Networking Schedule
It’s all about connections! DRI’s Annual Meeting is your chance to expand your connections. Fortify established relationships and nurture new ones while networking with nearly 700 civil defense attorneys and in-house counsel. We invite you to connect with peers by taking advantage of the new and innovative networking opportunities, including attendee lunches, receptions, and our enhanced CLE on the GO programming.
Take a chance and get more involved in your field—join colleagues to discuss hot topics in your practice area and enjoy networking activities designed to grow your leadership skills and business development opportunities.
Networking Events
Schedule subject to change
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
| Time (Central) | Session |
|---|---|
| 4:30–5:30 p.m. | First & Second Timers Program Welcome to DRI’s Annual Meeting. Whether you are new to Annual Meetings, to DRI itself, or it has just been a while since your last meeting to remember how it all works—we have set up a networking and information-packed program to make sure you get the most out of your time and investment. Through a collection of offerings, this program will highlight the best approach to enjoying the variety of events and activities that are unique to the DRI Annual Meeting. And, because we want to support you in making important one-on-one connections, we offer you the opportunity to partner with seasoned DRI leaders both before and during the event. All interested attendees will be invited to: 1. Connect with a current DRI leader (our “ambassadors”), who will serve as a connection throughout the meeting to ensure you make the most of your experience. 2. Participate in a pre-meeting virtual program to highlight what’s new and exciting at DRI and how to best take advantage of the offerings at the Annual Meeting in San Antonio. 3. Meet and network with your ambassador at the First & Second Timers Reception. 4. Partner with your ambassador at an event during the meeting. Our goal is to make sure everyone has easy access to the Annual Meeting’s enhanced networking and business development events and opportunities. When you register, please check the box to receive information for the First & Second Timers Program. For those interested in becoming a DRI ambassador for the DRI Annual Meeting, email membership@dri.org to get involved. |
| 5:00–7:30 p.m. | Exhibit Showcase Don’t miss this opportunity to visit with exhibitors, colleagues, and friends during the Exhibit Showcase. You will have the opportunity to discover new technologies, products, and services throughout the week. On Thursday and Friday, join us for complimentary networking lunches for the chance to engage with other attendees while refueling. Also returning is the Showcase Theater, where you will be able to hear from experts during short educational programs designed to give you take aways you can use every day. These and other networking opportunities are being offered throughout the Annual Meeting to enhance your attendee experience. |
| 5:30–6:00 p.m. | First & Second Timers Reception Being a first- and second-time attendee at the DRI Annual Meeting can present some challenges in learning to navigate DRI and the meeting itself. Join DRI leadership at a networking reception in the Exhibit Showcase as we welcome you into the DRI community! All DRI members are also encouraged to attend, mingle, and share your DRI experiences with our first- and second-timers. |
| 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Opening Reception There is no better meeting place to reconnect with old friends and colleagues and make new acquaintances. Stop by the Exhibit Showcase and experience the best that San Antonio has to offer—including regional food, beverages, and great conversation. |
Thursday, October 26, 2023
| Time (Central) | Session |
|---|---|
| 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Exhibit Showcase Visit the Exhibit Showcase and participate in the many networking opportunities available. |
| 12:15–2:00 p.m. | Showcase Theater At DRI’s Showcase Theater, you will be able to hear from experts during short educational programs designed to give you takeaways you can use every day. Click here to view showcase theater schedule. |
| 6:00–9:00 p.m. | An Evening at the Alamo Sponsored by LawyerGuard Join colleagues and peers for an unforgettable evening at DRI’s exclusive networking reception at the Alamo’s Ralston Family Collections Center. Experience this gem of Texas history through interactive exhibits as you catch up with peers and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, wine, and assorted beers. Click on "The Alamo" button above to learn more. |
Friday, October 27, 2023
| Time (Central) | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:00–9:15 a.m. | Diversity & Inclusion and Women in the Law Networking Breakfast (Ticketed Event) More information coming soon. |
| 12:15–2:00 p.m. | Exhibit Showcase Visit the Exhibit Showcase and participate in the many networking opportunities available. |
| 12:35–2:00 p.m. | Showcase Theater At DRI’s Showcase Theater, you will be able to hear from experts during short educational programs designed to give you takeaways you can use every day. Click here to view Showcase Theater schedule. |
| 7:00–10:00 p.m. | Closing Celebration and All-Star Band Bash (Ticketed Event) You are cordially invited to join us Friday night as we celebrate DRI and the end of a successful week while recognizing our new leaders and awarding DRI’s highest honors. The evening will include a cocktail reception honoring incoming President Patrick J. Sweeney, as well as dinner featuring the best of San Antonio cuisine. The Defense Never Rests, DRI’s “own” favorite band, is also back by popular demand, featuring all those familiar musicians and vocalists we met last year. The band will again be led by DRI member Michael D. Carter, Hall Booth Smith, P.C., Oklahoma City, OK. Bring your dancing shoes, the evening will not disappoint. Come and help us celebrate DRI, incoming and outgoing board members, and award winners for their well-deserved achievements. Cocktail attire is appropriate for this event. Tickets to the Closing Celebration are $125/individual ticket. Please purchase tickets by notation on the registration form or online at dri.org. |
DRI Annual Meeting Programming for State, Local, and National Defense Organization (SLDO/NDO) Leaders
The DRI Annual Meeting features programs specifically dedicated to the leaders of today’s state and local defense organizations (SLDOs) and National Defense Organizations (NDOs). All state/national representatives, SLDO/NDO officers, and executive directors are strongly encouraged to attend.
This program is by invitation only.
Schedule subject to change
Thursday, October 26, 2023
| Time (Central) | Session |
|---|---|
| 12:00–1:30 p.m. | SLDO/NDO Leadership Luncheon |
Friday, October 27, 2023
| Time (Central) | Session |
|---|---|
| 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Executive Directors Program and Networking Luncheon SLDO Executive Directors (ED) are never at a loss for things to discuss, and this year’s session includes a wide variety of topics. We’ll cover current trends and successes in membership, virtual and in-person programs, board engagement and attendance policies, and swap ideas for marketing materials. EDs are encouraged to bring a few examples of your favorite print or digital marketing pieces to share with the group. Any burning topic not covered in the session’s time allotment will continue during a roundtable wrap-up discussion so that everyone gets a chance to ask their fellow ED’s anything. |
| 1:00–3:00 p.m. | SLDO & NDO Conclave: Defining Your Organization's Value Proposition The SLDO/NDO Conclave will focus on recruitment, retention, and engagement. State and National Defense Bar leaders will convene to learn the impact of clearly articulating your value proposition to grow and engage members. Through presentations and leadership workshops, participants will collaborate to identify ways membership in defense bar organizations has a powerful impact on lawyers, both professionally and personally, and how this translates to a stronger, more engaged organization. |
An Evening at the Alamo, Sponsored by LawyerGuard
Connect with Your DRI Community at the Alamo!
Date: Thursday, October 26, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Location: The Alamo | 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
JOIN COLLEAGUES AND PEERS for an unforgettable evening at DRI’s exclusive networking reception at the Alamo’s Ralston Family Collections Center. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with old and new friends while exploring the iconic Alamo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Centrally located on Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio, it is a short seven-minute walk from the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter. Experience this gem of Texas history through interactive exhibits as you catch up with peers and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, wine, and assorted beers.
Enjoy access to the following exhibits:
- The Phil Collins Collection
- The Donald and Louise Yena Spanish Colonial Collection
- 500 artifacts, many of which are on display for the first time
Proudly Sponsored by: LawyerGuard
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