Charlotte Ford
Charles Russell Speechlys, London
charlotte.ford@crsblaw.com

The IBA Global Showcase takes place online, 25–29 October, with a mix of expert panels, keynote speakers and virtual networking to connect the legal profession worldwide. It is free to both IBA members and non-members with easy registration online. We’ve put together our top tips to make the most of the event before, during and after.

Before

• Register online here: https://www.ibanet.org/conference-details/CONF2104.
• Take some time to identify the virtual panels and networking sessions you want to join. You can browse the programme online, ‘favourite’ sessions and networking hubs by clicking on the star and/or add them to your calendar by clicking on ‘read more’ for details.
• You will still need to pre-register for individual sessions which you can do when you register for the conference or through the ‘My IBA’ section of the website.
• Do a tech test to check your browsers supports the Zoom and Remo platforms for the virtual sessions and networking.
• Get ready to network! You will likely receive a lot LinkedIn profile views and connection requests so make sure your profile is up to date with a photo, cover image, headline and bio.
• Why not let contacts know you are attending with a LinkedIn post – don’t forget the hashtag #IBAShowcase. You can also follow this hashtag on LinkedIn to find out who else is attending, speaking or talking about the event.
• Do you Tweet? Again, let contacts know you are attending the event using the hashtag #IBAShowcase and follow @IBAevents for conference updates.
• Check your profile on your firm website is up to date, including international experience and interests such as involvement in your firm’s international desks or membership of the IBA.
• Set up your Remo profile in advance for quick access to the networking platform after the session. You will need a photo, LinkedIn URL and a line about yourself.
• Let colleagues know you are attending and check if others are registered to coordinate participation at virtual sessions and the networking hubs.

During

• Look out for the Zoom links by email when you register, 24 hours and 1 hour in advance so you don’t miss the virtual sessions.
• Be an active participant: some virtual sessions will have a Q&A function to ask panellists a question and comment on the debate, or simply introduce yourself!
• Take notes to record useful content and inspiration from the keynote speeches and panel discussions.
• Join the networking hubs after the virtual sessions end to continue the conversation, connect with speakers and other delegates just as you would ‘in real life’.
• Get the most out of virtual networking by turning your camera and microphone on and turning any alerts off to focus on the chat.
• Inspired by the debate and the conference? Share your thoughts on LinkedIn or Twitter with the #IBAShowcase hashtag and see what others are saying!

Afterwards

• Sessions are available online for 48 hours so you can re-watch or catch up with any you miss.
• Follow up on your conversations in the networking hubs – set up virtual coffees, introduce colleagues or share the article you discussed.
• Note new contacts, important conversations and follow up in your CRM system to track relationships across your firm, identify mutual contacts and support key relationships.
• If you missed the chance to connect during the live sessions and network, now is the time to send LinkedIn requests to other delegates and speakers and follow them on Twitter.
• If you are not an IBA member and want to join after experiencing the virtual event you can do so online here.

We hope to see you in person at the IBA Annual Conference 2022, if not before!