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In my professional work as a consultant, author, speaker and service as an expert witness for both plaintiffs and defendants, I grow more aware of what a litigious society we are.

I was recently asked to share "Lessons I learned in 2010". At first, it was a bit challenging but on reflection, I found it was a positive activity and one I would recommend to others.

2010 has been different from the two previous years. On the positive side:

While still in an overall down market, the industry has begun to recover in certain markets.
There are some upbeat signals relating to meetings and business travel.

On the negative side:

Despite government stimulus assistance to many business sectors, there are still too many hotels that are being returned to lenders in the USA.
Even with low interest rates and credit allegedly being available, business is still recovering with polls reflecting cautious optimism at best.

With that in mind, my thoughts turned to areas to share with readers on ways they might be able to continue to learn on how to both improve operations and protect their businesses and assets. There a large number of conferences and online resources available addressing these two issues, and one needs to be aware of the options and choices.

For the first time, I am going to provide readers with background information and an overview of a program that discusses both of those sensitive issues of legal protection and operations. From alcohol and food liability to labor and employment, the latest trends and issues in hospitality law are included at the 2011 Hospitality Law Conference, February 9-11, 2011.

I find this conference differs from many others in its organization, structure, audience and more intimate size. It was created for and continues to evolve as an excellent forum for in-house counsel, attorneys practicing in the hospitality industry, CFOs, comptrollers, accountants and IT professionals. It also has specific discussions of interest to those involved with risk management, security and loss prevention. This year's program includes a number of discussions on franchise services from involved parties.

Major topic areas for Restaurant and Hotel In-House Counsel include discussions on

The impact of Bankruptcies and receiverships on Brands, Franchise and Management Agreements
The details of government audits and inspections
Corruption Risks in the Hospitality Industry
Updates on national government trends and proposals for the future
The Selection and ongoing relationships with external counsel

There is a segment on Real Estate Transactions that covers a wide range of topics not usually found in many industry conferences. Discussions planned include:

1. Joint Ventures
2. Property tax appeals and approaches in different kinds of markets
3. Restructuring Equity and Debt in Challenging Economic Periods

There are additional sessions for people who are either looking for a refresher or an overview of certain operational reports and their meaning:

Key Business Terms and Concepts in Hotel Agreements
Fully grasping the range of Hotel Valuation Methodologies and Investment Analysis
Understanding Hotel Financial Statements and Pro Formas and how the differences are resolved (including key reports and operational metrics)

In Operations, there is a substantial range of topics in both Food & Beverage and Lodging Activity and Profit Centers

Health Care Reform and What are the Next Steps for Hotel Owners and Managers
Understanding Federal Menu Labeling Requirements in the future
Addressing Investor Questions and Concerns relating to Liquor Licensing
Negotiating and Using Distributions Agreements and Systems
Working with the relatively new service and amenities in Spas, including Compliance Issues, Operational Practices and dealing with Spa Claims
Addressing the Problems in Non-Compliance relating to tipped employees and Tip Credit Statutes
New ADA Accessibility laws now in effect
Privacy and IT responsibility with 3^rd Party Sites

As mentioned earlier, the market place continues to see large numbers of legal claims that use time, staff and financial resources. Many of these are in Human Resources and/or other areas in Risk Management and Loss Prevention.

Sessions scheduled here include:

Dealing with Hospitality Immigration Issues
Understanding the Benefits and Concerns in Seasonal Staff, Contractors and other contingent staff
Investigations in Hospitality and How to Deal with the,
Wage and Hour Court Cases
Understanding Arbitration
Dealing with complex property claims
Insurance Litigation trends
Addressing safety in Spas, Workout Area and Pools
Understanding Insurance for Business Interruption and Lessons Learned from the past 5 years
Dealing with your staff and the impact of Social Media

One of the best segments that is always enjoyed by participants are the Hospitality Law Case reviews that are shared. These usually include Food & Beverage Liability cases, Franchise disputes and resolutions and how to avoid negative publicity and liability by learning what "not to do."

I have attended and participated in literally hundreds of programs in my career to date. I offer Four Key Benefits to attending this particular conference:

This is an independent symposium, not organized or branded by a specific hospitality company. This independence, as coordinated by HospitalityLawyer.com founder, Stephen Barth, clearly avoids the restraints that the branded meetings must address.
Attendees receive current and detailed information on urgent concerns in the hospitality industry including franchising, legislation, premises liability, financial options, as well as changes in employment and management contracts.
Sessions are led by hospitality industry counsel, hospitality faculty and business leaders that are personally involved in the every day and long term components of the business.
This is an intimate conference, with attendance aimed at no more than 400. This allows excellent opportunities for one-on-one discussions, Q&A sessions that are meaningful, networking and real world scenarios. The participation of a limited number of hospitality law faculty and students adds to the blend of activity.

The conference will be held at the Omni Houston Hotel, in Houston, Texas. For more information, go to http://www.hospitalitylawyer.com/index.php?id=53#FB

In an article next month, I will highlight a number of international programs offered by university sponsored hospitality programs that reach out to management at various levels. If you would like to share examples of such a program, contact me @ john.hogan@H ospitalityEducators.com.

Keys to Success Hospitality Tip of the Week:

Focus on Continuous Learning
Hotel Common Sense Philosophy #5
"Establish a Mission Statement that includes a Pride and Credo of what your purpose is." Dr. John Hogan, CHA CHE CMHS

Part of the 15 Timeless Philosophies In Hospitality
A Keynote Address and Workshop

KEYS TO SUCCESS is the umbrella title for my programs, hospitality services and columns. This year's writings focus on a variety of topics for hotel owners, managers and professionals including both my "HOW TO" articles, HOSPITALITY CONVERSATIONS, Lessons from the Field, Hotel Common Sense and Principles for Success

Feel free to share an idea for a column at info@hoganhospitality.com anytime or contact me regarding consulting, customized workshops, speaking engagements ... And remember - we all need a regular dose of common sense.

John Hogan is a successful hospitality executive, educator, author and consultant and is a frequent keynote speaker and seminar leader at many hospitality industry events. He is Co-Founder of a consortium (www.HospitalityEducators.com) of successful corporate and academic professionals delivering focused and affordable counsel in solving specific challenges facing hospitality today. www.HospitalityEducators.com is a membership site offering a wide range of information, forms, best practices and ideas that are designed to help individual hoteliers and hospitality businesses improve their market penetration, deliver service excellence and increase their profitability. Individuals wishing to contribute materials may send them Kathleen@HospitalityEducators.com. Special introductory pricing is in effect for a limited time that also includes a complimentary copy of LESSONS FROM THE FIELD- A COMMON SENSE APPROACH TO EFFECTIVE HOTEL SALES.

Consulting Expertise and Research Interest
1. Sales Management and training
2. Turn-around and revenue management
3. Professional Development for the Organization and the Individual
4. Customer Service
5. Making Cultural Diversity Real
6. Developing Academic Hospitality programs
7. Medical Lodging Consultants

If you need assistance in any of these areas or simply an independent review or opinion on a hospitality challenge, contact me directly for a prompt response and very personalized attention.

www.HoganHospitality.com
Your Hospitality Resource for Hotel Owners, Innkeepers, Managers and Associa