2026 Annual Meeting

AGENDA

Requesting 9.0 CLE Hours

Wednesday, October 21

• 6:00 PM – President's Welcome Reception
• 7:30 PM – Dine Arounds
• 9:30–11:00 PM – Late Night

Thursday, October 22

• 6:30 AM - Wellness Committee Walk/Run
  8:00 AM – Registration and Buffet Breakfast
• 8:00 AM – Past Presidents' Breakfast
• 8:55 AM – Welcome and General Session
• 9:00–10:00 AM – General Assembly Briefing
• 10:00–11:00 AM – Virginia Supreme Court Rule 3:8 Governing Responsive Pleadings
• 11:00–11:15 AM – Break
• 11:15 AM–12:15 PM – Expert Witnesses
• 12:15–2:15 PM – Awards Luncheon
• 2:30–4:30 PM – Litigation Section Breakouts
• 4:30–6:00 PM – Break
• 5:00–6:00 PM – Young Lawyers Informal Gathering
• 6:00–7:30 PM – Bench-Bar Reception
• 7:30–9:30 PM – Dinner on Your Own
• 7:30–9:30 PM – Women's Section Dinner
• 9:30–11:00 PM – Late Night

Friday, October 23

• 8:00–8:55 AM – Breakfast Buffet Available
• 8:55 AM – Morning Announcements & General Session
• 9:15–10:15 AM – Preparing for the Worst and Unexpected at Deposition and Trial
• 10:15–10:30 AM – Break
• 10:30–11:30 AM – What's it Worth? Tips for Evaluating and Discussing Case Value
• 11:30 AM–12:30 PM – Pitfalls in the Appellate Courts
• 12:30–12:45 PM – Box Lunches Available
• 12:45–1:45 PM – Sanctions (Ethics)
• 1:45 PM – Adjourn

HOTEL

THE HOTEL ROANOKE

Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the hotel combines classic elegance with modern amenities.  There are charming downtown restaurants, shops, and attractions just steps away. Whether this is your first visit or a return to a VADA favorite, the Hotel Roanoke offers the perfect setting for a memorable Annual Meeting. 

Use the button below to book your room at the VADA discounted rate of $217.  Book soon, as the room block will close the earlier of September 20, or when it is full. 

REGISTRATION

The registration fee includes all CLEs, meals and receptions. New members joining VADA will have their first-year membership fee waived for 2027.  First membership bill will be sent January 2028. For further details, contact Sherma Mather at smather@vada.org.

Guest registration fee includes Wednesday and Thursday receptions.  For guest ticket information for Thursday's Awards lunch, please contact Amy Gilbody at agilbody@vada.org. 

Cancellations accepted until October 8, 2025.  No refunds after October 8, but substitutions welcome anytime. Email Amy Gilbody at agilbody@vada.org for further information.

WEDNESDAY DINE AROUND DINNERS

Enjoy dinner, while networking with new or long-time VADA friends. It is Dutch treat, with each participant paying for their own meal.

The sign up will open in September, so check back then.

WOMEN'S SECTION DINNER

Join the Women’s Section for an evening of creativity in a flower arranging workshop. Enjoy dinner, wine, and other beverages while learning the art of floral design in a relaxed setting. Each participant will create a fall-themed floral arrangement with guidance from experienced Roanoke florist Mary Jo Thompson (Flowers by Gloriosa). At the end of the evening, you’ll have the choice to take your arrangement home or donate it to a local organization that supports survivors of domestic violence.

SPONSORS

For sponsorship information,
contact Amy Gilbody at agilbody@vada.org.