Ive been thinking about professional associations, like the Legal Marketing Association and how much they have evolved over the years.
When I first started attending the annual LMA meetings, it felt like a collection of small chapters coming together once a year. It was collegial, a bit scrappy, and incredibly valuable. Fast forward a few decades, and its grown into a sophisticated, professionally run organization with an international presence and real influence in the industry.
Yet, the best part of LMA isnt what happens in the sessions. Its what happens in the “in-between times. The conversations in the hallway. The quick check-ins over coffee. The follow-ups during the year that turn into real relationships.
When I arrived this year, one of the first people I saw was Marsha Redmon. And I immediately thought back to the pandemic, when I was trying to figure out how to manage Zoom, see my notes, and keep track of PowerPoint all at the same time on one screen. I contacted Marsha and she walked me through it with practical, no-nonsense advice that made everything easier.
So naturally, the first thing I said to her this time was: Marsha, quick what do I do for laryngitis? (I felt something coming on.)
Marsha, who somehow runs two successful companies (Lextrak is amazing!) and has a background as a reporter and is a presentation coach, didnt miss a beat. Her prescription: herbal tea, no milk, and try not to talk too much. (Its the last one I struggling with.)
It was such a small moment, but it stayed with me. Because its exactly what makes organizations like LMA special. Its not just the programming. Its the people who show up for each other.
Again and again, over years.
That kind of generosity, warmth, and shared experience is what turns a conference into a community.
And its why I keep coming back.
