Page 49 - FDCC_February2026_Flyer

and the unofficial ranking of
summer conference destinations.
That was the moment I realized the
FDCC is different.
•
The professional development
made me sharper. The sections,
webinars, panels — this group
is at the front edge of where
litigation and risk are going.
•
The business development
opened doors. Structured, yes.
Organic, even more so.
•
But the friendships kept me
here. The follow-up texts after
the meeting. The “call me if
you need local counsel in that
jurisdiction.” The check-ins:
“How did that hearing go?”
My kids begging to go to the
next “FDCC summer camp”
to see their FDCC friends. The
texts from caring FDCC friends
when I broke my foot and
couldn’t make it to the summer
meeting. My husband offering
complimentary “product
education” on his whiskey
label and instantly creating a
loyal FDCC fan base. That’s the
magic.
And I want you in that.
Introducing: The “Class of 2026”
Now, let’s talk about something
we’re building out in a bigger, more
intentional way: our Membership
Development Committee’s “Class of
2026” initiative.
This is our upgraded onboarding
and integration model for new
members — and it’s also a re-entry
lane for members who haven’t yet
found their groove. Think of it as
your cohort, your group chat, your
built-in table.
Here’s what we’re doing:
www.thefederation.org
FDCC PILLARS
1 Engagement starts before
your first meeting
You’re not walking in cold. We’re
reaching out before you ever show
up onsite. You’ll know names, faces,
and “who’s going to dinner” well
before you hit hotel carpet.
2Integration is
intentional
At your first conference you’ll get:
•
Orientation
•
•
Handshakes and introductions
to actual humans, not just “the
podium”
A cohort ID: “Class of 2026”
We are kicking this off around the
Winter 2026 Meeting in Scottsdale.
That meeting will be the launch
pad: everyone gets pulled into the
same orbit early.
3You’re on a group chat
immediately.
We’re setting up a Class Year chat.
This launches early and stays active.
That chat is where you’ll hear:
•
“Who’s landing Thursday?”
•
“Anyone want to share an Uber
to the event?”
•
•
“Which excursion is a “can’t
miss” experience?”
“Where are we meeting for
the “Denim and Diamonds”
themed event night and do I
need a jacket / cowboy boots
/ sequins?” (Short answer:
probably yes on the theme. We
lean in!)
It’s also how we’ll drive things like
dine-arounds, small group coffees,
and “come sit with us” energy.
Beyond general new member
orientation, you will have a chance
to create something that’s just for
your Class. Think: “Class of 2026
Happy Hour,” a pre-conference
dinner, a group excursion, a
corner of the patio claimed as
your unofficial HQ. That smaller
environment is where people start
to say, “Okay, these are my people.”
4Ongoing touchpoints
over 18 months
We’re not doing, “Thanks for joining
— good luck out there.” We’re
building multiple touchpoints
during your first year to year-and-
a-half:
•
Follow-up group coffees (short
Zooms)
•
Checklists for “here’s how to
plug in”
•
Named MDC contacts you can
reach directly
After that first year, we’ll help the
Class transition into self-leadership.
You’ll keep that cohort identity
throughout your FDCC experience
— because those long-term
relationships are where the real
value lives.
5We’re gamifying it
(yes, there will be trophies)
We’re building a light “Class Year
Scavenger Hunt” for a fun and
engaged introduction to the FDCC
(e.g., attend one dine-around, do a
coffee with someone outside your
state, volunteer for something,
submit a short article or tip for
publication, join a panel or webinar,
be on (or listen to) an FDCC
podcast, participate in Friday 5s,
survive a friendly pickleball match /
group jog / cooking class / whatever
the Class decides its “thing” is, etc.).
Will there be trophies? Almost
certainly. Bragging rights?
Definitely. Possibly a bar tab? Let’s
call that “under consideration.”
February 2026 | federation flyer
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