Convene Raised the Bar in Governance at 2025 Bar Leadership Events
Chicago, Illinois – Convene wrapped up two major bar leadership events on the week of March 11-14 at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, with a commitment to provide better board governance for bar leaders.
From board assessments to leadership development, representatives US Head of Sales, Craig Henderson, and Senior Account Executive John Miller identified key challenges faced by bar leaders and demonstrated how a secure, efficient board portal like Convene can enhance decision-making, communication, and collaboration.
NABE 2025 Chief Executives Retreat
The National Association for Bar Professionals kicked off the event with its 2025 Chief Executives Retreat from March 11-12, with a dinner at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse to spark conversations among bar leaders and provide a space to share their leadership styles.
On its second day, NABE offered bar leaders and attendees a unique opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights. It started with a roundtable discussion on the current political climate and how bars are responding, particularly with respect to DEI initiatives and CLE requirements. Because mandatory bars and associations face evolving challenges, executive directors join a roundtable to discuss strategies for staying relevant and strengthening their organizations.
Participants also benefited from a crisis communication workshop that guided them on the proper timing, messaging, and delivery during a crisis.
Succession doesn’t have to be stressful. In the end, the retreat successfully imparted practical strategies for developing future leaders.
ABA 2025 Bar Leadership Institute
Jumping off from the Chief Executives Retreat, the ABA BLI, held from March 12 to 14, focused on strengthening leadership skills, expanding professional networks, and advancing diversity within bar organizations.
Through a combination of workshops, plenaries by experienced leaders, and collaborative discussions, participants gained expert insights on how to lead their associations and serve their communities effectively.
On the first day, BLI explored how bar association boards can govern with speed and nuance in the 21st-century business outlook. Under the program, ‘Tools to Help Your Board Govern Collaboratively, Courageously, and with Foresight,’ tools and strategies were discussed to help boards better anticipate, address, and seize opportunities from issues they face.
Day 2 continued with networking and a discussion on bar leaders fostering unity among diverse members. Using a board skills matrix approach, attendees explored strategies for achieving goals, seizing development opportunities, and making smarter decisions. On the final day, the BLI highlighted member value and engagement in mandatory bars, addressing communication crises and pathways to future leadership, similar to the NABE Chief Executives Retreat.
Board Management Software in Action: Convene’s Role in Bar Leadership Events
As a board portal leader, Convene empowered bar association leaders with a simple, smart, and secure platform to streamline governance, organize board materials, and enhance decision-making—helping them meet expectations while doing less.
“It was great to engage with bar leaders and understand their specific needs. The conversations confirmed we’re on the right track in supporting their governance needs,” said Craig Henderson.
The active participation of Convene in both the NABE 2025 Chief Executives Retreat and the ABA 2025 Bar Leadership Institute solidified its role as a trusted partner in modernizing governance for bars and bar associations. As the legal industry continues to shift, Convene remains dedicated to equipping bar leaders and law professionals with the tools they need to lead with foresight, adaptability, and impact.
“We consistently heard about the importance of secure, efficient board management, especially as bars and bar associations navigate leadership transitions, governance challenges, and evolving member expectations. It’s clear that Convene provides the tools boards need to stay organized, make informed decisions, and collaborate effectively,” John Miller concluded.
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Bar Leaders at ABA & NABE Got a First Look, Now It’s Your Turn!
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Featured Press Mentions of Convene’s Participation in 2025 Bar Leadership Events
