8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. |
REGISTRATION & EXHIBITS |
Royal Tern Foyer |
9:00-9:25 a.m. |
Opening Session
Welcome, lay of the land and announcements.
with Lauren Baugh, Carleen Leffler and Wayne Richter |
Royal Tern Ballroom |
9:30-10:30 a.m. |
General Session — Real. Ready. Rising: How Lawyers Connect & Lead
with Rosalyn Sia Baker Barnes, president, The Florida Bar; and Wayne Richter, vice chair, Voluntary Bar Liaison Committee, past president, Martin County Bar Association
Step into the “Circle of Strength” with 2025-2026 Florida Bar President Sia Baker-Barnes for a conversation on the power of authentic networking. Discover how creating real, meaningful connections can shape your legal journey, expand your opportunities, and deepen your impact — both in your career and through service to the profession. It’s networking redefined — with purpose and heart. |
Royal Tern Ballroom |
10:30-11:00 a.m. |
BREAK/NETWORKING |
Royal Tern Foyer, Palometa, Silver Perch |
11:00-11:50 a.m. |
General Session — Florida Bar 2.0: Powering Forward with Tech, Tools, and Techniques
with Jennifer Krell Davis, director, Communications Division, The Florida Bar; and Josie Follick, social media specialist, The Florida Bar
Learn more about The Florida Bar and the assets that are available for Voluntary Bar leaders. Explore practical tools and resources collected by The Florida Bar designed to help voluntary bars strengthen communication, boost outreach, and better engage their members. Also, learn about future efforts being considered in response to valuable voluntary bar feedback. |
Royal Tern Ballroom |
Noon-1:30 p.m. |
Lunch on your own |
Harbor Yards Food Hall |
1:30-2:00 p.m. |
BREAK/NETWORING |
Royal Tern Foyer, Palometa, Silver Perch |
2:00-2:50 p.m. |
Breakout Sessions
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Plan. Approve. Inspire. A How-to Session for Meaningful, Engaging CLE
with Maritza McGill, director, Legal Specialization and Education, The Florida Bar; Renee Thompson, 2024-2025 chair, Solo and Small Firm Section, The Florida Bar; Peggy Hewitt, manager, Resources & Services, Florida Lawyers Mutual Insurance Co. (FLMIC)
Planning a CLE seminar doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Join The Florida Bar’s CLE director, a seasoned bar leader, and a representative from FLMIC as they share practical tips, real-world examples, and creative ideas. Learn the course approval process, discover free resources and speaker strategies, and leave inspired to build CLE programs that engage your members and elevate your bar. |
Royal Tern Ballroom A |
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Judges and Justice: Navigating the Future of Bar Engagement
with Hon. Sheri Polster Chappell, district judge, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida; Hon. Janeice Martin, Collier County judge, 20th Judicial Circuit; Hon. Kevin Hellmann, Miami-Dade County judge, 11th Judicial Circuit; Hon. Tamara Nicola, Collier County judge, 20th Judicial Circuit; and Craig Shoup, moderator, executive director, Jacksonville Bar Association
Discover fresh ways judges and voluntary bars can collaborate. This session explores evolving roles, creative outreach ideas, and strategies to build stronger connections within the legal community and beyond. |
Royal Tern Ballroom B |
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Next-Gen Leaders: Energizing Young Lawyers in Your Local Bar
with Arti Hirani, 2025-2026 president, Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division; Reno Pierre, 2025-2026 president-elect, The Young Lawyers Division; and Carleen Leffler, moderator, co-chair, 2025 Voluntary Bar Leaders Conference
Explore fresh ideas to attract and involve young lawyers. This session highlights creative programs, mentorship opportunities, and leadership paths that help build connection, purpose, and future bar involvement. |
Blueback |
3:00-3:30 p.m. |
BREAK/NETWORKING |
Royal Tern Foyer, Palometa, Silver Perch |
3:40-4:30 p.m. |
Breakout Sessions
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Balancing the Bytes: Making Time for Work and Voluntary Bar Service
with Kathleen Smith, 20th Judicial Circuit Public Defender; Alexis Dion Deveaux, Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors; Joey Joseph Coleman, Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors; Carleen Leffler, moderator, 2025 Voluntary Bar Leaders Conference co-chair
Juggling career, life, and leadership isn’t easy—but it’s possible. Learn practical ways to manage your time, use tech wisely, and stay engaged in bar service—without burnout. This session offers tips to balance your career, commitments, and community. |
Royal Tern Ballroom A |
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Member Magnetism: How to Attract, Activate and Retain Members
with Braulio Rosa, executive director, Broward County Bar Association; Melissa Byers, executive director, St. Petersburg Bar Association; Valeria Obi, past president, Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association, George Edgecomb Bar Association; Lauren Baugh, executive director, Lee County Bar Association; Wayne Richter, moderator, vice chair, Voluntary Bar Liaison Committee, past president, Martin County Bar Association
Explore practical ways to spark member engagement. This session shares ideas for recruiting, recognizing, and retaining members through meaningful opportunities, smart communication, and a culture that makes belonging and involvement rewarding and fun. |
Royal Tern Ballroom B |
5:30-7:00 p.m. |
Reception
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Royal Tern Foyer, Palometa, Silver Perch |