Setting the Stage

CLM’s annual conference is right around the corner, and given the line that’s forming, everybody can’t wait for the velvet rope to be pulled back. Here’s a little bit of background on what you can expect when we throw open the doors to CLM Nashville on March 29.  

Each year, there is stiff competition among our membership to turn their presentation ideas into sessions that wow. This year, hundreds of proposals were received for just 91 slots, which means only the best and most pressing topics made the cut. As it goes with all things CLM, collaboration among our members and fellows is key, and it’s reflected in the fact that every session features an equal balance of both.

Beyond the equal weighting, these sessions are like no others you’ve ever been to. Our signature roundtable approach banishes the dreaded PowerPoint slides to the trash heap, and instead encourages active participation and discussion. Plan on putting your phone away, since this is not your typical sit-and-listen approach.

Speaking of breaking the mold, we’re most excited about our opening session, which takes place on “country’s most famous stage,” the Grand Ole Opry. This iconic landmark will become part of CLM history when we announce our CLM Professionals of the Year winners, and it serves as the perfect backdrop for this year’s opening keynote speaker, a Nashville songwriter who will share his music and some life lessons. We’re also excited to recognize Cunningham Lindsey CEO Jane Tutoki with the CLM Lifetime Achievement Award. Throughout her career, Tutoki has created a lasting impact through her strong, compassionate leadership, which includes mentoring women in the industry and promoting diversity at all levels. She is truly deserving, and we’re happy to do it.

If you missed out on the registration for this event—and many did, given how quickly it sold out—we have you covered. For the first time, we’ll be publishing a show daily for each day of the event that will make you feel like you are there with conference session previews and on-the-scene photographs. We’ll be sending it out to all CLM members and fellows each day, so keep an eye open for it.

The rehearsals are done, the sound checks completed, so now it’s time to step up to the mic and hit all the right notes. We can’t wait to show you our stuff.