January 2019 Educational Program

This event is sold out - there will be no onsite registration!

Session Information:

Meetings Legal Issues: Today's Hottest Topics! 

Legalized Marijuana; GDPR; AirBnb; Crisis Planning; Guns in Meetings -- Constant global change means changes for meetings. Controversy in Washington and threats of terrorism discourage attendees from traveling. GDPR imposes tough data protection laws that restricts use of personal information. AirBnb and other “Sharing Economy” businesses create havoc for hotel room blocks and increased risks. And societal changes like legal marijuana and increased acceptance of guns can affect a meeting host’s liability.

Without a Crystal Ball it’s tough to plan for these changes. Yet solid planning is what successful planners and suppliers must do.

This fast-paced and interactive presentation will identify the most recent and critical developments to impact meetings in 2019 and beyond. Topics will include:

• Marijuana usage & Guns in meetings.
• Combatting sexual harassment and other improper conduct.
• Cancellation for Force Majure occurrences and objectionable social legislation.
• AirBnb and other “sharing economy” businesses.
• GDPR data protection and online security.

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

Speaker Information:

Joshua L. Grimes, of Grimes Law Offices, LLC

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’ meeting industry clients include all types of organizations, including meeting planners, corporations, associations,  destination management companies, convention & visitors bureaus, hotels, venues, colleges & universities, and transportations companies. His services include the following types of matters: Contract negotiations and preparation for all types of meetings. Dispute resolution matters. GDPR compliance disclosures for meeting hosts, venues, planners, and other organizations. In-house training and seminars on meeting contracts and negotiation techniques. Mr. Grimes is a member of the APEX Contracts Panel, and he served on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorneys. He was selected as a “Pennsylvania Super Lawyer”, and recently designated a “Legal Leader” by ALM Media. Mr. Grimes is one of the association and meeting industries’ most prominent speakers. In addition to speaking regularly for leading organizations such as MPI and PCMA, he conducts in-house training programs for corporate and association executives. Mr. Grimes also a frequent contributor for meeting and association industry publications and websites. Mr. Grimes has appeared before industry professionals throughout the United States, and in Europe, the Middle East, Canada, and Mexico. He is a member of the Bars of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.

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Agenda:

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Member orientation
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM: The Exchange (planners only)
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM: Registration and Networking
11:45 AM - 1:30 PM: Program

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MPI Foundation Donation:

The MPI Foundation provides members with dozens of grants and scholarships to help you with your professional development. The Foundation is a nonprofit organization that needs your help to continue to fuel the advancement of MPI members and our industry. In the spirit of giving for the new year, we ask that you consider donating just $2 to the Foundation when you register for the January Educational Luncheon.

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MPI Georgia Chapter Attendance Policy: 

All Essential Level members or non-members are limited to no more than two events in one fiscal year and must pay the Essential Level/Non-member rate. MPI Preferred or Premier Level members are welcome to attend all chapter events at the Member Price.

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Don't Miss The Exchange, MPI Georgia's Planner Only Interactive Session.

This free session takes place from 10:45 AM-11:30 AM, preceding the educational program. Please indicate your participation during registration for the educational program.

  

The Exchange is designed to provide a casual environment for planners of all experience levels to interact and discuss "topics of the day" interests, as well as allow for spontaneous interactions/discussions.

Since all planner members have a unique combination of skills and experiences; The Exchange provides an opportunity for all participants to share, question, and contribute to enhancing their knowledge and planning skills. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to participate in this unique "planner only" experience!

WHAT: The Exchange - Planner ONLY Sessions (Scheduled Just Prior To The January 2019 Educational Program)

DATE: January 15, 2019

TIME: 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM

COST: FREE (please indicate your participation during pre-registration for the January Educational Program)

WHERE: The Southern Exchange at 200 Peachtree St., NW, Atlanta, GA

Special Thanks to The Exchange Sponsor:

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Early Registration Fees (Before 5:00 PM on Friday, January 4, 2019):
Early Bird MPI Georgia Member - $45
Early Bird MPI Georgia Non Member - $70

Registration Fees (After 5:00 PM on Friday, January 4 thru 5:00 PM on Thursday, January 10):
MPI Georgia Member - $55
MPI Georgia Non Member - $80

Student Rates:
MPI Georgia Student Member - $20
MPI Georgia Student Non Member - $30

Online registration will close at 5:00 PM on Thursday, January 10, 2019. Please register before this time to ensure that we have space for you!

Onsite Fees:
Please note that MPI Georgia charges an additional $5 onsite fee for any registrations completed after the close of online pre-registration for the event.

Cancellations:
If you need to cancel your registration a full refund will be granted if cancellation is received in writing before 5:00 PM on Thursday, January 10. After that time there will be no refunds. Please send cancellation notice to info@migeorgia.org. Additionally, registration fees may not be applied or transferred to future events.

Substitutions:
If you have registered but are unable to attend the meeting, you may substitute another employee from your company at no additional charge. Please send written notification of this change before 5:00 PM on Thursday, January 10 to info@migeorgia.org. After that time, substitutions will need to be made onsite.

Thank You to Our Event  Sponsors:
Venue Sponsor:					Program Sponsor:
DJ Sponsor:	AV Sponsor:	Catering Sponsor:	Centerpiece Sponsor:	Linen Sponsor:				Exhibitor:

Thank You to Our Annual Sponsors: