July 16, 2013 – Members spoke and we listened. The State Bar of Wisconsin once again will bring together a diverse mix of members from across the profession to mix, mingle, and earn CLE credits. The 2014 State Bar Annual Meeting & Conference, June 26 and 27, at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, will be a premium opportunity for learning and for social and professional networking.

“We hope the conference will bring together a diverse mix of members from across the profession,” said Wausau attorney G. Lane Ware, Conference Planning Workgroup member. “With a goal of 600 attendees, we anticipate this will be the largest gathering of lawyers in the state. It will be a great time to connect, learn, and relax.”

The conference will foster professional growth and development for members, offering high-quality sessions with three tracks to choose CLE programs in your areas of interest, and compelling opening and closing plenary sessions that round out the event. The planning group is also including many opportunities to connect and relax and enjoy.

Diane Sykes	David F. Hamilton
Karl Rove	Robert Gibbs

Two Plenary Sessions

Thursday’s opening plenary session features two U.S. Court of Appeals judges for the Seventh Circuit. Diane Sykes was nominated by George W. Bush and confirmed in 2004, and David F. Hamilton was nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed in 2009.

Friday’s closing luncheon is followed by plenary session speakers, Karl Rove, former deputy chief of staff and senior advisor to President George W. Bush, and Robert Gibbs, former White House Press Secretary and a longtime advisor to President Barack Obama. Gibbs and Rove will provide insightful commentary as they speak from their White House insider’s perspectives on the political issues of the day.

Social and Networking Activities

“There is a reason we picked Wisconsin’s premier luxury resort,” said New Richmond attorney Deanne Koll, Conference Planning Workgroup member. “It’s not just the spas, pools, fine dining, a water park for the kids, horse stables, bonfires, championship golf courses, and endless miles of tree-covered walking trails. There are many other activities for members to connect and relax.”

State Bar-sponsored activities include:

• Enjoy a “Kick-off the Conference Party” – Wednesday night, June 25, following the State Bar Presidential Swearing-in ceremony.

• Start Thursday morning connecting with colleagues for a fun run/walk along the scenic trails of the Grand Geneva Resort property.

• Thursday networking lunches, where members can relax and network with colleagues and friends, include a joint senior and young lawyers lunch mixer.

• On Thursday night, it’s the “Lawyers in Paradise All-Conference Beach Bash” with plenty of food, drink, and live music by the steel drum party band, Tropixplosion.

• Wind down with yoga on the terrace on Friday morning.

Save the date and watch WisBar and InsideTrack for more information.