Ask any longtime CLM member or fellow about their best Annual Conference memory, and you will no doubt hear an amazing story. But if 2022 is your first time attending a CLM Annual Conference, how do you know where to be to make sure you’re in the right place at the right time to experience your own memorable moment? Who will you share that experience with? What if you miss out on a great networking opportunity?
Fear not, because CLM is rolling out its inaugural “First Timers Event” to support members and fellows who may feel a bit overwhelmed when they attend their first Annual Conference. CLM’s vice president and head of marketing and communications, Andrea Greene, sums it all up nicely: “It’s not easy being the new person in any situation, let alone a conference with over 1,000 people. We want everyone to feel welcome and included, so this is a great way for new folks to meet in a more intimate setting before the hustle and bustle of the conference begins.”
What can you expect at the First Timers Event? You’ll learn from Annual Conference veterans about how to make the most of your first conference. You’ll get the inside scoop from these longtime attendees on all of the conference’s can’t-miss features, like the inspiring keynotes, the evening parties, the new headshot studio, and, of course, the top-notch educational sessions. The event will also offer opportunities to network with other first-time attendees so you can build Annual Conference memories together. Who knows, next year maybe you will be the grizzled conference veteran who can share all of the inside information with the next wave of rookies!
Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
These days, no matter the occasion, you’re often rewarded for sticking around until the end. In a movie theater, for example, while most people are rushing toward the exits once the closing credits start to roll, you know that they’re about to miss out on the post-credits scene everyone will be talking about.
CLM’s 2022 Annual Conference is no different. In this case, the “post-credits scene” you’ll want to stick around for comes in the form of the Closing Session & Keynote at 10:45 a.m. on Friday, March 25, featuring keynote speaker Kaplan Mobray. You may have heard Mobray described as being “energetic,” “insightful,” or “inspiring.” In truth, all the adjectives in the world fall short once you see Mobray in action. The acclaimed author, thought leader, career coach, and motivational speaker is truly one of the most dynamic presenters around, and his keynote promises to be anything but a sleepy end to CLM’s Annual Conference.
The only thing better than having such a high-powered speaker is having that speaker present on a hyper-relevant topic. For the Annual Conference, Mobray will bring all of his trademark presenting techniques to help you answer key questions about the impressions you leave on others in your professional life, and how to make sure those impressions are positively memorable.
The presentation—based on Mobray’s best-selling book, “The 10Ks of Personal Branding”—addresses one of the most important realities when it comes to building business relationships: The way we think we’re perceived is often very different from how others actually see us. Mobray will help you answer key questions, such as what are you doing to make yourself positively memorable? And how can you polish your style to make an impression that reflects the real you and positions you for career success?
Mobray’s sessions have been hailed as “life-changing” events, and we challenge you to not get swept up in his unique enthusiasm as he takes you on a journey to discover how to put your best foot forward and to build career success and life focus.
Since You’re Sticking Around
You’ve made the wise decision to stay with us for Friday’s keynote session, and Mobray’s presentation has put you in a positive, energetic mood. Afterward, why not take advantage of the amazing location in Palm Desert, California before heading home? Choose from one of CLM’s last two social events, which take place 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 25.
“Living Desert” features a trip to The Living Desert zoo and botanical garden, where you will take in scenic nature trails and encounter a range of wildlife from around the world, including giraffes, cheetahs, and mountain lions. You’ll also enjoy a Wildlife Wonders animal presentation and explore a state-of-the-art wildlife hospital.
If the area’s celebrities and movie history is more your style, then hop aboard the “Mountains and Movie Stars” tour for a professionally narrated journey through the heart of Coachella Valley. See homes of the stars of yesteryear, including Lucille Ball, Cary Grant, The Marx Brothers, and more. Then, get ready to ride a tramcar 8,500 feet above the desert floor as you ascend Mt. San Jacinto and experience amazing views and five micro-clime zones in just 20 minutes.
And Don’t Forget…
Sandwiched between Wednesday’s First Timers event and Friday’s Closing Session & Keynote is a range of special events and informative sessions. A few highlights you won’t want to miss:
The Women’s Forum returns after a successful debut at the 2021 Annual Conference. CLM CEO Ronna Ruppelt will lead a far-ranging discussion about what it means to be a woman in the workforce in 2022. Be there on Wednesday, March 23 at 3:45 p.m. as the panel takes on tough topics. Learn from their experiences so that you can set out and achieve your own goals.
Next, what is a visit to Palm Desert without a Coachella-themed celebration? Thankfully, we don’t have to wonder, as CLM presents the Faux-chella Festival Kick-Off Party at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23. Get ready for a party under the stars as CLM delivers an unforgettable night of entertainment, amazing food, high-energy networking—and, of course, flower crowns and good vibes.
Last, but certainly not least, the conference’s concurrent sessions begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 24. Watch your peers deliver expert presentations on the most important topics in the claims and litigation world today, including recruiting new and diverse talent, thriving in a post-pandemic landscape, avoiding nuclear verdicts, and many, many more.