Those attending a meeting of a group such as NABE for the first time can find it intimidating. Not that NABE folks are hard to get to know, or make it difficult for rookies. But trying to make connections in a group where many people have known each other for years can be awkward for many people.

NABE Membership Committee to the rescue. Chair Terry Scheid of the New York State Bar Association and the rest of the committee have planned activities to help newcomers feel more at home and help them start some of the strong connections NABE members have established over the years.

"There's always a concern for first-timers when they don't know anyone," Scheid said. "We're trying various ways to make contact with them even before the meeting."

When a NABE novice registers for the upcoming Annual Meeting, he or she is notified about the buddy system that the Membership Committee has established. The Committee is pairing all first-timers with either a Committee member or a member of the NABE board.

That person calls the newcomer prior to the meeting, to introduce him or herself and to give the rookie a sense of what to expect at the meeting and to answer any questions.

At the meeting itself, the buddy has special duties. Prior to the opening reception, there is a first-timers meeting, where the newcomers meet their buddies, as well as NABE officers and DBS staff. After the reception, the Membership Committee and first-timers go out to dinner.

Throughout the meeting, newcomers, if they choose, can go to programs with their buddies. Near the end of the meeting, there will be a wrap-up meeting where Committee members will ask the first-timers for feedback on how the buddy process went, and whether there are any suggestions for improving it. In addition, Committee members will follow up with first-timers about two weeks after the meeting.

The Committee hopes that these procedures will help those attending their first NABE meeting to have a good time and get the most out of their experience, Scheid said. Her recommendation to newcomers: "Try to take it all in. Attend everything you can, and don't be shy. Don't be afraid to ask questions... those who are veterans now were first-timers once, too."