Back to Business! Meeting Contracts in a Post-COVID World

Meetings are on the way back! With vaccinations underway and new COVID cases trending down, meeting professionals can finally start planning a safe return to in-person meetings.

The keys to in-person meetings are ensuring attendee safety, and remaining flexible to adjust to changes like COVID spikes or delayed vaccinations. Planners and suppliers must work together to create fair contracts that allow both parties to feel comfortable about moving forward. And prospective attendees must have the confidence that their safety will be protected, and that they won’t be penalized if they register for in-person but then change their mind.

This program will be led by Joshua L. Grimes, Esq., a prominent meetings industry attorney. Mr. Grimes will discuss the most significant legal issues facing those returning to in-person meetings. We will also leave plenty of time for Mr. Grimes to answer YOUR questions.

Topics will include:

• Requiring proof of vaccinations and waiver forms as part of meeting registration process.
• Retaining flexibility to move from in-person to hybid meetings if circumstances warrant.
• Drafting solid Force Majeure and COVID clauses for meeting contracts.
• Allocating responsibility to enforce COVID health protocols.
• Security planning in the wake of domestic terrorism risks.

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.

 This session is approved for One (1)CMP credit in Domain C: Rick Management