exhibitors get a captive audience for a few days, brand exposure and also network with peers.
What if you already knew many law firm partners and their preferred vendors?
Could you create something special with what would essentially be a labour of love?
Hats off to Alistair Marshall and David Gilroy for doing just that. Their recent Legal Sector Advisers & Suppliers Conference in Sydney was a massive success.
The next one will be in the UK later this year. I suggest you reach out to David to learn more.
Essentially, every supplier brought a guest and covered the cost of dinner for two. Macquarie Bank hosted us for the day and genuine friendships were formed.
Using Chatham House rules, there was no selling. Instead, there was the free flowing of ideas and experiences. A rising tide lifts all boats.
Thank you, Alistair and David, for the tremendous effort you put in to form this community.
Speakers that generously shared insights included Matthew Bolle, Robyna May, Kathryn van Gelder, Katie Rosser, Cullen P. Haynes, Oli O'Gorman, Jason Elias, Garie Dooley.
Feedback? Overwhelmingly positive. Why? Alistair and David personally selected who would be invited and I understand almost everyone accepted.
A room full of open, curious experienced legal and tech professionals freely collaborating for the greater good.
I'll add some of my key insights from the presentations in the comments.
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3moDo we have to be in-house lawyers to come?! How about just a lawyer? 😉