WTLA: Champion of the Underdog - WTLA's 2026 Annual Convention

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026
9:30 a.m.    Registration Opens

1:00 p.m.    Welcome
       Mark Aronowitz - Convention Chair, Jackson, WY

1:15 p.m.   Remarks
       Honorable Governor Mark Gordon       

2:15 p.m.    Drama at Trial - Action!
       Kurt Zaner, Denver, CO

3:15 p.m.    Exhibitor, Networking, Refreshment Break

3:30 p.m.    Mediation Panel
       Brad Bonner, Cody, WY
       Dick Honaker, Rock Springs, WY
       Devon O'Connell, Laramie, WY
       Jeremy Michaels, Gillette, WY

4:30 p.m.    Breakout Sessions

       Criminal Case Highlights
       Devon Petersen, Laramie, WY
       Ryan Semerad, Casper, WY
       Crystal Stewart, Cheyenne, WY
       Civil Case Highlights*
       Kelsey Fleener, Timnath, CO
       Mike Newman, Rock Springs, WY
       C. John Cotton, Gillette, WY
       Diana Rhodes, Cheyenne, WY 
       Frank Chapman, Kelly, WY - Invited

6:00 p.m.   Welcome Reception - Paramount Ballroom
       Sponsored by The Spence Law Firm

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

7:00 a.m    WTLA Member Breakfast & Elections

8:00 a.m.    Technology: The Latest and Greatest - Ethics
       Edwin Hong, Los Angeles, CA

9:00 a.m.   AAJ Update and Helpful Hints for Trial
       Bruce Plaxen, AAJ President, Columbia, MD

10:00 a.m.    Exhibitor, Networking, Refreshment Break

10:15 a.m.    The Document Camera is the Future of Trial Presentation!
       How to Create Visuals Live in Depos, by Zoom, and at Trial
       Dustin Herman, Tampa, FL

11:15 a.m.    Leadership and Legacy: Lessons from Public Service and Advocacy
       Terrance Carroll, Denver, CO

12:15 p.m    Awards Luncheon
       Presentation of WTLA Awards

1:30 p.m.    How to Get a Good Night's Sleep
       John R. Kroger, President & CEO Rodel Institute 

2:30 p.m.    Legislative Panel
       Senator Tara Nethercott, Cheyenne, WY
       Senator Barry Crago, Buffalo, WY
       Senator Eric Barlow, Gillette, WY 

3:30 p.m.    Exhibitor, Networking, Refreshment Break

3:45 p.m.    Breakout Sessions
      
       Voir Dire Workshop
       Mel Orchard, Jackson, WY
       Bryan Ulmer, Jackson, WY
       Family Law Breakout
       Jeanne Huey, Dallas, TX
       *Catching Up With Our Rising Stars
       Moderated by: Sarah Kellogg, Jackson, WY
       Rachel Berkness, Cheyenne, WY
       Lindsey Crandall, Cody, WY
       Bailey Lazzari, Lander, WY
       Emily Madden, Casper, WY

5:15 p.m.   Women's Caucus Happy Hour 
       Sponsored by Independent Life Insurance Company

FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2026

7:00 a.m.    Mindfulness - Ethics
       Devon O'Connell, Laramie, WY

8:00 a.m.    Criminal and Civil Case Summaries
       Jeff Stanbury, Lander, WY - Invited
       Emily Madden, Casper, WY

9:00 a.m    Crossing the Aisle or Flipping the Script
       Jason Neville, Casper, WY

10:00 a.m.    Exhibitor, Networking, Refreshment Break

10:15 a.m.    Judicial Panel - Ethics
       Honorable Justice Robert C. Jarosh, Wyoming Supreme Court
       Honorable Chief Kelly H. Rankin, U.S. District Court of Wyoming
       Honorable Misha Westby, District Court, 2nd Judicial District, Albany County

11:15 a.m.   Ethical Use of AI in Law Practice: Rules, Risks, and Practical Guidance - Ethics
       Jeanne Huey, Dallas, TX

12:15 p.m.    Adjourn - See you in 2027!

*Breakout Session Available for Live Streaming

Please note: agenda is subject to change without notice

WTLA has reserved rooms at the Little America Hotel & Resort

To reserve Little America please call 800-235-6396 or click here. Rooms are $149 per night and will be available until May 15th.