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We're so excited to host you!
We can’t wait to welcome you for the 2026 Bar Leaders Retreat. For over 30 years, ALPS has hosted the bi-annual Bar Leaders Retreat at our headquarters in Missoula, MT. In 2026, we are thrilled to amp up this tradition. Immerse yourself in Montana’s vibrant heritage while you connect with fellow bar community colleagues, learn more about ALPS, and be inspired by a lineup of exceptional speakers and local musicians.
Register Today To Reserve Your Spot!
Reserve Your Hotel Room
Speaker Lineup
Andy Kemmis
To be determined...
I’m a Montana-based photographer, and am available for projects throughout the US.
I’m a people-person.
I’m light-hearted, and strive to interject humor and fun into everything I do.
I believe that the reward should come after the responsibilities.
I firmly believe that great photography is 5% technical and 95% communication, interaction, authentic curiosity, and listening more than talking … and should be a lot of fun.
I am happiest when I’m standing sideways on my skateboard or snowboard, working with a client to create images, or hangin’ on the porch in the summertime with my wife and daughter … and a burrito.
Gregory Rec
To be determined...
Gregory got his start in journalism delivering his hometown newspaper, the Norwich (CT) Bulletin, as a teenager, reading the front page articles on dark winter mornings as he passed under streetlights.
Greg worked as a photojournalist at a weekly newspaper group in Connecticut for three years before attending the University of Montana to study journalism and Spanish. He interned at the Portland Press Herald in the summer of 1995 and the Boston Globe the following year.
He was hired at the Press Herald in 1997 and over the past 28 years, he has photographed throughout Maine, covered the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York City, twice embedded with Maine Army National Guard troops in Iraq, covered the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. In 2004, Rec was named Journalist of the Year with columnist Bill Nemitz by the Maine Press Association for their work in Iraq. After only ten years at the Press Herald, he won the Master Photographer award from the New England Society of Newspaper Editors, an award usually reserved for veteran photographers.
Rio Peterson
Bar and Affinity Partnership Strategist
Rio is the Bar and Affinity Partnership Strategist at ALPS. In her role she works to build flourishing relationships with legal associations across the United States, and works passionately to educate lawyers on the importance of using technology and data to build better practices and drive the legal community forward.
Chris Newbold
Chief Operations Officer - ALPS
Chris L. Newbold is Chief Operating Officer of ALPS Corporation and ALPS Property & Casualty Insurance Company, positions he has held since 2007. As Executive Vice President, Chris oversees ALPS business development team, sales strategy and served as ALPS’ chief liaison into the bar association community until 2023.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Wednesday
July 15th
5:00 - 7:00PM
Welcome Reception
Thursday
July 16th
6:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Wellness Activities
Hike the M with Chris Newbold | Meet in Residence Inn Lobby
9:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Speaker Sessions
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Catered Lunch
1:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker Sessions
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Evening Reception
More details to come!
Friday
July 17th
6:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Wellness Activities
Hike the L with Chris Newbold | Meet in Residence Inn Lobby
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Speaker Sessions
More details to come!
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Catered Lunch
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Speaker Sessions
More details to come!
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Wrap-Up Cocktail Hour
Saturday
July 18th
8:00 AM - Onward
Outdoor Activities Courtesy of ALPS
The Location
Join us in beautiful Missoula, MT
ALPS Head office - The Florence Building
111 N Higgins Ave,
Missoula, MT 59802
FAQ
Travel
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How Do I Book My Flights?
This year ALPS will be providing a stipend to help support the cost of air travel to and from the event. You will be responsible for booking your own flights. This stipend will take one of 3 forms:
1. A gift card for your preferred airline will be sent directly to you after you once you complete the registration form.
2. A reimbursement to your bar association if you book with funds from the bar.
3. A reimbursement from ALPS directly to you. Please be advised that if you purchase your ticket yourself (not with a gift card, or through the bar) you will need to provide a W9 to ALPS and you will need to report the reimbursement on your taxes.
If you have further questions please reach out to blr@alpsinsurance.com
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When Should I Plan to Arrive/Depart?
The retreat begins the evening of Wednesday July 15th. Plan to arrive the afternoon of the 15th. For departure, programming ends the afternoon of Friday the 17th, and some attendees choose to head out immediately after that. However, if you would like to join us for the Saturday activities then plan to leave that evening or the next day.
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Can I Stay Longer/ Arrive Earlier?
Yes! ALPS will cover your hotel cost for 4 nights (Check -in on 17th, check-out on the 21st). If you would like to arrive earlier, or stay longer and would like to remain at the Residence Inn please email your preferred dates to blr@alpsinsurance.com and we will take care of that for you. If you are staying at another hotel please make your own arrangements.
Hotel
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How do I book My Hotel?
You can book your room by clicking on the button above, or by visiting The Residence Inn website.
Last Day to Book : Tuesday, June 16, 2026
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What are the amenities?
The Residence Inn Downtown is an all-suite hotel with kitchens, work space, and living space in every guest room and is perfect for those longer stays in town.
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Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet
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Indoor Swimming Pool
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Access to restaurants, shopping, and more all within the hotel via the Mews
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2nd Story Rooftop Courtyard with lounge seating, fire pits, and a grill for guest use
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Pet Friendly with fee
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Onsite coin operated guest laundry
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Valet Parking for $29 per night
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Business Center
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Fitness Center
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Complimentary WiFi
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Walking distance to dozens of cafés, bistros, restaurants, shops, entertainment & more
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General Attendee Information
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I'm Bringing My Family, Can They Come to the Retreat?
Yes! Attendee guests are welcome to join us at the Thursday evening shindig and for the Saturday activities. ALPS will cover the cost for your guests to join the Saturday activities. If you'd like to include your guests in the Saturday activities please contact blr@alpsinsurance to inquire about space.
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What Should I Pack?
Dress code for the retreat is resort casual.
Missoula is hot in the summer! Be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for the outdoor activities.