We are pleased to report a great deal of learning, networking, and professional development was had by all at the Regions 2 & 3 Educational Conference & Exposition, held September 27-29, 2007. More than 250 people attended this year’s conference at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville Tennessee. The three-day event provided members with an exciting array of practical and timely educational sessions as well as entertaining networking and socializing opportunities.

On Thursday, after our first-time attendees were introduced to all that Regional conferences have to offer them, we were treated to a Keynote Address by Jeff Fisher, executive director and head coach of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans football team. Fisher leads the franchise record for wins with 102 victories. Afterwards, we headed over to the Welcome Reception where we were greeted by our colleagues and friends. Great socializing, delicious appetizers and the music that makes Nashville so, well, Nashville, rounded out a terrific kick off event.

After a continental breakfast, concurrent educational sessions started off bright and early with many interesting courses, including Dealing with Substance Abuse and 60 Technology Tips in 60 Minutes. New this year, sessions-in-series classes OnBoarding for Success and Building Continuity provided a chance to delve into topics more thoroughly. The third session-in-series, Best Practices in Law Office Management, explored the trends in law office management and practical applications.

The Exhibit Hall showcase was open all day Friday and presented the latest and greatest in technology, products and services. Special thanks to the more than 75 exhibitors that were represented in the Exhibit Hall.

A real treat for everyone was the general session aboard the General Jackson Showboat with Dr. Dale Henry, entitled, Managing you, Managing Me: Stop Paddling Upstream and Start Rocking the Boat. But the fun didn’t stop there…. The Showboat docked outside the Friday night event at the Wildhorse Saloon, Nashville’s number #1 dining and entertainment establishment.

Saturday morning we gathered for the Breakfast Roundtable Discussion groups. Issues ranging from Getting involved in ALA leadership and becoming a Certified Legal Manager, to wellness programs and the evolving role of legal secretaries were discussed. The educational programs continued throughout the morning and included Finance for the Non-financial Administrator and the mini-series, Excellence in Management.

The Conference closing session Can You Change Resistance Into Understanding? proved to be a highly interactive session conducted by Leslie A. Yerkes of the Catalyst Consulting Group.

The 2008 Regions 2 & 3 Educational Conference & Exposition will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, November 14-15, at the Hyatt Regency. Watch for details!