Introducing the Legal Tech Events calendar (and a strategy to use it)

Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Legal Builders Newsletter!

Every week (or so) I'll highlight useful resources and insights for building and bringing software to the legal and compliance market, whether you're in as a startup or a tech-forward law firm. I appreciate feedback and love connecting with people who are building interesting things, so please?get in touch.

Our first topic: The power of conferences and events

Introducing the Legal Tech Events Calendar

For founders seeking product-market fit and growth, attending conferences is the single best way to meet and learn from potential customers and partners. Conferences can be expensive, but when done, they're a highly efficient way to gather connections and input.

I work closely with clients on conference strategy and execution, which led us to compile a?calendar of more than a hundred legal-related conferences scheduled in the next 12 months. I'm excited because I'm not aware of another decent compilation like this for legal tech, and I'm hoping people find it useful it to map out their own conference approach.

With some exceptions, we tried to limit the list to events which have a formal sponsorship program or appear to allow some kind of third-party participation. Please reach out with any corrections or suggested additions.

See and subscribe to the calendar at?partnermotion.io, Then get in touch for a chat about your conference strategy.

Some advice

Here are some ideas to make your conference motion successful:

1. Find your niche(s). Massive conferences like?LegalWeek?can be very productive, but so can smaller, niche conferences with folks who may not be coming primarily to look at tech. The calendar includes conferences for?small firm operators,?legal practice administrators,?paralegals, and?truck accident lawyers. Even if you're not selling directly to the conference's vertical, it's another way to find and talk to prospects.
2. Step up to the Bar. Of course, you'll see quite a few associations (national, state and local) sponsoring a treasure trove of events, and they're often open to vendor sponsorship and participation. We only listed a few local events in very large markets; there are likely local bar groups in your area worth checking out.
3. Don't pay for a session pass.?You're not here to go to educational sessions; you're here to work the booth (if you have one) or the networking and break sessions. If its a paid conference, see if you can pay only for an exhibits pass.
4. Get the app.?Larger conferences have companion apps, which are often the key to seeing and connecting with other attendees.
5. Talk APIs. Each booth in the exhibit hall holds a potential API or distribution partner. Make sure you walk the floor yourself more than once and introduce yourself. One of these companies might buy you someday.
6. Set up meetings in advance.?Get your hands on an attendee list in advance if you can set up any meetings by email. Be precise about the meeting location.
7. Don't go it alone.?Even if you're a complete extrovert, having a partner at the event means you can cover more territory and retain more from conversations.
8. Go slow on sponsorships. Conferences thrive on dollars paid by sponsors to brand everything from lanyards to Do-Not-Disturb signs. Unless you're actually brand-building, these don't tend to pencil out well in terms of cost per lead. Consider getting a booth first.
9. Expand your mind.?A great conference will send you home not just with leads, but with an expanded and refined vision for your product and your go-to-market. Let go of your preconceptions, and be prepared to embrace serendipity.

Upcoming conferences

As a regular feature of the newsletter, I'll list some notable upcoming events, like these:

National Contract Management Association World Congress

July 23-27, 2023 | Nashville TN

Could be a must-attend event if you're working on contract management. A good number of?exhibitors?with a significant tech presence. Unfortunately, in-person attendance has sold out. Don't miss it next year.

IltaCon

August 20-24, 2023 | Orlando FL

This is a big one, with well over a hundred companies?on the floor. They're offering a $200 exhibit-hall-only pass, which to me is an easy decision if you can get there at reasonable expense. [Update: I'm now told they won't offer the $200 rate for vendors, which makes this one a tougher call.]

National Legal Education Conference

August 21-23 | Houston TX

Not a huge group of?exhibitors, but plenty of tech interest here, and (unusually) a wide open list of?attendees. If you're in Texas, it could be worthwhile to grab a $250 early bird one-day pass.

Your CTA

What would you like to see covered in future newsletters? Drop me a message or?get in touch?to talk about your conference strategy.