ILTACON 2025 Know Before You Go Guide

DraftWise Enterprise Account Executive Ken Block has attended ILTACON for over 15 years. He's developed strategies that have made each conference more valuable. Since friends and colleagues keep asking him for tips, we figured it was time to get his advice on paper.

I think most ILTACON attendees sell themselves short. The conference is so big and can be overwhelming; it’s easy to miss opportunities. 

I’ve put together a quick guide for getting the most out of ILTACON 2025 – here's how to network like you mean it:

Badge Strategy 101: Keep your badge facing out and readable. Sounds basic? It's not. When your badge flips around, you're invisible. Make it easy for the right people to spot you—and for others to politely move on. This simple fix unlocks better conversations.

Do Vendor Bingo (Seriously). You might not need a specific solution today, but you might in six months. Walk the exhibit hall systematically. Learn what's out there. Most attendees skip this entirely, then scramble later when problems hit. A few minutes per booth makes you an expert on the landscape when challenges arise in the future. Bonus, you might win something cool.

Session Strategy That Works: Pick sessions with business leaders you want to connect with, then prepare one thoughtful question for the speaker or their team. When Q&A opens, you instantly connect with everyone who shares that interest. The best networking happens when you prove you're serious about the topic. A few of my recommended sessions to stay current on the latest industry topics:

• Charting Your Search Journey in the Age of AI [Aug 11 @ 2:30 pm]
• KM Roundtable: Embracing the New Wave of Knowledge Management  [Aug 12 @ 10:30 am]
• What Everyone Should Know About Client Data Transfers [Aug 12 @ 2 pm]
• Transform your organization with the Microsoft Power Platform: Real-world success stories [Aug 14 @ 11 am]

Show Up to Social Events: The iManage party, networking breakfasts, and evening receptions can matter more than sessions. Badge-wearing conversations in hallways beat formal presentations every time. If networking feels awkward, focus on learning what others are working on. And if you're an early riser, join DraftWise’s Lung Cancer Foundation Walk/Run with legal expert Ari Kaplan <link to Luma> Wednesday morning!

Pre-Conference Preparation: Identify your top three pain points that need solving. Whether it's document review inefficiencies, client communication gaps, or knowledge management challenges, clear objectives prevent vendor hall overwhelm and help you ask pointed questions that reveal real capabilities.

The Demo Evaluation Framework: Most legal tech demos showcase perfect scenarios that crumble under real-world pressure. Here's your evaluation checklist:

• Does this integrate into existing workflows without disrupting what already works?
• Can I see this working with my actual document types and team dynamics?
• What's the actual learning curve, and how does this scale as our practice grows?
• How do they handle when things go wrong?

Beyond the Conference Floor

Survive DC Weather August tests endurance: 87-92°F with humidity and surprise downpours. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and an umbrella. 

Fuel Real Conversations Potomac District Café in the Lower Atrium opens at 6 AM for serious caffeine. For meals away from the convention center, try Bond 45 for waterfront steak, Fiorella for Italian between sessions, or Rosa Mexicano for impressive lunch conversations.

Transportation Intel From DCA: 15-20 minutes via rideshare ($25-40). From Dulles: 45-60 minutes ($60-85). Staying at Gaylord National? The complimentary National Harbor circulator runs every 15-30 minutes—show your room key for access to venues perfect for extending vendor conversations.

Time to Reset: The Awakening sculpture at National Harbor offers perfect reset moments between intense vendor discussions. Old Town Alexandria (15-minute Uber) provides walkable streets and waterfront bars like Ada's on the River—ideal for continuing conversations with potential partners.

Connect with DraftWise at ILTACON:

• Booth #403: See how DraftWise uses agentic AI to turn a single request into results: draft contract language grounded in your firm's deal history, or transform notes into precise redlines based on your standards. Want some 1:1 attention? Book a private demo here. 
• Live Group Demos: Join us at our booth on Tuesday (8/12) and Wednesday (8/13) for our group demos at 11:30 AM and 2 PM on both days. 
• Opening Night: Stop by our booth for ice cream and real demos using your contracts.