Event Law   

The Event Law course covers the legal aspects of planning and executing events. The curriculum is designed to educate you on key legal concepts, such as contracts, insurance, and liability, to ensure compliance and protect both the event planner and the client.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac. Chromebooks are not compatible.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 10 or later.
• Mac: macOS 12 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word Online
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of meeting, convention, and event planners is projected to grow 18% by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations (5%). This growth is attributed to increased demand for events, including weddings, conferences, and other gatherings, as well as the need for organizations to comply with regulations and insurance requirements.

The Event Law course is a legal guide for wedding and event professionals with everything you need to know to maintain your career and business, including licensing, trademarks, contract negotiations, and more.

This Event Law course is ideal for individuals who want to learn about the legal requirements and obligations of planning and executing events. The course covers essential legal concepts such as contracts (how to draft and negotiate with vendors and clients) and insurance (policies and liability issues). It also provides practical guidance on navigating these issues, including laws and regulations that govern events, such as health and safety regulations, and how to ensure compliance with these requirements.

1. Starting Your Own Business
   1. Starting Your Own Business
   2. Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, LLCs, & Corporations
   3. The Basics
   4. Liability Concerns
   5. Simple Tax
   6. Creative Hypothetical
   7. DIY or Lawyer Up?
   8. Insurance
2. Choosing a Brand Name
   1. Choosing a Brand
   2. Legal Names
   3. Trade Names
   4. Customer Confusion and Fictitious Business Names
   5. Trade Names- LLCs and Corporations
   6. Case Study
   7. Case Study- Choosing a Brand Name
3. Industry-Specific Licenses and Permits
   1. Federal Licenses and Permits
   2. Local Licenses and Permits
   3. Other Considerations
   4. Case Study- Licenses and Permits Case Study
4. Intellectual Property - Trademarks
   1. Trademarks
   2. What is a Trademark?
   3. Trademark Basics
   4. How to Select a Legally Strong Brand Name, Logo or Slogan
   5. Creative Rule 1: Not All Trademarks Are Created Equal
   6. Creative Rule 2: Distinctive Marks Are Legally Strong Marks
   7. Creative Rule 3: Weak Marks Receive Low-Level Protection
   8. Creative Rule 4: Legally Strong Marks Are Not Always Good For Business
   9. Trademark Search
   10. Federal Registration of Your Brand
   11. Case Study- Trademarks
5. Intellectual Property - Domain Names, Trade Secrets, & the Rights of Publicity
   1. Intellectual Property: Domain Names
   2. Exceptions to Exclusive Right to Use Your Domain Name
   3. Intellectual Property: Trade Secrets
   4. Trade Secrets Creative Hypo
   5. Intellectual Property: Right of Publicity
   6. Domain Names, Trade Secrets & The Right of Publicity -
6. Case Study: Intellectual Property - Copyrights
   1. Intellectual Copyrights
   2. Intellectual Property: Copyrights
   3. Copyright Creation and Duration
   4. Compilations and Derivative Works
   5. Things Not Protected by Copyright Law
   6. Copyright Creation and Ownership
   7. Copyright Details
   8. Transferring Ownership of a Copyright
   9. Federal Copyright Registration
   10. Registration Process
   11. Online Registration Steps
   12. Paper Application
   13. Copyright Infringement
   14. Legally Acceptable Defenses
   15. Infringement Remedies
   16. International Copyright Protection
   17. Case Study- Copyrights
7. Employment Issues
   1. Labor and Employment Issues
   2. Hiring and Classifying Employees
   3. Personnel Practices
   4. Paying Your Employees
   5. Employee Benefits
   6. Taxes
   7. Family and Medical Leave Act
   8. Avoiding Discrimination
   9. Health and Safety in the Workplace
   10. Workers with Disabilities
   11. Employee Privacy
   12. Terminating Employees
   13. Case Study- Labor and Employment. Case Study- Job Posting
8. Contracts
   1. Contracts
   2. Essential Elements Of A Valid Contract
   3. Rules Of Acceptance
   4. Consideration
   5. Contract Defenses
   6. Duty To Perform Your Contractual Promises
   7. Breach Of Contract Claims
   8. Draft And Review Your Own Contracts
   9. Contract Provisions
   10. Execution Checklist
   11. How To Modify An Existing Contract
   12. Case Study- Contracts
9. Torts & the Wedding and Event Industry
   1. Tortious Interference With Contractual Relations
   2. Defamation
   3. Product Liability
   4. Negligence
   5. Business Relationships And Tort Liability
   6. Tort Remedies And Claims
   7. Case Study- Torts
10. How to Effectively Negotiate in the Wedding and Event Industry
    1. How To Effectively Negotiate
    2. Setting Goals And Using Standards
    3. Recognizing Negotiation Styles
    4. Mentality
    5. Negotiating An Agreement
    6. Recognizing The Dirty Tricks
    7. Case Study- Negotiation
11. Final Exam

What you will learn

• Understand the basic legal concepts and requirements for planning and executing events
• Develop skills to draft and negotiate contracts with vendors and clients
• Gain knowledge of insurance policies and liability issues related to event planning
• Learn how to navigate the legal landscape of event planning, including health and safety regulations
• Obtain strategies to mitigate legal risks and protect both the event planner and the client

How you will benefit

• Ability to ensure legal compliance, which reduces the risk of lawsuits and other legal issues
• Improved negotiation skills that can result in better contracts and business relationships
• Understanding of insurance policies and liability issues that can prevent financial losses and reputational damage
• Confidence in navigating legal issues that may arise during the planning and execution of an event
• Competitive advantage in the job market as a result of specialized knowledge and skills in the legal aspects of event planning

Patrick M. Teague

Patrick M. Teague is an experienced attorney in event law, representing various wedding and event professionals, including planners, designers, and photographers. He has also successfully represented Lovegevity, a multi-media publishing house, in contract negotiations with wedding and event suppliers, television personalities, and, notably, world-renowned event designer Preston Bailey.

Outside the event industry, Mr. Teague is in-house counsel for a multibillion-dollar hospitality company that operates in over 35 countries. He also has expertise in small business and contract law, along with experience as a sports agent, sports reporter, and professional soccer player.