Traveling to Omaha, Nebraska was never on my to-do list. However, when the opportunity came to attend the GPSOLO, LP & YLD Joint Spring Conference Meeting at Marriott, I seized the moment with excitement.

There were several sessions that one could capitalize on attending, e.g. Law Firm Financing, Leveraging Technology To Enhance Your Wellness; Litigation Basics, Jury Selection & Technology: Tips & Tricks; etc.

In addition to attending classes, the goal was to become informed; however, having an entrepreneurial background, I believe the best networking should be done outside of these sessions.

I advise YLS members, current and future, to network beyond sessions by meeting people, chatting them up and bonding over something that is not related to our profession.

It is very pertinent that YLS members be aware that you really do not know who you are meeting until the introductions are made after some friendly chitchatting. There is an art to being friendly without being annoying or pushy—be authentic. There is an art to having others want to help you without you asking for help.

While riding a Marriott shuttle bus to a food market from the hotel, the shuttle made a stop, picking up two men. After some friendly chitchat, I became aware that one was a state judge, and the other, a federal judge. Laughing, and filled with warmth, we planned on meeting at one of the ABA hosted events later that night. To my surprise, while at the event, one of the judges was speaking at the event. Also, that same judge then started to introduce me to people whom I had never met before but who also held prestigious titles.

In addition, I like to chitchat with the exhibitors at conferences. Coming from an entrepreneurial background, and having been a vendor at many events, I know there is a wealth of information and connections that can be made through exhibitors. With experience and exposure to these events, exhibitors will have a leg up on first-time attendees. Reputation and repeat business relations go a very long way and can deepen connections. Once again, I made friends cementing professional acquaintances.

These exhibitors travel and try to obtain business from attorneys or from law firms. Through these exhibitors, due to expertise and long-term exposure to related ABA conferences, I was introduced to certain ABA members.

Again, there’s a wealth information that I knew I could obtain from these people. As a new YLS member, I was able to get the scoop on people and positions. I was able to make connections that I otherwise would not been able to make on my own at those sessions.

Bottom line: be personable and authentic and people will help you without you even asking.

Like what you read? Want to know more about the goings-on at SBM-YLS? Subscribe below!

---

Kayla Toma is a YLS Council Member representing District II. She is employed as an attorney with Shermeta, Kilpatrick & Associates.