For the first time since March 2019, CLM’s Annual Conference was back in its typical spring time slot, once again giving its members and fellows the stellar experience they have come to expect. Didn’t make it to the show? Here’s what you missed.
Networking Fun
One of the biggest draws for attending CLM’s Annual Conference is the chance to network with peers. The tight-knit bond that exists members and fellows and the new relationships that form over the course of the event’s three days continues to be one of the most-mentioned reasons for attending.
“My favorite part of the conference is always being able to get together with fellows claims handlers and attorneys to discuss topics that are prevalent in the industry,” said one attendee in a post-event survey conducted by CLM Magazine.
“This year’s CLM Annual was filled with amazing panels and interesting topics,” wrote another attendee. “My favorite moments are the breaks, when we meet friends old and new and talk all about the panels and topics we enjoyed and that piqued our interests.”
Opening day happenings like the first-time attendees reception, a local chapter open house, and the reintroduction of the women’s forum dovetailed with long-time networking events like CLM’s golf and tennis outings as well as its community service efforts to bring members and fellows together.
“I really enjoyed working with everyone on the volunteer activity at FIND Food Bank,” said a community service participant. “It is so gratifying to accomplish something that makes a difference in someone’s life.”
Keynote Moments
Many attendees remarked on the opening keynote by Mark Schulman, drummer for P!nk and many other music acts, who instilled a rock-and-roll philosophy in attendees—even allowing many to get behind his drum set for a social media worthy photo opportunity afterwards.
“I loved Marc Schulman’s keynote, it was truly inspiring and a great way to get me in a positive space,” said an attendee.
After Schulman spoke, attendees gathered outdoors for Fauxchella, CLM’s version of the famous Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival that takes place annually near Palm Desert.
“The food was great, the atmosphere was amazing, and the music was really good,” said one attendee.
“The interactive music-themed dinner night with live music, photo booth, homemade flower crowns, and henna tattoos,” were some of the reasons another attendee said Fauxchella made the top of her list of memorable moments.
CLM’s first-ever closing keynote address was mentioned by many as a welcome addition.
“Kaplan Mobray’s inspirational presentation on creating your personal brand,” was one attendee’s favorite moment from the conference, with another remarking, “The high energy opening and closing presentations,” were worth the price of admission.
All About the Education
Networking and socializing aside, the real meat of CLM’s Annual Conference is its educational content, which was recognized by many for its quality.
“I was blown away by the amount of useful information from both the presenters and [the attendees] in the rooms that I was in,” said one attendee.
“The roundtable format of the sessions at CLM is unlike any other industry conference, and it’s fantastic!” said another. “Every session I attended was engaging and interactive. The hour went by so quickly.”
“There were so many amazing topics to choose from in the different sessions, and all of them were spectacular,” said another.
Mark your calendars for next year—CLM’s next Annual Conference takes place in Tampa from March 29-31, 2023.