Think ethics is boring? Try learning it while you play Jeopardy! Join us for an interactive game show style presentation where attendees will be educated about the hot ethics topics (yes, they can be hot!) in hospitality law, including mediation and settlement, client entertainment, labor and employment, insurance issues, AI, remote work, and corporate transparency.

This presentation will give an explanatory overview of the various taxes which may be levied on retailers of alcoholic beverages, including sales tax, state-specific "drink taxes", as well as property taxes. There will also be a discussion of how these taxes can impact the liquor license transfer process.

As founders look to sell their businesses to younger operators, those younger operators (and even first-time buyers) are on the hunt to purchase established concepts with proven staying power and strong community goodwill.

This session will discuss strategies for taking advantage of these growing opportunities, including how to prepare the business for sale, post-sale roles, avenues for growth, and suggestions for structuring mutually-beneficial transactions.

While many franchise agreements are largely non-negotiable, there are certain key provisions that are often subject to negotiation. This presentation will focus on these key provisions, and will highlight considerations from both a franchisor and franchisee perspective.

For franchised hospitality businesses, often the most effective way of increasing your bottom line is keeping a good relationship with your franchisor. This presentation will discuss strategies for bettering the relationship between franchisor and franchisee, both from a franchisee and franchisor’s perspective. We will go over topics such as commonly misunderstood franchise agreement provisions, effective use of a franchise disclosure document and practical ways to resolve issues.

A review of best practices regarding mediation - covering topics ranging from mediator selection to mediation briefs to select negotiation strategies.

This session will explore the concept of emotional intelligence and how attorneys and entrepreneurs can leverage it as a powerful skill in both professional and personal interactions. Learn how to apply emotional intelligence when engaging with clients, colleagues, and business partners, as well as in high-stakes environments such as the courtroom or boardroom. The session will cover the costs and benefits of emotional intelligence, along with practical techniques for enhancing self-awareness, self-management, and social awareness—key abilities for building stronger relationships and making more effective decisions.

Presenting the 2025 Anthony G. Marshall Hospitality Law Award.

Hotels, restaurants, stores, and other places of public accommodation continue to be on the receiving end of thousands of lawsuits every year alleging that their websites violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). As a hotel or restaurant owner or operator, you need to know the appropriate steps to make your websites accessible (i.e., compatible with applicable screen reader software), so that they are usable by individuals with visual and/or hearing impairments.  Specifically, you need to have a plan in place to test your website’s accessibility and then implement any necessary changes. Otherwise, you are a sitting duck for an expensive lawsuit. In addition, restaurants and hotels also continue to be hit with ADA lawsuits regarding “brick and mortar” barriers to access at their properties for individuals with mobility impairments. Most often, these lawsuits allege violations regarding your property’s entrance, parking lot, tables and overall seating in the main dining room and bar area, and public bathrooms. Hotels have the added burden of ensuring accessibility for other public areas (such as pools) and certain guestrooms. This presentation will cover both physical barrier and website issues, so you can be in the best possible position to make your property accessible, thereby avoiding these troublesome lawsuits.

This session will look at how workplace law changes under a new administration will affect the hospitality industry. From the growing influence of AI, changes in enforcement priorities at the EEOC, NLRB, DOL, OSHA and other agencies to immigration enforcement activities. We will cover the trends that will shape the years ahead.

Under the new Administration, there already have been important changes as it relates to the National Labor Relations Board. There will very likely be more to follow as well. With rthis said, what should hospitality employers be focused on in this area? Important developments and trends in this area will be discussed, with implications on both unionized and non-union hospitality employers.

This presentation details five real-world fraud cases in the hotel and restaurant industry, detailing how the schemes were executed and their impact. It identifies vulnerabilities like weak internal controls and lack of oversight while highlighting missed red flags.

All businesses are vulnerable to occupational (internal) fraud. Credible research reveals that on average a business in the U.S. will lose 5% of its gross revenue to occupational fraud. Hospitality is particularly vulnerable. When no fraud risk management program is in place, losses will approach 10% of gross revenue. Losses can be significantly reduced through an intelligence led strategy that includes: Zero Tolerance Policy Statement; Exception Reporting; Data Mining; Confidential Reporting Channels; Investigation; Prosecution.

This presentation will provide an overview of the 50 top cases impacting the hospitality industry, covering the ADA, arbitration, contracts, employment law, and more. Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed and protect your business!

As the hospitality industry navigates economic shifts, understanding market trends is crucial for strategic planning. Join Jonathon Falik and John Keeling as they analyze key indicators shaping the future of hotel investment, development, and operations. This session will explore emerging trends, financial forecasts, and the factors influencing market performance. Gain valuable insights into where the industry is headed and how to position your business for success in an evolving landscape.

Understanding the nuances of hotel branding and development is essential in today’s competitive market. Join Marisa Rauchway, Jonathon Falik, and John Keeling as they explore the strategic considerations behind brand selection, soft brands, and independent hotels. This session will cover market and demand analysis, the impact of economic cycles, zoning challenges, and the decision-making process between conversions and new builds. Learn how these factors shape successful hospitality ventures.

A thorough feasibility study is the foundation of any successful hotel project. Join Steve Katkov, Jonathon Falik, John Keeling, and Jason Kron as they break down the key components of the study period, from evaluating equity and debt structures to conducting a comprehensive hotel brand investigation. This session will also cover assembling the right team of professionals, including engineers and consultants, to ensure a seamless development process. Gain practical strategies for assessing project viability and mitigating risks.

Navigating legal agreements is a critical aspect of hotel development and operations. Join Steve Katkov, Marisa Rauchway, and Cindy Pham as they break down the complexities of franchise agreements, management agreements, and purchase and sale agreements (PSAs). This session will explore key negotiation points, common pitfalls, and how to align legal contracts with client needs and business objectives. Gain a deeper understanding of the legal frameworks that drive successful hospitality ventures.

Maximizing the value of food & beverage and amenity spaces is essential for a hotel’s success. Join Jonathon Falik and John Keeling as they explore strategic options for hotel owners and operators, from in-house concepts to third-party partnerships. This session will cover key considerations in design, branding, and financial performance to help optimize guest experience and profitability.

Planning a successful hotel exit strategy requires careful timing and market insight. Join Jonathon Falik as he discusses the key factors influencing dispositions, refinancing, and other exit options. This session will cover valuation considerations, market conditions, and strategic decision-making to help owners maximize returns when the time is right.