Did you ever stop to think that the hospitality industry has more potential for legal disputes than most other industries? We want each event to be unique, and we draw in many different people doing different jobs, and expectations can change at a moment’s notice. Plus attendees, each with their own needs, are coming from all directions (unless they don’t show up at all), which mean it’s no surprise there is the potential for conflict. Add to this the money involved – sometimes more money than any of us could payback in a life time. Whether we like it or not, when it comes to the myriad of meeting contracts, things have to go right ... or else!

"Thank you KCMPI for the terrific program and topic on March 10. I'm looking forward to the Educational Conference even more!" – Gayla Welsh

Enter our March speaker, Barbara Dunn. Barbara is not only an attorney, she’s a hospitality industry attorney. Her sole job at the law office of Barnes & Thornburg (one of the 100 largest law firms in the U.S.) is to keep meeting planners and suppliers from going to court.

"I thought Barbara was exceptional as always. I could have listened to her for another hour. She always has such good information that is vital to what we do every day." – Debbie Ball, CMP

After a terrific lunch at the Sheraton Overland Park, Barbara shared with us how words (even words with friends) can make a difference. Phrases such as "reserve the right to," "tentative," "if available" or "may" can change expectations and can be argued over if not clarified in advance of a disagreement.

"Barbara gave us great tips for negotiating with suppliers and planners. She also provided good insight on the hot topics like cancellation clause, indemnification and everyone’s favorite attrition clause. Remember at the end of the day when working with contracts, before you sign the contract you are negotiating, after you sign the contract you are begging." – Rob Wilson

Barbara speaks from more than two decades of experience and her engaging style and fast-paced presentation kept what could have been a boring lecture a fun and sometime funny topic that we could all relate to. From my notes:

• On negotiating: "Don’t negotiate non-economic items and don’t ever give up something without getting something in return." 
• On contracts: "Always be consistent, exceptions can and will hurt your organization."
  
• And: "Always hope for best but plan for worst."
  

"It was most enjoyable. It could have gone on longer. Barbara is great! She knows her ‘stuff’!" – Vanessa Kane, CMP, CMM

We are all involved in the success of meetings in different ways. Disagreements are inevitable. How we resolve those differences are key to developing lasting partnerships. It all starts with our expectations of each other, putting the details in writing and watching out for our "Words With Friends."

"I attended the March event "Words with Friends" and came away with at least two items that made me appreciate this education event. One, as a supplier, I now understand more the complexities of the planners' work. Second, it made me be aware of my words or terminology. Even though I know in my industry what certain terminology is, and I need to make sure my clients understand what I’m saying too. It is always good to think how to make my client’s work easier, and making sure words are not a stumbling block is now at the top of my list." – Phil Allemang, CAS

Newsletter article submitted by:
Brad Plumb, CMP
Past President