Guided Virtual Holiday Wine Tasting [December 16, 2020]: In the spirit of the Holiday Season, the NCWBA Membership Committee recently offered a fun virtual educational opportunity for our members.  On December 16, Certified Wine Specialist Ralph Kridner presented a sold-out Guided Virtual Wine Tasting, leading participants in the tasting and appreciation of two pre-selected wines, readily available to all participants on a national basis. Mr. Kridner offered background information on wine production, as well as an array of interesting factual tidbits on all things wine. Participants learned tips on choosing sparkling wines and were offered suggestions as to delicious non-alcoholic alternatives to wine. The highlight of the program was the networking portion during which participants competed in an online wine trivia contest. NCWBA is appreciative of our sponsor for this program, Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP, whose generosity allowed us to offer the program to members without a registration fee.  

Creating Meaningful Engagement Using Interactive Technology [November 19, 2020]: On November 19, NCWBA presented Creating Meaningful Engagement Using Interactive Technology, a virtual webinar offering tips and best practices to connect with clients, colleagues and Bar Members through online events. NCWBA Vice President for Membership Elizabeth Bryson moderated the program with NCWBA Executive Director and Principal Attorney of The Law Office of Christina Simpson, Esq., Christina Simpson, Of Counsel, SRD Legal Group PLLC; Director and Treasurer, NCWBA Lindsey Savage and Erica Peterson, CEO of Digital Projects Matter serving as Panelists. The webinar offered an excellent discussion of the use of "hardware" to create the best virtual appearance and presentation including standing desks, virtual lighting and virtual backgrounds. The panel addressed software devices available to create more interactive events allow greater participation with the audience as well as little known tricks on Zoom that help create more effective presentation. In addition to technical advice, the panel offered tips to help organizations become better engaged with their members when all meetings and encounters are virtual. The webinar closed with each panelist hosting a separate room which participants could join to ask specific follow-up questions relevant to that speaker's remarks. The webinar offered an excellent and very practical educational opportunity to help the audience navigate the new norms.