The American Bar Association’s TECHSHOW kicks off March 25th at the McCormick Convention Center in Chicago and runs through the 28th. It’s one of the premier legal tech shows. And the vibe? It’s a trade show and a reunion of people who actually care about the practice of law and technology
Coming on the heels of ALM’s Legalweek, it’s tempting to compare the two shows. But that’s a little unfair to both. The shows have different feels, the audiences are slightly different, and the vendors’ efforts are different.
TECHSHOW has historically been directed more toward small and solo law firms. Legalweek is more of a big or at least bigger law firm show. But it’s always wise to avoid stereotypes. Both shows do have Biglaw and small law attendees. But TECHSHOW seems to have more lawyers in attendance. These differences show up in the way vendors approach the show and the educational sessions.
My perspective is that TECHSHOW is more low key and less sales oriented than many tech shows. There is a strict no selling from the podium rule and few of the sessions are sponsored by vendors although vendor representatives may be and often are speakers. With over 2,200 attendees and over 120 exhibitors, TECHSHOW is certainly one of the largest and premier legal tech shows. But it tends to be more informal than some of the other tech shows. It’s a collegial atmosphere of people who tend to know each other. It’s always been a welcoming place.
The Venue
Last year, TECHSHOW made the move from a downtown Chicago hotel to the McCormick Place Convention Center, which is a little further from downtown. The show was criticized unjustly in my view for the facility and the move. It was a more open and roomy venue and unlike the Javits Convention Center where this year’s Legalweek was held, there are hotels, bars, and restaurants close by.
Incidentally, I heard many of the similar criticisms from attendees at Legalweek, also unjustified. Many commentators, however, seemed to really like Javits when in fact it’s not all that different than McCormick. Part of it may be that those who attend both were a little more prepared for the Legalweek having been at a similar venue last year.
It’s also worth mentioning that simultaneously with TECHSHOW, the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo will also be held in McCormick, which will add to the excitement.
The Content
Where TECHSHOW shines is in its content, and this year is no exception.
This year’s TECHSHOW promises lots of informative and educational sessions. There are two keynotes. The first, on Thursday, will be given by Jordan Furlong, who has written more insightful articles about the changes in the legal profession than just about anyone. If you haven’t been following and reading Furlong, you are missing out on some really insightful content. His keynote is entitled “The Lawyers We’ll Need: Preparing the Legal Profession for a Post-AI World.” It’s described as an exploration of “the new roles lawyers must play in a post-AI world, from advocate and counselor to architect and guardian, and the deeper human capacities that will define professional value.” I can’t think of anyone better to talk about this.
The second keynote will be given by none other than Nilay Patel, the co-founder and editor in chief of The Verge. He will pose and attempt to answer the questions: How are law firms adjusting to the technological change – what does successful implementation look like? How are teams trained? And how will headcount change? And more broadly, what are the ethical and practical implications of this new world of AI applications?
Then on Saturday morning as an added treat, TECHSHOW will offer a session entitled “A Historic Conversation on the Rule of Law, AI, and the Future of the Legal Profession.” I can’t think of any better presenters on this subject than Bill Bay, immediate past ABA President, Michelle Behnke, current ABA President, and Barbara Howard, incoming ABA President. At a time when too many associations are shying away from having discussion about the rule of law and threats to the judiciary because they believe it’s too divisive and somehow partisan, it’s refreshing to see the ABA, and for that matter, ALM, take these issues head on.
And of course, the show kicks off Wednesday evening with the well-known and traditional startup pitch competition. The competition is moderated by Bob Ambrogi (who needs no introduction) and features 15 legal tech startups facing off, with the winners selected by audience vote. It’s always exciting and past finalists have gone on to greater glory. Think Clearbrief, which we recently discussed.
The show ends on Saturday morning with the traditional 60 in 60 where TECHSHOW leaders give their favorite 60 apps and tools in 60 minutes. It’s fast paced and always exciting.
In between, there are some 47 educational sessions with legal tech leaders from all sectors and backgrounds. That’s a lot of quality content.
The Exhibit Floor
And of course, there is the exhibit hall. As I mentioned above, this year over 120 vendors will be displaying their wares and will be happy to talk to attendees. It is anticipated that exhibit floor traffic this year based on expo-only sales will be a record (over 1,100, a 33% increase over last year). Of course, the puppies will be back if you need to unwind and lower stress.
A Confession and Invite
I’ll be honest here. I’m a real fan of TECHSHOW. Always have been from the time I first attended several years ago to serving on the TECHSHOW Board and co-chairing it last year. TECHSHOW is like family, welcoming and friendly. And the attendees by and large care about the practice of law, the use of technology and, more importantly, other attendees.
So, if you haven’t signed up, it’s still not too late to get in on the action. Here’s a link.
You won’t be disappointed in the content, the exhibit hall, and the family. See you there.
Stephen Embry is a lawyer, speaker, blogger, and writer. He publishes TechLaw Crossroads, a blog devoted to the examination of the tension between technology, the law, and the practice of law.
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