Meeting Contracts in the Post-COVID Era: A Legal Look Ahead

It’s a new year! With meeting cancellations mostly behind us, planners and suppliers are now looking to move forward.  We are turning to virtual, hybrid, and eventually in-person meetings, while staying focused on maximizing attendee engagement and keeping everyone safe.

Each kind of meeting has its own legal issues and challenges. From contract to meeting completion, meeting professionals must anticipate risk, manage it, and react appropriately to address any challenges that might arise.

Topics will include:

• Essential Contract Terms for Hybrid, Virtual, and In-Person Meetings given an uncertain future.

• New negotiation tactics and contact standards for meetings during a health crisis and economic uncertainty.
• Managing Health & Safety Risks to Keep Attendees Safe & Prevent Liability.

We will discuss the creative and innovative legal responses meeting professionals should consider now, to allow events to go forward successfully and safely.

Learner Outcomes:

• Understand the critical contract issues for Virtual and Hybrid meetings.
• Learn the contracting lessons and new provisions developed in response to COVID-19.
• Develop solid clauses clauses to protect your organization from future unforeseeable events.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Joshua L. Grimes, Esq., of Grimes Law Offices based in Philadelphia, is a leading attorney in the association, nonprofit, meeting, and hospitality industries.  He is a specialist in all matters relating meetings and conventions, as well as association & nonprofit governance. 

Mr. Grimes’ expertise includes preparing and negotiating all types of meeting industry contracts.  He also advises clients on avoiding liability risks.  In addition, many organizations rely on Mr. Grimes to aggressively represent their interests when disputes arise, including in litigation, mediation, and other resolution procedures.

During the current COVID-19 crisis, Mr. Grimes is advising meeting planners and event hosts on legal strategies for meeting cancellations, rescheduling, and virtual meetings. He is advising clients on the best ways to adapt their meetings and policies in the face of continued medical and economic uncertainty.

Mr. Grimes was recently named a 2020 Meetings Trendsetter by Meetings Today magazine and website.  He was also recently awarded the 2019 Partnership Award by the PCMA Greater Philadelphia Chapter.

Mr. Grimes is one of the association and meeting industries’ most prominent speakers.  He has appeared before industry professionals throughout the United States, and in Europe, the Middle East, Canada, and Mexico.  Aside from his legal practice, Mr. Grimes proudly serves as an elected official, as a Commissioner in Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania.