HOUSTON, Texas, HospitalityLawyer.com, the industry’s web-based resource for legal, safety, and security solutions, announced today that it will further expand the conference agenda to include breakout sessions in Payment Card Industry (PCI) issues, risk management, and fundamentals of hospitality law.

The Hospitality Law Conference, held Feb. 9-11, 2009 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, is a one-of-a-kind opportunity that brings together more than 400 in-house counsel, private attorneys, loss-prevention personnel, risk managers, and hospitality owners and operators, to learn about a host of legal issues pertinent to the $3.5 trillion hospitality industry.

“The Conference is the only program in the country devoted exclusively to legal issues impacting the hotel and restaurant industries. As a former presenter and annual attendee of the conference, I can assure you this event is worth attending,” said Richard Barrett-Cuetara, an attorney with Cowles & Thompson, P.C.

During the new sessions:

• Attorneys and operators involved with PCI issues will be briefed not only on the technical aspects of PCI, but also on the legal perspective of PCI compliance.
• Risk management issues will be covered in-depth, including a discussion on developing a world-class management information system, the claims process, and insurance for the coverage period.
• Hospitality operators will receive answers to common questions on management contracts, franchising contracts, and unique aspects of lodging, and food and beverage operations. Attorneys looking to expand their practice into the hospitality industry also will benefit from this primer.

In addition, conference general sessions will provide practical, in-depth, and current information on franchise litigation, branding and advertising issues, and FACTA concerns. Evening events also are on the agenda to foster networking and relationship building among attendees.

A comprehensive and up-to-date agenda, as well as information on registration, travel and hotel accommodations, and sponsorship opportunities, can be found at www.HospitalityLawyer.com. CLE accreditation for up to 16 hours has been requested in every state. Other accreditation, including HRCI, is now pending approval.