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10 Ways to Make the Most of the 10th Annual Relativity Fest

McKenna Brown

Relativity Fest turns 10 this year, and we’re celebrating the only way we know how: by putting on the biggest and best Fest we’ve ever had. The conference is just a few weeks away, and we can’t wait to see you there.

We’re welcoming more than 2,000 members of the e-discovery community to Chicago this year, from first-time attendees to a handful of familiar faces who have been with us for every Fest. No matter how well you know the conference, there are 10 things you should have on your list to ensure you make the most of your experience this year.

1. Sign Up for the Mentor Program

Relativity Fest is always better with a buddy. That’s why we’re excited to roll out the brand-new Fest Mentor program. If you’re a newbie, we’ll pair you up with a Relativity Fest veteran who can show you how it’s done. If you know the ropes, sign up to be a mentor this year.

“Having attended Relativity Fest many times, I feel like I know the ins and outs of the event,” said Nikolai Pozdniakov, EDD production manager at vdiscovery and well-known Relativity Fest vlogger. “I look forward sharing them with newcomers.”

There’s still time—sign up by October 8 and we’ll match you with the right partner.

2. Get Certified

You can head into the first full day of Relativity Fest with your RCA already done: This year, we’re offering two RCA exams on Sunday, October 20.

The full conference pass includes one complimentary exam. Attendees who have never earned a Relativity certification may choose either the RelativityOne Certified Pro, Relativity Certified User, or the Relativity Certified Sales Pro exam.

Attendees who have previously earned a certification may take any specialty exam—Analytics, Infrastructure, Processing, Project Management, or Certified User—or the RelativityOne Certified Pro or Relativity Certified Sales Pro exams.

Whether you’re testing on a new topic or not, don’t leave credits on the table! You can earn up to 10 RCE credits at Fest, plus four more for your specialist certification. Community Pass attendees can earn credits, too. Visit the Relativity Fest website for full details on our certification policy for this year.

3. Network!

One of the most valuable aspects of Relativity Fest is the chance to network with fellow litigation support professionals, developers, in-house counsel, analysts, professors, state Supreme Court justices, and more. Still, not everyone enjoys walking up to strangers and striking up a conversation—and we don’t blame you for hesitating.  

But there are some easy ways to make networking more fun and less intimidating. Here are some things to try:

  • Connect with people beforehand in the Community Town Square group on our Relativity Community site, where you can get to know other attendees and plan meetups.
  • Check out the Networking widget on our mobile app, and be sure to use #RelativityFest on Twitter and Instagram. The true genius behind this strategy is that you’ll draw your peers to come to you, to chat about whatever you might have in common—and that makes for much easier introductions.
  • Attend our networking event Tuesday night at Lakeside Ballroom at McCormick Place. It’s the best way to meet new people during the conference. There, you can get to know each other and talk about what you’ve learned over drinks, appetizers, and incredible views of Lake Michigan.

4. Check Out the Relativity Experience

We call it the RX­­. You’ll call it the place to be between breakout sessions and speakers.

At the Relativity Experience, you can dive into our software and find hands-on exercises to build your skills and improve how you conduct e-discovery. You can also chat with members of Relativity’s product teams, including our experts on mobile, collect, analytics, processing, review and short message, and Relativity Trace.

Hands-on exercises are available first-come, first-served, but they’ll be accessible every day of Fest. Make sure you stop by!

5. Vote for the Innovation Awards

Relativity Fest wraps up on Wednesday, October 23 with the grand finale: the Innovation Awards ceremony. To have a hand in how the awards play out, submit your votes for the year’s most innovative thinkers and applications in categories like Lit Support All-Star and Best Innovation: Law Firm or Corporation.

Make sure you get your votes in by Monday, October 21 at 11:59 p.m., then grab a seat for the awards on Wednesday to find out who takes home the trophies.

6. Work Up a Sweat

One of the most unique ways to mingle with new connections and discover new interests is by pairing your networking opportunities with a great workout. Early risers can gather for the second annual Ari Kaplan Advisors Rise & Run along Lake Shore Drive. It’s a beautiful 5K run and offers one of the best views of the Chicago skyline.

If downward dog is more your speed, join Heidi Schreck for Rise and Shine Yoga at the Hilton. You’ll be relaxed and centered heading into your first breakout session.

7. Claim Your Credits

Many breakout sessions at this year’s Relativity Fest have been submitted for CLE credits, including “Government Data Demands: What You, Your Clients, and Your Companies Should Know,” “e-Discovery Disasters and How to Avoid Them: Don’t Let This Happen to You,” and “Are You Violating Attorney Client Privilege?

Just don’t forget to scan in and scan out of every CLE-accredited session—including the Judicial Panel—for the chance to count those credits. Check out these FAQs for more CLE tips.

8. Make a Plan

With so many breakout sessions, networking events, and exams available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Make the most of your time in Chicago by doing a little prep work. Make a list of your must-see sessions, schedule a meetup with your mentor or mentee, and download the Relativity Fest app.

Don’t forget to set a few personal goals for the conference. What do you want to leave Chicago having learned?

At the close of the conference, make sure you set aside some time to reflect on the best takeaways and make a plan for how to put them into action back in the office.

9. Get There Early

A sizeable attendee list makes for incredible networking opportunities, but it also means that seats are going to fill up fast for the opening keynote on Monday and for guest speaker Margot Lee Shetterly’s talk on Tuesday. Get there early to snag your seats.

There are advantages to getting to Chicago early, too. On Sunday, you can take the RCA, attend trainings, or sit for complimentary exams and workshops, all before the Welcome Reception on Sunday evening.

10. Don’t Forget to Explore Chicago

There’s a reason Relativity is headquartered here—Chicago is an amazing city! With world class museums, endless dining options, and a booming tech scene, Chicago offers a jam-packed itinerary.

The Hilton Chicago is across the street from Grant Park, known as “Chicago’s Front Yard.” It’s home to fountains, formal gardens, and, of course, the Art Institute of Chicago, which is definitely worth a visit.

Not sure where to go? Ask around! Our Relativity team is happy to share our favorite local spots, or you can find out where your fellow attendees are headed. Networking and sightseeing in one trip? That’s a no-brainer.

Build Your Relativity Fest 2019 Agenda


McKenna Brown is a member of the marketing team at Relativity, specializing in content development.

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