If you’re like me, you probably found networking challenging and not your top priority during these last two pandemic-driven years. After a full day of virtual meetings (and the inevitable technology glitches), the last thing I wanted was to attend a virtual networking event.

I suspect that I’m not alone. Research shows that professional and personal networks have shrunk during the pandemic as we refocused our priorities to family, friends, neighbors, and perhaps some very close professional colleagues.

As we learn to live with this “new normal” and return to a much-changed but still busy work environment, we will also be focusing once again on quality networking opportunities, preferably live and in-person. Why? Because the relationships we build are essential in helping us build our practice, receive client referrals, learn and apply new and innovative approaches in our practice and our firms, connect to experts, and make career moves.

One of the finest (and definitely most fun) networking and learning opportunities I’ve found over the years is our very own State Bar of Wisconsin Annual Meeting & Conference (AMC) – coming to us live once again!

The 2022 AMC is scheduled for June 15-17 at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva. (Yes, that’s “the house that Hef built,” for those of us old enough to remember Hugh Hefner and certain two-legged lagomorphs – and yes, I had to look that up.)

You can find AMC registration details and the full schedule of events at amc.wisbar.org. It pays to register early – sign up by May 5 for the lowest registration rate and by May 16 for discounted hotel room rates.

The AMC is the perfect way for us nonresident lawyers to “come back to Wisconsin,” maintain our ties to the State Bar, and grow our networks all at the same time. The AMC is packed with fun opportunities to connect with old friends and colleagues and meet new ones – the Presidential Swearing-In Ceremony, Conference Kick-Off Party, and After Party on Wednesday night. And there's the the Member Recognition Ceremony, an NRLD Board meeting, the “Let’s Flamingle” party, and the Marquette and U.W. law schools alumni reception Thursday night.

And of course, there's the world-class CLE programming all day Thursday and Friday morning – including our NRLD-sponsored program with lawyer, author, and CNN legal analyst Laura Coates – and other nationally recognized plenary speakers presenting on relevant and timely topics.

But don’t take my word for it – here’s what other NRLD members have to say about the AMC:

"The AMC is the perfect mix of relaxation, networking, and professional development opportunities. As a nonresident lawyer, this combination is critical for our business growth and mental health. You will not be disappointed!" – James Casey, CPP, Fort Myers, Florida

“The AMC is a great opportunity for nonresident attorneys to connect with Wisconsin attorneys you haven’t seen for a while, and expand that professional network with new connections. I’ve attended because it’s important to stay connected to Wisconsin where my legal career began.” – Renae N. Flowers, Austin, Texas

“I’ve attended the conference multiple times with my family. There is plenty of recreation at the Grand Geneva Resort for them while I catch top-notch CLE programming, and there are plenty of opportunities for me to relax and enjoy the amenities, too. The setup at the AMC allows plenty of spontaneous interaction in between programs and entertainment. You may run into law school classmates, a prior colleague, or someone you’ve seen or read about. Yet, the AMC is large enough that if you’d rather not run into a former classmate or colleague, there’s plenty of new people to meet.” – David Werwie, St. Paul, Minnesota

“As a nonresident member, I look forward to the Annual Conference as a way to maintain my ties with the Wisconsin legal community, meet fellow nonresident members, and expand referral and resource networks for different practice areas. In addition, I look forward to the outstanding speakers that have ranged from distinguished judges to prominent legal commentators and innovators.” – Nilesh Patel, New York, NY

As a nonresident lawyer, I encourage my colleagues who practice outside Wisconsin to attend AMC 2022 in Lake Geneva. I find the AMC program content to be very helpful to my practice area and am always able to receive CLE. The plenary sessions are always informative, and the Nonresident Lawyers Division CLE session at AMC will feature a nationally recognized speaker discussing her role as former prosecutor and now legal analyst for CNN. AMC provides an excellent way to blend expanding your professional network and attending CLE sessions with some good fun with Wisconsin Bar colleagues. Highly recommended! – Steven Schuster, Washington, D.C.

I urge all NRLD members to register and join us for this exciting and fun conference. Come back to Wisconsin to connect, learn, and relax. I hope to see you there!

This article was originally published on the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Nonresident Lawyers Blog. Visit the State Bar Divisions page or the Nonresident Lawyers Division webpage to learn more about division membership.