Conference Summary

Photo Gallery

The Bridge To Knowledge was enthusiastically crossed by over 100 legal administrators at the Region 5 Educational Conference & Exposition held this past September 28-29, 2007. The Portland, Oregon chapter served as host and Mount Hood the backdrop to two full days of highly interactive and thought provoking education held at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront Hotel.

The festivities began Thursday evening at the Welcome Reception, where attendees reunited with old friends and met new ones over hors d’oeuvres and a selection of regional wines and cheeses. Barry Glick Jazz Groove set the tone for a wonderful evening with beautiful Mount Hood and the city of Portland in the background.

Friday morning kicked into high gear immediately following a continental breakfast, with Oregon-based improve group, On Your Feet providing the Keynote and Opening General Session. Their unique improve style creatively highlighted the skills necessary for creating a group working environment where listening is valued and different strengths and perceptions are honored.

The Exhibit Hall opened early in the day showcasing the best in legal industry solutions, suppliers, and experts and the latest technology and services. The morning’s beverage break was held in the Exhibit Hall, so attendees and business partners alike had plenty of opportunity to make connections.

New this year, the conference included a Sessions-in-Series focusing on the Evolving Law Firm. In addition, a two-part Mini-Series on records management was introduced. Throughout the conference, expert speakers discussed such important topics as how to create an extraordinary law form, implementing “best of design” records management systems, designing high impact, low budget, marketing plans, building sustainable legal environments and reflecting on the growth, trends and future of legal administration.

Our Friday evening event provided a wonderful glimpse at the forests of the world at the World Forest Center. Attendees were able to soar high above recreated forests as well as “travel” to different regions meeting people faced with the many issues of keeping forests sustainable. The dinner buffet was delicious with entertainment provided by a local DJ.

Saturday featured continental breakfast and lively roundtable discussions on pandemic preparation, personal retirement plans, Canadian issues, wellness programs, CLM preparation, moving/remodeling/relocation and prioritizing life’s important things.

Session continued throughout the morning along with an overview of current ALA activities by President Elect Wendy rice-Isaacs, concluding with the Closing General Session with Trever Cartwright, Thom Waters, and On Your Feet.

We look forward to seeing next year in beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii – October 31 – November 1, 2008.