Steal These Ideas for the COVID-19 Pivot to Virtual

In this edition of the NABE Bulletin, we share creative ideas from bar associations around the country for helping members stay connected and negotiate the realities of remote work and an uncertain economy. If you have an event or idea you would like to have featured in future posts, please send us an email.

The Turkey on Rye is Real, the Program Virtual
The Wake County Bar Association/10th Judicial District Bar (NC) switched to a virtual luncheon meeting. The association coordinated with partner restaurants to offer take-out lunches on the day of the event. The event and the participating restaurants were highlighted on social media. Lunch pick-up preceded a Zoom meeting with bar leaders. Out of 175 lunches served, 163 participants signed into the program. According to executive director Whitney von Haam, "Members were still getting their benefits, local businesses were supported, AND it made it a fun and exciting reason to attend the luncheon." Win-win-win.

The Art is Real, the Tour Virtual
More than 250 Boston Bar Association members participated in a private virtual tour of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts special exhibit, "Women Take the Floor." The exhibit focuses on the often overlooked and underrepresented work of 20th century women artists. The program included introductory remarks by the BBA president. The event was sponsored by the BBA Women's Leadership & Advancement Forum.

The Music is Live, the Moves Virtual
The Arkansas Bar Association topped off a day of CLE programming during its virtual annual meeting with a live-streamed dance party complete with DJ. Other social events included a live-streamed grilling demonstration with well-known Little Rock celebrity chef Donnie Ferneau.

The Trivia is Real, the Competition Virtual
As part of its annual meeting, The Florida Bar is hosting a Trivia Tuesday competition. The sponsored networking event is focused on bar trivia. Also, the Massachusetts Bar Association held a series of four weekly complimentary online trivia contests for members. 

The Sangria is Real, the Drag Queens Virtual
The New Haven County Bar Association (CT) is hosting a virtual cocktail-making cabaret hosted by drag queens. Members will receive a list of ingredients for the featured sangria recipe so they can mix along during this very creative offering.