With the recent Oscar glitz and glamour I started getting excited about the Academy’s 20th Anniversary Gala at the Spring Summit coming up in April. Then I wondered what am I going to wear? The Gala is a Black Tie event and here at the Academy we are going all out for this celebration (and so should you!).

Here are few tips on what to wear.

For the Gentlemen: If you own a tux, bring it. If you don’t own a tux, rent one. You’ll look so dapper all dressed up. There are several locations near the hotel where you can rent formal attire from the tux all the way down to the shoes. Check out the Academy Members Only website Event Home Page for more information here: http://members.aaepa.com/events/2013/springSummit/default.aspx. If a tuxedo is out of the question then you should sport your best suit and tie. Think Cary Grant or George Clooney and you’ll be set.

For the Ladies: This is your excuse to get dressed in your best and go out in style. First things first, you need to find what you are going to wear. Maybe you have a few dresses hanging in your closet or you want to go and buy something new. With any formal occasion, like the Academy Gala, there is attire etiquette to consider. First, since this is an evening event, it would be appropriate to wear a floor-length gown, tea-length or cocktail dress, or formal pant suit. Color is up to you, however it shouldn’t be anything too bright or floral patterned for an evening event. When it comes to straps or no, short sleeves or long, lace or sequins that’s up to you. Bottom line is you need to feel great in whatever you wear. It’s your time to glam up so have fun. We will be inside on carpeted floors so bring out your fancy shoes. Pumps, open-toed or strappy, are all appropriate choices. Just make sure you can walk in them of course. And last, but not least, don’t forget about the accessories. Although we will be inside you may get chilly so plan for a wrap or little jacket. Then the finishing touches, your jewelry and matching clutch.

Next you’re thinking where can I find just the right dress? There are options out there for everyone. Department stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom always have good selections, especially coming into the spring season. You could also shop online for a dress at any of the above department stores, or try an online-only store like renttherunway.com where you can rent designer dresses for a significant discount off of the purchase price and return it when you’re done. If you are trying to look fabulous on a budget, or just want to find something that you know no one else will have, visit your local consignment clothing store or vintage resale shop, there are always great finds when you take the time to look. Another option is to borrow a dress from a friend or even take one you already have in your closet and work with a local tailor to redesign or update it for you. Good luck in your search.

Get ready to put your most fashionable foot forward and step out in style for the Academy’s 20th Anniversary Gala. There will be a photographer taking pictures of this special event so get red carpet ready and plan on having a good time. It’s sure to be a celebration to remember!

Marla Fairfield
Practice Building Consultant
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300
San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (858) 453-2128
www.aaepa.com

Williamsburg, home of William and Mary… and amazing golf courses. Kings Mill and The Golden Horseshoe courses got the same rave reviews as the Academy Summit did!

When 125 elder law and estate planning law firms get together each Spring, the energy is difficult to describe. With Academy members from all over the country catching up with attorneys they consider close friends – the conversation in the hallway is exciting.

On Thursday, the Summit opened with announcements about new training available for Elder Law. Looking at Elder Law or Medicaid services as a slice of the estate planning that should be discussed with clients – rather than a separate service, was a wonderful conversation.

Friday delivered “Success Stories” from around the country ranging from how Steve Mendel’s firm in Houston went from 49 fans on Facebook to 1,332 fans in the past 6 months all the way to how Brad Anderson’s Reno law firm treats the 550 clients that subscribe to his estate planning maintenance program. We also spent lunch that day with the law firms who submitted their financials for 2011 and discussed the benchmarks and some statistics we see in the areas of marketing expenses, staffing costs and revenue in specific areas across the country. It’s exciting to see the growth of so many firms over the years!

Saturday the Sudden Death or Disability session was a hit along with a number of other substantive topics… ending the day with a wonderful roundtable of about 8 or 9 members discussing how they handle Elder Law cases in their practice. The Sunday sessions featured a guest speaker on the topic of Elder Law Abuse as well as the topic of Do Over – Reforming Trusts: Decanting, Reformation, and Other Ways to Modify the Irrevocable.

The social event was something out of a MOVIE on the beautiful grounds of the Colonial Inn and Lodge (my favorite that evening was the conversation and of course the Virginia ham and pecan pie).

This behind us leaves us happily exhausted and back at the office starting to layout our next big event which is in San Diego on October 4^th through the 7^th. Feel free to mark your calendars now if you missed this event!

Jennifer Price
Director, Member Services, Marketing & Recruiting
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300
San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (858) 453-2128
www.aaepa.com