IndyBar: Bench Bar FAQs You Were Too Afraid To Ask

Dear current and future IndyBar members,

Congratulations! On behalf of the Indianapolis Bar Association, I am pleased to inform you that you have been approved for an invitation to the 25th annual Bench Bar Conference, which will be held in Louisville, Kentucky on June 14-16 at the Marriott in Downtown Louisville. While you are busy accepting this invitation and registering for Bench Bar, please review the following frequently asked questions:

1.  I am very excited about my invitation to Bench Bar! What is the Bench Bar Conference, anyway?

Attracting more than 300 attorneys, judicial officers and guests, the Bench Bar Conference has a deserved reputation as one of the most valuable CLE events offered in the region. More importantly, it provides a rare opportunity for lawyers and judges to interact with each other, share ideas and get to know one another on a personal level.

2. Where and when will the 2018 Bench Bar Conference take place?

The Bench Bar Conference will be held June 14-16, 2018 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown. I already mentioned this once. (The FAQs are not meant to be a substitute for careful reading of the introductory paragraph.)

3. I’ve always wanted to know the correct way to pronounce “Louisville” – so what is it?

How am I supposed to answer this question in print format? Come to Bench Bar, interact with the locals and discover the answer to this question for yourself.

4. The IndyBar’s mission statement says that the IndyBar “promotes justice.” Will justice be present at the Bench Bar?

Yes! All five of them. This will be like having all four of The Beatles together at the same time, plus Pete Best. (Actually, nix Best. It would probably be better to have George Martin as the fifth member. I’m not sure the Indiana Supreme Court needs two drummers anyway. (It’s not like they’re the Grateful Dead.))

5. Will there be opportunities to go bet on the ponies at Churchill Downs?

Unlike Bushwood, gambling is legal at Churchill Downs. (And “I never slice.”) And it just so happens that we will be at Churchill Downs on Thursday night for mixing, mingling and betting on ponies. So prepare your trifectas, exactas, your superfectas and then say the word “box” after every spoken word when you go to the teller window. Then kiss your hard-earned money goodbye and proceed to thank the attorneys at Wagner Reese LLP and Bose McKinney & Evans LLP for sponsoring your Thursday night.

6. Who else should I be thanking for putting together this amazing event?

Thank your amazing co-chairs Jennifer Lukemeyer and Judge Bill Nelson and their amazing committee members Melissa Avery, Cynthia Ayers, Daniel Cicchini, Samantha DeWester, Andrew Fogle, Sarah Glasser, Jennifer Harrison, Angela Krahulik, Kevin McGoff, Shaunestte Terrell, Brett Thomas and Bill Winingham.

7. Jorts: yay or nay?

Bench Bar takes place in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. That ought to answer your question.

8. How much pizza am I supposed to buy for the IndyBar president?

The exact amount is confidential, but the IndyBar president gets really hungry around 11 p.m. and 4th Street Live! only serves hot dogs out of a bucket of steaming water which is attached to a bike that serves as a hot dog stand. No. Thank. You. As they sing in Louisville, “Better call Papa!”

9. Is it true that registering for Bench Bar will eliminate potholes in the greater Indianapolis area?

Yes, but only if you go to indybenchbar.org to register today. And don’t forget to register for your hotel room now. Those rooms fill up fast.

10. What if I don’t know anyone who will be there?

The point of going to Bench Bar is to meet people. The IndyBar Board and the Bench Bar Committee are committed to making certain that everyone feels welcomed. First time attendees will be paired with someone who will make certain all your meet and greet needs are met.

The 2018 Bench Bar Conference at the Louisville Marriott Downtown Louisville sounds like it will be fun, doesn’t it? We can’t wait to see you June 14-16 at the Marriott in Downtown Louisville! Go to indybenchbar.org to register today.•