On behalf of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution I want to invite you to the
Section’s Thirteenth Annual Spring Conference in Denver from April 13 – 16, 2011. 
This is the largest conference for dispute resolution professionals in the world, typically
drawing 1000 or more attendees.  If you are interested in the dispute resolution field, we have something to offer you. 

Our Planning Committee has chosen nearly 100 programs for the conference.
The programs will cover many aspects of mediation, arbitration, and other aspects of dispute resolution—and they should appeal to neutrals, advocates, teachers/scholars, court and private administrators, and many others.  

One of the special highlights of the conference will be the Frank Sander lecture presented by Robert Mnookin.  We are also fortunate to have Professor Temple Grandin join us for our Friday plenary presentation. Professor Grandin, the subject of a recent HBO movie and the author of “Animals in Translation,” will engage the attendees with a plenary on perspective and understanding. 

As in past years we will host the National Symposium for Court ADR on Wednesday, April 13th and the Legal Educator’s Colloquium on Saturday, April 16th.  We will also have a special Friday night event, the presentation of segments from the movie “Out of the Ashes.”  The film examines the operation of the 9-11 Fund and includes extensive interviews with Kenneth Feinberg, seven 9/11 families, and their attorneys, and expert commentators.

While you are in Denver, consider taking advantage of the local scenery and activities.  The Denver Sheraton downtown is right on the bustling 16th street pedestrian mall with access to shops, movies, and museums.  If you want to get out of town, Rocky Mountain National Park is only 90 minutes from Denver, the Garden of the Gods is about 60 minutes away, and the great Colorado ski areas will still be open.  We hope there will be plenty of snow on the slopes, but not in Denver!

Our numerous repeat attendees all know what a great opportunity this conference presents for both learning and networking (and some of us have been to every single one of the twelve prior conferences).   I ask all of you to remind your friends of the conference and to encourage at least one new attendee to come.  For those who have never been to the Spring Conference, I urge you to take advantage of the First-Time Attendee special registration rate.

I look forward to seeing you in Denver!


R. Wayne Thorpe