Contract Basics for Experts

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Whether you have worked in the meeting industry for two months or twenty years, there are a lot of new and current issues, as well as myths and misunderstandings about what you can or can't, or must or must not do in event contracts. Lisa Sommer Devlin, an attorney who has represented hotels in this arena for over 25 years will debunk the myths and give you contracting "do's and don'ts" to help you and your contracting partners ensure you have contracts that work for you and are legally appropriate.

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Lisa Sommer Devlin has practiced law since 1984, and has concentrated in hospitality law for over 25 years. She negotiates contracts, provides legal training for sales staff and handles convention and meeting related litigation nationwide for major hotel companies, and many independent hotels.

In 2002, Lisa was named one of the 25 most influential people in the meeting industry by Meeting News magazine. In 2006, the magazine gave her the honor again, stating: "More than anyone else, she is the legal voice for the industry." She has served as a member of the Legal Advisory Counsel and on the Contracts panel for the APEX Initiative sponsored by the Convention Industry Council, and was President of the Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorneys 2012-2014. In 2015, Meetings and Conventions Magazine included her in its "M&C's Top 25 Women in the Meeting Industry."

Lisa is a sought-after speaker and trainer. She has spoken at events sponsored by Meeting Professionals International, Professional Convention Management Association, Exhibitor Show, Hotel Sales & Marketing Association International, Society of Government Meeting Planners, Conference Direct, Experient, Connect Meetings, Elite Meetings Alliance, and many others. PCMA named her one of its "Best in Class" speakers for 2012.

She is married to Matthew Devlin and has four children and one granddaughter.

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This program has been approved for 1.25 CE credit hours under Domain C: Risk Management.     

MPI St. Louis Area Chapter is a CMP Preferred Provider. The program identified with the CMP Preferred Provider logo meets the requirements to receive continuing education (CE) credit for the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential. The use of the CMP Preferred Provider Pre-Check logo is not an endorsement by the Events Industry Council of the quality of the session. For more information about the CMP credential or CMP Preferred Provider Program, please visit www.EventsCouncil.org.

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Venue
Tucked within the upscale Arts and Garden District of Clayton, Missouri, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis offers a hotel experience unlike any other in the area. Step out onto the balcony of your luxury room or suite and catch a glimpse of the skyline. Access to the extraordinary with the newly transformed Ritz-Carlton Club Level where you will enjoy impeccable amenities, a dedicated concierge at your service and daily dining and beverage presentations. Visit our Spa and pamper yourself with a massage using locally sourced ingredients.

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Interested in Being a Monthly Program Sponsor?
Would you like additional exposure within the MPI St. Louis Area Chapter? Have your logo proudly displayed (in our registration materials, via social media and at our meeting), and share a few words about your company to our membership at the podium. Contact Rob Brice for information on Monthly Program sponsorship opportunities at rbrice@meetprestige.com or (314) 719-9620.

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Supplier Members have the option of sponsoring a table for $25. This is a great opportunity to capture the attention of your fellow tablemates (usually 5-6 people) and present collateral, giveaways or a brief overview of your organization. Feel free to ask attendees to join you at your table for lunch. Table Sponsors will be recognized at the event.

Schedule:
11:00 a.m. Registration & Networking
11:30 a.m. Lunch
12:00 p.m. Program

Fees:
$40 Members
$65 Non-Members/Guests**
Students - Call MPI St. Louis at (314) 416-2234 for rate and to register.

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**Meeting Attendance Policy: Per MPI Global all Essential Level Members or Non-Members will be limited to attending no more than two events in one fiscal year (July 1-June 30), and must pay the Essential Level/Non-Member Rate. MPI Preferred and Premier Level Members are welcome to attend all chapter events at the Member Rate. This policy is required for all MPI Chapters. Please click here to familiarize yourself with MPI's membership levels.