Recapping Relativity Fest 2024

ProSearchers were thrilled to attend and participate in last week’s Relativity Fest in Chicago. The annual event lived up to its reputation for insightful programming and fun, engaging networking opportunities. Solutions advisor Andrew Garcia-Cheatham served as a panelist for two sessions: “Crafting Effective Internal Training Programs: Empowering Your Team for Success” and “Join the Movement: Creating Impact for Inclusivity in the Legal Industry.”

Panelists in the first session focused on the importance of employee training as part of building a strong culture and explored strategies for creating successful programs. One key point that was made is getting buy-in and support from all relevant stakeholders, which could possibly include managers conducting a cost-benefit analysis prior to approval. The process should require obtaining all key information to make an informed decision, including all benefits associated with any particular training program.

Panelists talked about the culture of continuous development in their respective organizations, during which Garcia-Cheatham offered insight around ProSearch having a company objective of all employees being lifelong learners. He noted that keys to successful training programs include both desire to learn and the time to learn and that everyone, regardless of job title, is empowered to seek out training and development opportunities.

Another important factor successful training programs have in common is that they are fun and engaging. Presenters should know their audience and tailor content and delivery to them, which includes keeping sessions flexible when delivered virtually.

Likewise, it’s important to lean on peers, understanding that no one individual needs to be the sole subject matter expert on all things. Even across different teams, you should find ways to work together and learn from one another because a fresh perspective can often be helpful.

Garcia-Cheatham found the session “Join the Movement: Creating Impact for Inclusivity in the Legal Industry” to be particularly honest and engaging and wanted to share several key takeaways that resonated with him:

• “You don’t have to be a member of a group to be an ally to it.”
• “To be visibly queer is to choose your happiness over your safety.”
• “My plate is too full to take on what you think about me.”
• “What people think of me is none of my business.”
• “People need to be seen.”
• “Inclusion is more than being invited into the membership; it’s being accepted into the fellowship.”
• “Treat others the way they want to be treated, rather than how you want to be treated.”
• “Let people be themselves and don’t assume anything about a person on the basis of first impressions.”

Overall, 2024 Relativity Fest was a great week of learning and networking for all ProSearchers and ProSearch clients in attendance.