The Hospitality Law Conference (Presented by Hospitality Lawyers) {DAY 2}

Andria Ryan, Partner | Fisher Phillips

Andria Ryan is a partner in the Atlanta office and she serves as the chair of the firm’s Hospitality Practice Group and co-chair of the Hospitality Industry Group. She represents employers in virtually every area of employment and labor law.

Andria represents employers throughout the United States in defending employment discrimination and harassment cases as well as handling traditional labor matters such as unfair labor practices and union campaigns.

She spends much of her time counseling employers in day to day employment and labor decisions and educating employers about prevention and practical solutions to workplace problems.

She is a frequent speaker to industry groups and human resources professionals on such topics as avoiding harassment in the workplace, maintaining a union free workplace, avoiding discrimination claims, proper interviewing, and effective discipline and discharge techniques.

Brad Bonnell, Principal | Hotel Security Group

Brad Bonnell has 31 years of experience as an executive level safety and security director in the hospitality industry and 15 years of law enforcement experience as a criminal investigator at the local, state and federal levels.

Brad has a proven record of success developing, implementing and directing threat based intelligence led safety and security programs for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Extended Stay America Hotels. He played a key role in establishing the IHG Group Global Security Team delivering security capability to all levels of the business including 4,700 business units in over 100 countries. On behalf of the American Hotel Lodging Association (AHLA) Bonnell testified before a Congressional Subcommittee of the Department of Homeland Security concerning hotel security capability in the US following the terrorist attack against hotels in Mumbai.

Recipient of the Tom G. Davis, Loss Prevention Life Time Achievement Award presented by Hospitalitylawyer.com, Bonnell possesses a broad range of safety and security expertise and experience including Complex Fraud Investigations, Security Threat Analysis and Management, Risk Assessments, Crisis Management, Security Structures, Security Training, Executive Protection and Policies. He played a key role in the development of corporate anti-fraud, counter terrorism, travel risk and kidnap for ransom policies and plans. He also served as the primary lead on major investigations into serious incidents which threatened the reputation of the business.

Bonnell also possesses 15 years of law enforcement experience having served as a Special Agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation; Internal Affairs Investigator for the Georgia State Patrol; Special Agent, US Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID); Special Agent, Office of the Inspector General, Tennessee Valley Authority, and; Detective, Whitfield County Georgia Sheriff’s Office.

Cindy Pham, Exchange Director | Legal 1031 Exchange Services, a Kensington Vanguard Company

Cindy Pham has been a dedicated professional in the 1031 exchange industry since 2018 and brings a wealth of experience as a licensed real estate broker in Texas since 2003. She is an active member and designee of several prestigious organizations, including the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), and Commercial Real Estate for Women (CREW). Cindy also serves as an executive board member of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) in Houston.

With an extensive background in IRC §1031 tax-deferred exchanges and comprehensive expertise in real estate transactions, Cindy has been involved in thousands of closings throughout her career. She is passionate about educating and supporting investors, attorneys, real estate brokers, agents, accountants, and financial advisors. Her presentations are known for being practical, detailed, and enriched with real life exchange scenarios, offering valuable insights into diverse investment and tax strategies.

David Denney, Principal | Denney Law Group

David is an attorney whose firm counsels restaurants, bars, and other members of the hospitality community. He earned his J.D. from the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, and is a member of both the Texas and Tennessee State Bars.

David and his team focus the majority of their practice on matters including the formation, purchase and sale of business entities; private equity transactions; commercial leases and real estate transactions; trademark protection; employment matters; beverage alcohol licensing; and franchising. The firm also represents its clients in various types of civil litigation.

David’s professional commitment to the food and beverage community is highlighted by his industry-wide involvement, including:

GREATER DALLAS RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION President-elect, 2020-21; Board of Directors, 2013-present; Executive Committee 2015-present; Speaker: 2009-2018 HOSPITALITY LAW CONFERENCES; 2018 and 2015 San Antonio Cocktail Conference; 2017 Hot Topics & Trends in the Texas Food & Beverage Industry(continuing legal education); 2016 Food Business Law (continuing legal education); 2015 Legal Issues in the Texas Hospitality Industry (continuing legal education); 2015 Dallas Startup Week; 2013-2014 NIGHTCLUB AND BAR Convention & Trade Show; 2013-2014 HOSPITALITY FINANCE & TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS Conference; 2011 CLUB MANAGERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA Conference, 2011 RESORT HOTEL ASSOCIATION Conference, 2009 MEXICAN RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION Conference, 2009 FS/TEC Conference and 2008 DINE AMERICA Conference;

David has had articles featured in Restaurant Startup & Growth Magazine, QSR Magazine, Nightclub & Bar Magazine, In the Mix Magazine, Food Safety Solutions, the CMAA Newsletter and various HospitalityLawyer.com newsletters. He has been quoted multiple times in Nation’s Restaurant News;

David is an adjunct professor and member of the Professional Advisory Committee for the INTERNATIONAL CULINARY SCHOOL AT THE ART INSTITUTE OF DALLAS.

David is also a Member of the NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION and GLOBAL ALLIANCE OF HOSPITALITY ATTORNEYS

David Samuels, Mediator | Signature Resolution

David Samuels joins Signature Resolution with over 30 years of experience and a deep-rooted passion for the hospitality and hotel industry. He has dedicated his career to providing comprehensive legal counsel to a diverse array of plaintiff and defense clients, with a particular emphasis on hotels, resorts and the hospitality business. Within the hospitality industry, he has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor to some of the nation’s most prominent hotels and resorts.

In addition to his most recent role as partner at Lewis Brisbois, Samuels’ professional journey includes a 17-year partnership at Michelman & Robinson, LLP. He was also an attorney at the Law Offices of Allan Sigel and Fonda and Hilberman. He began his career as a research attorney for the Los Angeles Superior Court. Across these various roles, he honed his skills in mediation and negotiation, building a track record of success that spans decades–preparing him well for his current role as a mediator.

Samuels believes that mediation is an incredible process that affords the parties an opportunity to explore the facts, strengths and weaknesses of their dispute in a safe environment where they are empowered to take control of the resolution. Samuels has successfully resolved thousands of general, auto and premises liability matters. His extensive litigation and mediation experience includes high-exposure and catastrophic personal injury cases spanning industries such as construction, commercial property, ridesharing, trucking and public property.

In addition to his success in the courtroom, Samuels’ career is marked by numerous accolades and leadership roles. He served as a board member and the immediate past president of the Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorneys (AHIA), a national association of leading hospitality attorneys, where he helped provide continuing legal education to members. He is a former member of both the California Hotel & Lodging Association and American Hotel & Lodging Association. At Lewis Brisbois, he was a vicechair of the Hospitality Practice and an integral member of the Complex Business & Commercial Litigation Practice. Samuels has also been recognized as a top attorney in Southern California by Super Lawyers and earned Martindale-Hubbell’s highest AV Preeminent rating.

Beyond his legal achievements, Samuels’ passion for the hospitality industry shines through his deep understanding of its unique challenges. His firsthand experience working in hotels throughout college allowed him to connect with his clients on a personal level, offering strategic insights that go beyond the legal landscape. This combination of empathy, openness and expertise has made him a trusted advocate for his clients.

Diana Barber – Lecturer, Georgia State University / Lawyer | Lodgelaw

Diana Barber is a lawyer, speaker, consultant, educator, author and provides litigation support to hospitality companies nationwide. A recipient of the 2013 Anthony G. Marshall Hospitality Law Award, a national award given for her pioneering contributions to hospitality law, Diana serving as Of Counsel with Berman Fink Van Horn.

Diana currently teaches several distant learning classes at Georgia State University, including introduction to hospitality, human resources management in hospitality and hospitality law. Diana’s other accolades include the Teaching Excellence Award from the J. Mack Robinson College of Business (2011) and she was selected as the University’s Study Abroad Program Director of the Year. Diana is the recipient of the 2010 Hospitality Faculty of the Year Award, an award bestowed by the students of the School of Hospitality. In addition, Diana has been inducted into Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars.

Diana is a native of Miami, Florida. After graduating cum laude from Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University in Macon, GA, Diana practiced law with King & Spalding in Atlanta. She then joined the in-house legal department of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC, where she practiced hospitality law for more than 14 years. Since 2004, Diana has been teaching hospitality law to hospitality college students.

Diana is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and the Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association (GHLA). She is also an accomplished author, teaming up with Stephen Barth of University of Houston and HospitalityLawyer.com to publish the 5th Edition of the Hospitality Law textbook in 2017.

Elizabeth DeConti, Shareholder | Gray Robinson

Elizabeth DeConti has spent more than 20 years focusing her law practice on the unique area of alcohol beverage and food regulation. She is a shareholder in the Tampa office and is one of the original members of the firm’s Alcohol Beverage and Food Team. Prior to joining GrayRobinson, she was a partner with the Tampa office of Holland & Knight and a judicial clerk for the Honorable Antoinette L. Dupont, chief judge of the Connecticut Appellate Court. She earned her bachelor’s cum laude and with distinction in Renaissance Studies from Yale University in 1993 and then received her juris doctor cum laude in 1996 from the University of Miami School of Law, where she was a Harvey T. Reid Scholar.

Elizabeth concentrates on litigation, compliance, and promotions matters related to the rules, regulations and business practices governing the marketing, sale and consumption of malt beverages, wine, distilled spirits and other regulated products in the alcohol and food industry. She represents major alcohol suppliers, wholesaler retailers, marketing companies, and other members of the hospitality industry.

Elizabeth’s litigation experience in complex commercial, franchise, and intellectual property (in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies throughout the United States) gives her a strong background in drafting contracts related to advertising, distribution, importation and related issues associated with the food and beverage industry. In addition, Elizabeth has a national reputation in the area of alcohol-focused advertising and promotions and frequently advises clients on regulatory compliance issues associated with software development and digital and social media. Additionally, she is a sought-after advisor on the intersection of state and federal alcohol regulations and Federal Trade Commission regulations as they pertain to sweepstakes, contests and other games.

Jason Kron, Exchange Director | Legal 1031 Exchange Services, a Kensington Vanguard Company

Jason A. Kron is the Executive Vice President of Business Development, working extensively with Legal 1031 Exchange Services, a subsidiary of Kensington Vanguard. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Jason brings over two decades of experience in the title industry and has focused on expanding Legal 1031’s presence through strategic partnerships and tailored client services. His background includes leading business development efforts at BridgeTrust Title, which was acquired by Kensington Vanguard in March 2022, and owning a regional title insurance agency.

Jason earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky and his law degree from Chase College of Law, Northern Kentucky University. As an active member of the Kentucky Bar, he combines his legal expertise with his extensive knowledge of 1031 exchanges to support Legal 1031’s clients in meeting their exchange needs and navigating complex real estate transactions.

In his current role, Jason is dedicated to driving Legal 1031’s growth and enhancing its reputation as a trusted advisor in the 1031 exchange industry.

John Keeling, Executive Vice President | Valencia Hotel Collection

John Keeling is primarily responsible for sourcing and vetting both hotel acquisitions and hotel development projects for Valencia Hotel Group. He also participates on the firm’s Executive Committee. He brings 30+ years of experience in hotel management, asset management, brokerage, appraisal, development consulting, and strategic planning to Valencia.

Mr. Keeling is a noted lecturer, teacher, author, and authority on hotel matters and is frequently sourced by respected industry trades, business journals, and newspapers. He received his BA from UCLA, MBA in Hotel Management from Michigan State University, and MA in Theology from the University of St Thomas in Houston. Previous positions included Senior Vice President of PKF Consulting, Partner with Laventhol & Horwath, and Manager with Marriott International. He served as an infantry squad leader with the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam where he earned the Purple Heart and Navy Commendation with Combat “V.”

Mr. Keeling has lectured numerous times at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management at the University of Houston and lectures on hotel design and serves on the student project review panel at the Rice University School of Architecture. In 2008 he was named an honorary alumnus of the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston. In 2015 Mr. Keeling was inducted into the Michigan State University School of Hospitality Business Hall of Fame as an Alumnus of the Year.

Keeling’s numerous professional and social memberships include The Counselors of Real Estate (CRE); The Appraisal Institute (MAI); the Hotel Development Council of the Urban Land Institute; the Real Estate Development Advisory Council for the School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University; the Board of Advisors at the Boutique & Lifestyle Leadership Association; the Board of Directors of Visit Houston (CVB); former Chairman and current member of the Executive Committee of the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston. He has earned the Certified Hotel Industry Analyst (CHIA) designation from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.

Jonathan Falik, Founder & CEO | JF Capital Advisors

Jonathan Falik is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of JF Capital Advisors. Mr. Falik leads the firm’s hospitality business, which includes equity and debt placement, asset acquisitions and dispositions, portfolio transactions, JV structuring, asset management, management company and brand evaluation, and strategic and capital markets advisory services.

Mr. Falik was a Senior Managing Director and the Head of Hospitality Capital Markets at BGC Real Estate Capital Markets. Simultaneously, Mr. Falik was the Head of Hotel Investment Sales for Newmark Grubb Knight Frank. Previously, Mr. Falik was a Managing Director and Head of the Lodging and Leisure Investment Banking group at Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.

Prior to joining Cantor Fitzgerald, Mr. Falik was the founder and CEO of JF Capital Advisors, a lodging advisory and principal investment firm. While at JF Capital, Mr. Falik led the acquisition or development of 25 hotels with over 5,500 keys and an aggregate cost of approximately $1 billion. Additionally, Mr. Falik was the CEO of Eagle Hospitality Trust, a 13 hotel-property private REIT. Mr. Falik has led the sales of single assets and portfolios of 88 hotels for over $2.2 billion of value. Before founding JF Capital in 2004, Mr. Falik was an investment banker at Bear Stearns in the Gaming, Lodging and Leisure Group. Mr. Falik began his career as a CPA at Price Waterhouse.

Mr. Falik has over 25 years of experience in the real estate and lodging sector. He has worked on numerous M&A and financing transactions involving well over 2,000 hotels and over $30 billion of transaction value. Of the $30 billion, $29 billion was completed as an advisor and $1 billion was completed as a principal. He has been actively involved with mergers and acquisitions of public and private companies, portfolio sales and single asset sales, equity financings, high yield financings and mortgage financings. Mr. Falik has extensive hospitality experience as an agent, advisor, principal, owner, borrower, guarantor, franchisee, lender and asset manager.

Mr. Falik received a BA in economics with high honors from Rutgers College and an MBA from Columbia Business School with a concentration in Real Estate Finance. Mr. Falik has been an adjunct professor at NYU’s Real Estate Institute and is an active lecturer and panelist at industry events. Additionally, Mr. Falik sat on the board of the Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging Association.

Jordan Schwartz, Partner | Conn Maciel Carey

Mr. Schwartz advises employers on a wide range of complex employment-related issues. He defends employers against claims of discrimination and harassment, misappropriation of trade secrets, and wage and hour violations. He also counsels employers on all aspects of the employer-employee relationship. His practice includes the following:

Wage & Hour Law. Mr. Schwartz has extensive experience advising on and defending against claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act and state wage and hour laws, including issues involving minimum wage, calculation of overtime, misclassification of independent contractors, exempt status of employees, meal/rest breaks, tip pooling, automatic gratuities and service charges.

Non-compete Agreements and Trade Secrets. Mr. Schwartz litigates claims of breach of non-compete agreements and non-solicitation agreements, as well as claims of misappropriation of trade secrets and unlawful possession of confidential information. He also drafts cease-and-desist letters, negotiates restrictive covenants, and advises clients on hiring employees subject to post-employment restrictive covenants.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Mr. Schwartz defends employers against claims of disability discrimination brought by employees under Title I of the ADA. He also represents property owners and managers against claims brought by patrons alleging lack of accessibility under Title III of the ADA. Mr. Schwartz routinely conducts on-site inspections of properties and modifies their policies and practices to ensure compliance with the ADA.

Harassment and Discrimination. Mr. Schwartz defends employers accused of harassment, discrimination and retaliation based on race, religion, national origin, age, sex, and pregnancy. He also advises employers on the proper procedure for conducting internal investigations of discrimination and harassment claims.

Employment Counseling. In addition to his litigation practice, Mr. Schwartz counsels clients on the full spectrum of employment issues, including hiring and termination, employment and separation agreements, executive employment and compensation matters, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) issues, employee handbooks and manuals, reduction-in-force programs, and compliance with the WARN Act. Mr. Schwartz also conducts training programs for his clients on harassment, discrimination, and diversity.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Mr. Schwartz represents clients in inspections, investigations, enforcement actions and notices of alleged hazards involving OSHA. Mr. Schwartz has successfully defended clients against allegations of willful violations of the OSH Act, including in situations involving workplace fatalities and investigations by the Department of Justice for potential OSH Act criminal charges.

Mr. Schwartz practices across a range of different industries, and has extensive expertise in the hospitality, healthcare, retail, and government contracting industries.

Juliette Gust, President | Ethics Suite

Juliette has led more than 2,000 investigations spanning 75 countries and advised on nearly 10,000 whistleblower reports. She is a former director of global fraud investigations, and project manager of an anti-corruption compliance program, for a Fortune 500 company. She also served as a PwC regulatory, senior manager and subject matter expert for the Forensics, Hospitality, and Regulatory advisory practices. Since 2007, Juliette has been a Certified Fraud Examiner.

Karen Morris, Professor | Monroe Community College & Justice

Karen Morris is Town Justice in Brighton New York, a Professor of Law at Monroe Community College (MCC), and an author. She was recently elevated to the title of Distinguished Professor, awarded by the Chancellor of the State University of New York. She has written several textbooks including Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Law, winner of 2009 McGuffey Award for Excellence and Longevity, and New York Cases in Business Law. She also co-authors Criminal Law in New York, a treatise for lawyers. She writes a column for Hotel and Motel Management Magazine entitled, Legally Speaking

Kendall Kelly Hayden, Member | Cozen O’Connor

Kendall Kelly Hayden focuses her practice in commercial litigation, with an emphasis in transportation and hospitality law, as well as environmental and contamination issues, employment matters, medical malpractice defense, professional liability defense, products liability defense, construction defect matters, first-party insurance coverage, and extracontractual disputes, including defending bad faith claims.

Kendall’s experience in the hospitality industry reflects multiple representative clients, including international hotels and restaurants, boutique bed and breakfasts, party suppliers, spas, and country clubs. Kendall has served as a guest lecturer on the topic of Legal Issues in the Hospitality Industry at the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College and regularly speaks at the annual Hospitality Law Conference. Her transportation work includes large commercially licensed vehicle owners and operators, armored vehicles, and admiralty/maritime industry clients. She has succeeded in setting aside default judgments against her clients, persuaded courts and opposing counsel to dismiss frivolous and unmeritorious lawsuits, counseled clients on developments in evidentiary issues in personal injury and property damage disputes ranging from medical care to immigration matters, and litigated peripheral bankruptcy issues affecting the hospitality and transportation industries. Kendall’s employment experience includes discrimination, sexual harassment, and overtime claims.

Kendall began the practice of law handling exclusively insurance coverage matters, which provided her with a unique perspective to understand the nuances of commercial litigation. Although the first part of her career Kendall represented multinational insurers in first- and third-party contexts, her insurance coverage practice focuses today in advising first-party property insurers on how to avoid and address bad faith and extra-contractual allegations.

Kendall currently serves as a member of the National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association (NRRDA), whose mission is to advance and protect the interests of the retail and restaurant industry by reducing claims, better managing risk, and mounting effective defense strategies against claims and litigation. To be accepted as a private practice attorney into NRRDA, members must be nominated by three members of the restaurant or retail industries. Kendall also currently serves as a member of the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association and a sustainer of the Junior League of Dallas. Kendall previously served as the pro bono coordinator for the Dallas office and the Women’s Initiative co-chair for the firm. She is a former vice-chair for the ABA TIPS Commercial Transportation Litigation Committee and a former vice-chair for the Dallas Bar Association’s Legal Line Committee. Kendall is an alumna of the inaugural classes of the Dallas Mayor’s Star Council after being appointed by Mayor Mike Rawlings to serve as one of 25 influential young professionals to advise him on issues affecting the city of Dallas, Leadership University Park, a community-based leadership program to train professionals to serve the city, and Leadership State Bar of Texas, a state-wide group of 20 lawyers selected by the presidents of the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Young Lawyers Association In 2009, Kendall was elected to serve a two-year term as a Director for the Texas Young Lawyers Association Board of Directors. In 2012, Kendall was recognized as Dallas Pro Bono Coordinator of the Year by the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program.

In 1999, Kendall received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Texas A&M University. She earned her law degree from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in 2003. At Texas A&M, she served as president of her junior and senior class. During law school, Kendall served as editor-in-chief of the SMU Computer Law Review and Technology Journal. She participated in oral advocacy through both moot court and mock trial, where she finished as National Champion and Second Best Oralist. Kendall was selected by the dean as a barrister, nominated to serve as a member of the Mac Taylor Inn of Court, received the Second Year Excellence in Advocacy Award from the Board of Advocates, and was named to the National Order of the Barristers at graduation.

Marisa Rauchway, Member | CSG Law

Marisa Rauchway leads the Franchise Team at CSG Law and serves as a strategic legal advisor and partner to the local, regional and national franchise community.

As both a seasoned corporate attorney and litigator, Marisa assists clients in navigating legal issues both in and out of court, including prospective franchisees, current single- and multi-unit franchise operators, and franchisors. Her clients span a wide variety of industries, including hotel and hospitality, gas station and fuel distribution, childcare, gym and fitness, medical, luxury watches and jewelry, food and beverage, motor vehicle dealerships, appliance and entertainment. In her corporate practice, Marisa advises prospective franchisees throughout the purchase process, routinely reviews franchise disclosure documents and negotiates franchise and multi-unit/area development agreements. She also provides counsel in connection with franchise portfolio expansion and sales and transfers, and advises on both smaller-scale purchases, as well as on large-scale, regional and national multi-unit transactions.

Marisa also represents franchise, retail and distributor clients in both pre-litigation and litigation matters, throughout the country and abroad, in all facets of disputes between and among franchisees, franchisors and members of the supply chain industry. Marisa often represents clients in connection with claims pursuant to the New Jersey Franchise Practices Act and termination disputes, as well as in commercial landlord-tenant matters and member/shareholder disputes.

Marisa has spoken on franchise topics throughout the country, including at events hosted by Hospitality Lawyer, the International Franchise Association and the International Franchise Expo. She obtained a Certified Franchise Executive™ designation from the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives in 2016, as well as a Franchise Management Certificate from Georgetown University. Marisa also served as co-chair of the New York/New Jersey Chapter of the Women’s Franchise Network, part of the International Franchise Association, from 2016 to 2021.

Marisa is a member of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) Allied Attorney program.

Michael McGee, Partner | Dentons

Michael’s diverse practice allows him to assist his clients regarding various aspects of their businesses from formation, to growth, to exit. Michael has significant experience with mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, real estate transactions, intellectual property and technology, business formation, governance, and planning, and general contractual relationships.

Michael’s experience spans multiple industries. He frequently represents clients involved in hospitality (with significant experience in the restaurant, hotel, and shopping center spaces), software and technology, data analytics, healthcare, manufacturing, supply, distribution, and real estate development and leasing. The breadth of Michael’s practice allows him to meet the wide array of legal needs his clients encounter throughout the life cycles of their businesses.

Michael’s expansive practice frequently allows him to serve as a single voice and point of contact for all of his clients’ legal needs. In addition, Michael serves as a client liaison in matters in other legal areas such as labor and employment, litigation, and estate planning and business succession.

Robert Bernstein, Partner | Laner Muchin

Rob joined Laner Muchin in 1995 and has been a partner since 2003. His practice has been concentrated in defending employers in employment disputes and proceedings throughout the country, counseling employers on their dayto-day labor and employment issues, training management on a host of labor and employment topics, drafting and negotiating employment and non-competition agreements, drafting employee handbooks and corporate policy manuals, as well as handling collective bargaining negotiations, arbitrations, and a variety of other labor and employment matters on behalf of employers.

Salvatore Caccavale, Principal | Global Hospitality Security Solutions

Sal is recognized for his 35-years with Hilton as a Director of Safety & Security in such notable hotels as the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago and The Waldorf=Astoria in New York City. He later had oversight for the Americas as Hilton’s Corporate Director of Safety & Security. Sal is recognized for his 35years with Hilton as a Director of Safety & Security in such notable hotels as the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago and The Waldorf=Astoria in New York City. He later had oversight for the Americas as Hilton’s Corporate Director of Safety & Security. Sal now provides consulting in the fields of worker safety, physical security, policy development, and guidance to the hospitality industry and is an Expert Witness on hospitality legal matters.

Stephen Barth, Founder | HospitalityLawyer.com ®

Stephen Barth, author of Hospitality Law and coauthor of Restaurant Law Basics, is an attorney, the founder of HospitalityLawyer.com, the annual Hospitality Law Conference series, and the Global Travel Risk Summit Series. As a professor at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, University of Houston, he teaches courses in hospitality law and leadership. He is #3 on Global Guru’s Top 30 Hospitality Thought Leaders & Influencers for 2023. In addition to legal and travel risk mitigation insight, Stephen specializes in communicating the importance of Emotional Intelligence in leadership roles; and has provided valuable insight to many companies including The Methodist Hospital System, Wyndham Worldwide, Dine Equity, Business Travel News and Aramark. His fun, fast paced presentations provide practical information and solutions to enhance your personal and professional life.

Steven Katkov, Member | Cozen O’Connor

Steve represents and counsels clients in a broad range of commercial real estate transactions, including financings/commercial lending, acquisitions, dispositions, sale-leaseback transactions, commercial leases, rights-ofway and easement agreements, and portfolio acquisitions and dispositions around the nation ranging from $50 – $900 million. He also advises builders, developers, and landlords seeking government approvals to pursue project entitlements and in defending alleged regulatory violations. He represents borrowers in varying financing transactions, including mezzanine loans. Steve regularly represents national industries in leasing across all product types and leads the firm’s real estate initiatives for clients engaged in the cannabis industry in 13 states.

Steve is first and foremost a business lawyer and applies his strong business sense to a practice focused on real estate, both during times of economic prosperity and during downturns and times of crisis. He has substantial experience with foreclosures, loan workouts, complex lease and joint venture restructurings, and pursuing borrowers and guarantors for deficiencies and for fraud. For example, Steve was a member of a team of lawyers who represented Resolution Trust Corporation in creditor remedies against borrowers and guarantors of commercial real estate loans following the savings and loan crisis, resulting in workouts; foreclosures; negotiated settlements; and state, federal, and bankruptcy court proceedings.

Coming from a family of successful entrepreneurs, Steve has an entrepreneurial spirit and mindset. He is familiar with accounting, tax, economic, and risk management concepts, and has held significant management positions in two public Fortune 300 companies with an emphasis in real estate, banking, and finance. His diverse business and legal experience allows him to understand clients’ objectives and help them develop creative and efficient strategies for achieving them. Steve has written and presented on a variety of real estate and cannabis-related topics and has been published in The Real Estate Finance Journal.

Steve received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School. He was a staff member and then managing editor of Law and Inequality: A Journal of Theory and Practice and a graduate research assistant to Professor Carol Chomsky (professor of American legal history). He holds a M.S. in justice studies from Arizona State University, summa cum laude, and a B.A. in sociology, magna cum laude, from Macalester College.

Steven Shapiro, Adjunct Professor | Washington College of Law Adjunct Faculty, American University

Steven Shapiro teaches, writes, and speaks on topics in complex hospitality issues and construction law at the American University, Washington College of Law, blending his career in law firm practice, construction engineering, and academics. Recognized for innovation in bringing the realities and economics of commercial practice into the classroom and in service to the law school, Steven imagined and proposed the idea of the Hospitality & Tourism Law program. He has been the director of HTL, the sole law program in the U.S., plus he is a Senior Affiliate in the Program on Law & Government, including his work in teaching Construction Law.

In his scholarly work, he is the author of Maryland Real Estate Laws Annotated (West), Maryland Business Laws Annotated (West), and Pennsylvania Construction Law (West), plus a contributor to Hotel Law Transactions (Routledge). In addition, he is the author of articles published in scholarly and professional journals, has been an invited speaker on panel presentations at national conventions, and has been quoted in the business press. In 2012, the American Institute of Architects honored Steven with its highest award for distinguished professional contribution by a non-architect. At the University of Maryland, he has taught in the School of Architecture and also in the School of Engineering, plus he has taught at the Johns Hopkins University School of Business.

Mr. Shapiro earned an undergraduate business administration degree from Georgetown University in 1984, a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1987, and a Masters of Law degree from Georgetown Law Center in 1991. In 2004, he received a Master’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Maryland.

DAY 1: Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Welcome | 9:45am – 10:00am

Keep Your Hospitality Establishment Out of Jeopardy!, Kendall Kelly Hayden | 10:00am – 10:30am

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 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.

Ted Talk Style Presentations | 10:30am – 11:30am

Nothing is Certain but Death and [Liquor] Taxes, Elizabeth DeConti | 10:30am – 11:00am

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.

Surfing the Silver Tsunami: finding opportunities as veteran restaurant owners look to step back, David Denney | 11:00am – 11:30am

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.

Break | 11:30am – 11:45am

Ted Talk Style Presentations | 11:45am – 1:45pm

Key Negotiable Points in Franchise Agreements, Michael McGee | 11:45am – 12:15pm

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.

Franchisor/Franchisee Relationships – Tips For Getting Along, Marisa Rauchway | 12:15pm – 12:45pm

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.

Best Mediation Strategies, David Samuels | 12:45pm – 1:15pm

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

EI for Attorneys & Entrepreneurs, Stephen Barth | 1:15pm – 1:45pm

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.

Lunch | 1:45pm – 2:45pm

Ted Talk Style Presentations | 2:45pm – 4:15pm

ADA Access: Physical Barrier Issues and Website Issues, Jordan Schwartz | 2:45pm – 3:15pm

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.

Workplace Law in 2025 – What to Expect, Andria Ryan | 3:15pm – 3:45pm

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.

A National Labor Relations Board Update: What Hospitality Employers Should Be Focused on at This Time, Robert Bernstein | 3:45pm – 4:15pm

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.

Break | 4:15pm – 4:30pm

Ted Talk Style Presentations | 4:30pm – 6:15pm

Fraud Uncovered: Five Case Studies in Hotels and Restaurants and How They Could Have Been Avoided, Juliette Gust | 4:30pm – 5:00pm

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.

Fraud Risk Management: The 5% Solution, Salvatore Caccavale, Brad Bonnell | 5:00pm – 5:30pm

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.

50 Recent Hospitality Cases, Karen Morris, Diana Barber | 5:30pm – 6:15pm

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!

Closing remarks + adjourn | 6:15pm – 6:30pm

DAY 2: Thursday, May 15, 2025

Welcome | 9:45am – 10:00am

Ted Talk Style Presentations | 10:00am – 11:45am

Where is the market heading, Jonathan Falik, John Keeling | 10:00am – 10:35am

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.

The Vision, Marisa Rauchway, Jonathan Falik, John Keeling | 10:35am – 11:10am

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.

Feasibility & Study Period, Steve Katkov, Jonathan Falik, John Keeling, Jason Kron | 11:10am – 11:45am

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.

Break | 11:45am – 12:00pm

Ted Talk Style Presentations | 12:00pm – 1:45pm

Legal Agreements & Client Needs, Steve Katkov, Marisa Rauchway, Cindy Pham | 12:00pm – 12:45pm

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.

F&B and Amenity Spaces, Jonathan Falik, John Keeling | 12:45pm – 1:10pm

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.

The Exit, Jonathan Falik | 1:10pm – 1:45pm

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.

Closing remarks + adjourn | 1:45pm – 2:00pm