Accessibility Standards

Legal Leaders ELS 2026
LevelUp ALA's Legal Management Fundamentals - September 18-19 2026 Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk Chicago

The Association of Legal Administrators is committed to providing events that are accessible to everyone. The following is an outline of considerations that are part of our event planning process. If you have additional needs not covered below, please reach out to us at [email protected] at least 30 days prior to the event and we will work to accommodate you.

Captioning and Translation

ALA uses Wordly, an AI translation and captioning tool, to assist attendees at all events. Speakers and attendees will be required to use microphones for all sessions to ensure that the tool can be accessed appropriately.

Dietary Needs

Attendee dietary needs are captured as part of the standard event registration process. An authorized representative of ALA will work with venue staff to see that appropriate meal accommodations are provided as necessary.

Mobile App

The mobile app used for ALA events is Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA compatible. It is specifically designed to operate using your device's existing settings.

Mobility

An authorized representative of ALA will work with venue staff to ensure adequate access to the event space. All program agendas will include ample time to travel between sessions as part of the standard planning process. When available, all meeting rooms will include a ramp to the riser for speaker use. If no ramp is available, staff can assist speakers on request.

Venue Selection

All ALA events are held at ADA-compliant venues. An authorized representative of ALA will meet with the representatives of the venue either in-person or virtually to evaluate the event space before entering into a contract with the property.

Reserved Seating

ALA will reserve the necessary number of tables at all events for disabled attendees and their personal care assistants.

Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at all ALA events. Emotional Support Animals are allowed subject to the rules and regulations established by the event venue.

Speaker Materials

All ALA speakers are provided guidance on how to make their supporting materials accessible to everyone.

Staff Assistance

Representatives of ALA Headquarters and ALA's official event management partner are available to assist disabled attendees throughout the event space on a limited basis (e.g. in the event of an emergency such as the need to evacuate the event space). Individuals requiring more regular assistance are encouraged to have a personal care assistant accompany them.

Assisted Listening Devices

Assisted listening devices are made available on request. Depending on the venue, the use of these devices may be limited to the general session room.

Gender Neutral Restrooms

An authorized representative of ALA will work with venue staff to ensure that at least one gender-neutral restroom is available in the event space.

Lactation Room

Attendees will have access to a lactation room on request. This lockable room will include a refrigerator, bottled water and various other supplies typically used by nursing mothers. Attendees should inquire about access to this space at the Registration Desk.

Mobility Aids

Information regarding wheelchair or scooter rental is provided to attendees.

Quiet Room

A quiet room is available for the duration of the event. This room may be used as a space for prayer, religious reflection, meditation, and as a resilience room for anyone who may experience sensory overload.

CLM Register

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Registration fees apply to the individual and cannot be shared among people from the same chapter, firm or company.

Full Conference Registration Includes:

  1. Access to all general and breakout educational sessions
  2. Access to online conference speaker materials
  3. Admittance to the Networking Reception
  4. Access to conference breakfasts, lunches and refreshment breaks

Credit/Debit Card is the only method of payment allowed for online registration. If you require payment to be made by check or ACH/Wire Transfer, please select that option at checkout and instructions will be sent with your confirmation email. If you need an additional copy of your invoice or have questions, contact [email protected] for assistance.

GUEST REGISTRATION

The purchase of a guest registration is restricted to guests of registrants only. A guest registration may not be used by someone eligible for membership in ALA, a business partner, or a supplier who is not exhibiting/sponsoring. ALA reserves the right to review eligibility for guest registration. Guests of attendees are subject to all terms and conditions. You may add guest tickets to your online registration or contact us at [email protected].

Guest Registration Includes:

A guest ticket allows access to the Networking Reception ($70/per person) only. Attendance at all other food functions is limited to LegaLeaders registrants.

HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

ALA prioritizes the safety and welfare of its meeting and conference attendees, exhibitors, partners, speakers and team members. ALA policy is to adhere to the health and safety protocols in place at the time of the conference as determined by federal, state and local authorities and the venue. Individuals are encouraged to take any additional precautions they deem necessary to achieve their desired personal level of safety and wellness.

ALA’s health and safety requirements are based on guidance and recommendations issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health authorities. We continuously monitor local, state, and federal public health guidance, directives and requirements and will update our health and safety requirements as necessary.

In order to care for our community, all ALA conference attendees must follow all health and safety protocols required by ALA, the venue, national and/or local authorities.

REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY

Registration fees are based on membership status (ALA member or nonmember) on the date registration and payment are received (by 11:59 p.m. Central). However, all member rates are contingent on the member renewing their full ALA 2026 membership.

Nonmember registration is restricted to individuals who are not currently members of ALA but meet the eligibility requirements for ALA membership. A nonmember registrant may not be a business partner or a supplier who is not exhibiting/sponsoring. Learn more about membership eligibilityrequirements or contact the ALA Membership Department or at (+1) 847-267-1585.

Exception: All those holding the Certified Legal Manager (CLM)® designation and/or currently serving as a volunteer on a standing committee, advisory council or project team at the international level are eligible to register for the conference.

Business partners, including legal industry suppliers who are not exhibiting/sponsoring, are not permitted to register as attendees or guests. A guest registration may not be used by someone eligible for membership in ALA, a business partner or a supplier who is not exhibiting. Business Partners may not use badges for an ALA member or someone eligible for ALA membership. 

PAYMENT POLICY

Payment must be received in full by the conference date. Any discounts given will be applied to the full conference fee only (excluding add-ons), cannot be combined with any other offer and must be paid in full at the time of order.

CONFIRMATION

All registrants will receive written confirmation/receipt of registration. If you do not receive confirmation, please contact us at [email protected].

CANCELLATIONS

All cancellations must be made in writing and submitted via email to [email protected]

 

Date Cancellation Received

Attendee Cancellation Fee

Guest Ticket Cancellation Fee

By August 21, 2026

$125

Full refund

After August 22, 2026

No refund

No refund

 

Cancellation notifications via social media (e.g., posting on our Facebook page or Twitter) are not accepted. Noshows and late cancellations forfeit the full registration fee. The option to transfer registration to a future year will not be offered.

HEALTH AND SAFETY NOTICES

An inherent risk of exposure to various infectious diseases exists in any public place where people are present. If you are uncertain as to your health, you should not register for the conference until you have consulted a medical adviser about the risks that you may be exposed to.

By registering for any of ALA’s conferences, you confirm that you 1) are attending voluntarily, and at your own risk; 2) understand and agree that attendance may carry the risk of injury or illness, even serious injury or illness, death, or damage or loss of property, including, without limitation, the risk of being exposed to or infected with COVID-19 or other infectious disease and voluntarily assume such risk; and 3) release, and forever discharge, indemnify and hold harmless, ALA and MCI, and their respective directors, officers, staff, agents, members and representatives, from any and all claims, liabilities, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any kind arising out of, in connection with, or relating to your attendance or participation in the conference including, without limitation, any illness, damages or injury resulting from your attendance at the conference.

ALA MEETING CODE OF CONDUCT

ALA is committed to providing a safe, productive and welcoming environment for all meeting participants and ALA staff. All participants, including but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, vendors, sponsors, guests, ALA staff members and service providers (collectively, “participants”), are expected to abide by this Meeting Code of Conduct (“Code”), ALA’s Code of Ethics and other applicable ALA policies, whether participating in-person or virtually. This Code applies to all ALA webinars, educational sessions, conferences, meetings and meeting-related events, including those sponsored by organizations other than ALA but held in conjunction with ALA events, whether on public or private platforms (collectively, “meetings”).

ALA has zero-tolerance for any form of discrimination, harassment (including but not limited to sexual harassment), or other disruptive or unacceptable behavior by participants at or during ALA meetings. If you experience or witness harassment or any incidents of unacceptable behavior that violate this Code other ALA’s other policies, ALA asks that you immediately inform ALA’s Executive Director, [email protected]

Read our full ALA Code of Conduct.

CONFERENCE CONSENT POLICY

By registering for this ALA conference, you are consenting to:

  1. Receive conference-related communications
  2. Having your contact information included on attendee rosters
  3. Share your contact information with business partners for this event only

You may choose not to share your contact information with ALA business partners for this event during registration online. You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting [email protected].

Please note: If you allow your badge to be scanned by a business partner during the event, your contact information will be shared with them regardless of your opt-out-selection above. Individuals who have opted out of business partner communications will appear on attendee lists visible by members (showing only first and last name, title, company name, city, state, country and chapter) and be removed from event rosters accessible by business partners.

PROMOTIONAL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

Participation at and registration (attendee, guest and exhibitor) for the conference gives consent to the use and distribution of the participants’ image or voice in any pictures, video or audio recordings, or electronic reproductions taken during ALA and ALA-related events for conference coverage and future ALA promotional purposes. ALA is able to use your likeness without remuneration.

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions about the conference and registration policies or procedures, please contact us at [email protected].

MCI acts on behalf of the Association of Legal Administrators in developing and managing the conference(s).