Attendees can get current on pressing concerns in the hospitality industry including franchising, legislation, premises liability, union collective bargaining, and changes in employment and immigration laws. There will be practical tips on contract drafting, ethics and corporate compliance, and updates on state and federal privacy law.

The Conference is designed for in-house counsel and executives of lodging, gaming, restaurant, and club operations; risk managers; directors of loss prevention; franchise service directors; attorneys practicing in the hospitality industry and hospitality law faculty and students.

This year's conference provides break-out sessions in four different topic areas:

• Lodging - Condo hotels, a fast-growing industry for vacationers and investors who want to own real estate with all the amenities of security, housekeeping, fine dining and spa living, harbor their own legal twists and turns. Experts will discuss issues including rental and management contracts, insurance, and compliance with securities laws.
• Food & Beverage - Attorneys in the field will update attendees on issues specific to the restaurant industry and tackle the legal pitfalls of on-premises promotions of alcohol including free drinks, Happy Hours, dinner specials and advertising.
• Labor & Employment - This session will explore the ins and outs of labor and employment issues, unions, and pressing immigration laws facing the industry. Gaming law experts will also explore regulatory and licensing issues in the industry and map the future of gaming growth.
• Loss Prevention and Risk Management - Identity theft within the hospitality industry is a growing concern. Conference attendees will learn how those inside and outside of an establishment can gain access to a customer's identity and what to do protect your business and guests. Also, recent hurricane damage has cruelly shown how mold and moisture can impact environmental health in hospitality establishments. Guidance will be given on how to act now to limit liability later.

The Conference will be held Thursday and Friday, February 8-9, 2007 at the Hilton Hotel Post Oak in Houston, Texas. To register or for more information on accommodations, go to www.HospitalityLawyer.com. The cost, which includes a Thursday night wine tasting and product showcase, is $375 if you register before January 18, 2006 ($425 after). The cost for educators, students, and restaurant and lodging associations is $325. For attorneys, up to 12.25 CLE credits are available at no extra cost.

HospitalityLawyer.com's Fifth Annual Conference is presented in coordination with the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the American Bar Association, the General Counsel Committee of the AH&LA, the Loss Prevention Management Institute and the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

The Conference is underwritten by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and sponsors include Alvarez & Marsal, Rume Corporation, Best Western International, Advance Catastrophe Technologies, Forensic Analytical, and Who is Who in Hospitality.