Introduction from Griffen

We loved welcoming back our growing community of in-house and the ecosystem of partners that support them to Regent’s University for Crafty Fest 2025! It was our biggest (and best) Crafty Fest yet. Despite some initial wind and rain during Crafty Learns, the sun greeted our attendees on Day 2 - so we ended up being very fortunate weather-wise. Here are some key takeaways from the day:

Keeping calm in the face of uncertainty or high-stakes challenges – From navigating insolvency to data breaches to complex geopolitical events, several of our sessions on the Compass stage explored themes of crisis management, and how legal teams can maintain endurance and stay resilient in the face of risk and uncertainty.

We’ve created a new word: radaptability – Radical adaptability, or ‘radapatbility’ was a major crossover theme throughout both days of Crafty Fest. We ran a plethora of sessions dedicated to the multiple cross-functional duties, perspectives, skills, and the many hats - literal and metaphorical - worn by in-house counsel and governance professionals throughout their careers. From lawyer to budgeteer to restructuring project manager to product counsel to AI-savvy technologist, and a million other things in between, it was amazing getting to explore the many paths our community members walk, and why this makes them such an asset to their businesses.

Workplace ethics, responsibility, and the impact of speaking your truth – Several sessions across both Crafty Learns and Crafty Fest were ethically-focused. From understanding the SRA’s guidance for in-house solicitors to Zelda Perkins’ keynote about improper NDA use to ending Crafty Fest with Jordan Breslow’s reflection on giving advice that kept his former CEO out of prison, the ethical responsibility that in-house counsel hold was at the forefront of our attendees' minds.

Crafty Fest grows bigger and better every year, but our 2025 event felt particularly special. We’re so grateful for all of the community members and partners that came together to help us throw another wonderful celebration of all things in-house counsel. We hope that Crafty Fest left our attendees feeling seen and inspired with a mix of insights, connection, and joy – and that they’re just as excited for Crafty Fest 2026!