Education, Networking and Career Development: What Awaits You at Annual Conference

ALA’s 2026 Annual Conference & Expo is next month — here’s what you can expect.

By Eryn Carter, CAE

March 2026

Spring seems to be coming a bit early this year, and that means ALA’s Annual Conference & Expo is right around the corner! Taking place in National Harbor, Maryland, Annual Conference is just a month away, and I look forward to rejoining the ALA community to connect with and learn from our members, business partners and other thought leaders.

From April 12-15, attendees can experience a wide variety of sessions on pressing topics in the legal management field, ranging from firm sustainability to managing client communications to, of course, AI. The learning opportunities are truly invaluable, with Annual Conference featuring some of the most prominent minds whose expertise specifically align with what ALA members need and want to know to propel them forward in their careers.

I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to reflect on the work of the people who help us put on such a powerful, invigorating event. The 2026 Annual Conference Planning Project Team vetted and built over 60 sessions that would provide bite-sized but fundamental information to create a well-rounded conference.

We’re lucky to have an association where members help educate and uplift each other, and all of us at ALA are excited to provide yet another unforgettable conference.

This Year’s Preconference: Succession Planning

For our second Preconference Workshop, to be held on Saturday, April 11, the planning team looked to what members were discussing in the Online Community, which topics were being brought up in Shared Interest Groups and leadership meetings, and what the industry as a whole was paying attention to. The consensus? Succession planning for administrators.

Take a look at our publications — Legal Management Talk’s succession planning episodes are some of the podcast’s most popular, and Legal Management magazine received so many pitches on succession planning that it will now feature a special issue on the topic in November.

When we develop our educational content for ALA members, we make sure that we are still the go-to resource for legal administrators. Moderated by Debbie Foster, this Preconference Workshop, taking place from 1-5 p.m. Eastern, will have interactive sessions and a panel to prepare you for both planned and unplanned departures of administrators in all positions. It aims to demonstrate how you can contribute to operational continuity for their positions, ensure firm stability and plan intentionally to create talent and leadership opportunities.

Education Crafted for Your Goals and Needs

Succession planning is just one hot topic we’re providing insight on. To align with the roles our members serve in, and what our Certified Legal Manager (CLM)^® credential tests on, we include sessions about HR, finance, business management and more — most of which qualify for CLM application and/or recertification credit.

Based on member input, research on the legal administrative field and contributions from subject matter experts, we found that major priorities for this year’s conference are building connection and culture, adapting to changes in finance and understanding evolutions in tech.

Our Meeting of the Minds roundtables are always a crowd favorite, and this years’ promise to be no different. On Monday, ALA board member Jessica VanTroost will lead a discussion on how to build a connected culture, and one of Tuesday’s sessions is about the last five years of your career, including conversations on your impact and legacy. On Wednesday, attend roundtables on practical AI tips and tools and how to develop legal support staff careers.

ALA’s Collective Impact

Beyond our interactive roundtables, Annual Conference allows for incredible opportunities to network with peers, reconnect with other members and form new relationships. With attendees from all over the country — and world — you’ll leave with a vast web of people to collaborate with and receive advice from no matter the topic. ALA isn’t just a professional association; it’s a community that inspires ambition, continuous learning and collective leadership. Annual Conference is practical, but it’s also meant to foster connection that lasts throughout your legal career and beyond.

Of course, another big highlight is the Expo Hall. Our business partners are great assets to ALA members, and their services are on full display at Annual Conference. You can meet with exhibitors, find the solutions you need and return to your firm with steps to move forward.

No matter where you are in your career, the 2026 Annual Conference & Expo is for you. I can’t wait to welcome you all to National Harbor!

Visit this link to register now.