Last week, the highly anticipated ConnectLive 2024, hosted by iManage, brought together thought leaders, technology enthusiasts and professionals in the legal industry. David A. Netzer, the founder of Legal Tech Talent Network, had a great experience at the event, which was marked by innovative discussions, engaging sessions and valuable networking opportunities. Legal Tech Talent Network also proudly sponsored the charging tables, providing a much-needed service to attendees while showcasing its commitment to the DMS community.
Thought-Provoking Keynotes, Sessions and Labs
The event kicked off with a grand opening session led by Neil Araujo, CEO of iManage, which set the tone for the next two days. Other session speakers included iManage and Microsoft executives who shared insights into the future of legal technology, emphasizing the importance of AI and machine learning in transforming legal workflows. David noted the excitement in the room as professionals eagerly absorbed the latest trends and advancements.
Throughout the event, breakout sessions covered a range of topics from data security to collaborative tools for legal teams. One session David enjoyed was “Better Together: Microsoft Copilot and iManage Cloud.” This session covered how to leverage iManage services with Microsoft Teams to augment user workflows to make a difference to the organization’s bottom line. Jan Van Hoecke, Product Management – AI Services at iManage, and Nick Pogvara, Microsoft Services and Integrations at iManage, led the discussion and provided thought-provoking perspectives, sparking lively debates among attendees. A key highlight was when they explained the integration of Copilot AI with iManage’s “Ask iManage” feature. This integration will allow users to utilize API-integrated apps connected to iManage, enabling tasks like searching for information, answering questions and building lists or files. Importantly, Copilot maintains the same security level and access permissions as the user, ensuring data integrity and security. The speakers emphasized that we are living in an “AI multiverse,” where multiple AI-powered applications can collaborate seamlessly, providing substantial efficiency and productivity gains for organizations.
Another session David thought was fascinating was “Fireside Chat: Understanding the iManage and Microsoft Partnership in the Era of Gen AI.” This was presented by Shawn Misquitta, EVP of Product Management, iManage, and Rob Howard, VP of Product Management, Microsoft 365 Platform, Microsoft. They discussed the integration of Microsoft Copilot. Howard stated AI is not just a new product or platform, but is more like a “wave,” as were the internet or mobile devices. He talked about how AI can support and help, but not replace people. Copilot can assist with editing, creating, organizing, summarizing, even checking the tone of an email or document to make sure it comes off the way the writer intended. He talked about how the user has to prompt the model to get the right output and how, when prompted properly, it can utilize the APIs linked to iManage, increasing its impact and benefit.
The event also offered many workshops and hands-on labs to give participants the chance to interact directly with iManage’s suite of products. David found the hands-on labs particularly valuable, because they provided practical experience with the latest features and updates. He mentioned how these sessions helped bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
Networking and Sponsorship
Networking opportunities were abundant, and the charging tables sponsored by LTTN became popular gathering spots. These tables were not only convenient but also facilitated conversations among attendees, furthering connections and collaborations. David was pleased to see how the sponsorship enhanced the event experience for everyone.
Reflections and Takeaways
Reflecting on his time at ConnectLive 2024, David expressed his appreciation for the event’s comprehensive approach to exploring the intersection of technology and legal practice. He noted that the blend of high-level visionary talks and practical, hands-on sessions created a well-rounded experience for all attendees.
The sponsorship of the charging tables by LTTN was a highlight for David, as it aligned perfectly with the company’s mission of supporting the legal tech community.
Overall, ConnectLive 2024 was a great event and offered valuable insights, fostered connections and showcased the latest advancements in legal technology.
If you are looking for someone to join your legal team that has strong DMS skills, reach out to us today at http://legaltechtalent.com/business-solutions! We’d love to help!