Friday, March 5, 2027
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception
Acoustic Lounge – 2nd Floor
SongTeller Hotel
Saturday, March 6, 2027
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Registration, Breakfast and Welcome
Studio – 2nd Floor
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
AI in the Trenches: What Actually Works in Law Practice Today
Forget the hype and the headlines about lawyers sanctioned for fake citations. This program cuts straight to what’s working right now in real law offices. Drawing on more than 30 years of practice and hands-on experience with today’s leading AI tools, the presenter walks through practical, field-tested uses for research, drafting, document review, and client communication, and flags where these tools still stumble. Attendees will see live examples of prompts that deliver, workflows that save real hours, and guardrails that keep you on the right side of your ethical duties of competence, confidentiality, and candor. Whether you’re a skeptic, a dabbler, or already using AI daily, you’ll leave with techniques you can put to work Monday morning.
Speaker:
Ed Lanquist, Jr., Baker Donelson, Nashville, TN
10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. BREAK
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
From Barrels to Balance Sheets – 100 Years of Alcohol Regulation
The alcoholic beverage industry operates within closely regulated state and federal schemes where the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol is tightly controlled. Counsel will present the regulatory framework governing industry members to provide you with a foundational understanding of alcohol laws and how the worlds of beverage alcohol regulation and credit laws intersect.
Speakers:
Curtis S. Harrington, II, Belcher Skyes Harrington, PLLC, Brentwood, TN
Ryan A. T. Mercurio, Belcher Skyes Harrington, PLLC, Brentwood, TN
11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. BREAK
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Hot Legal and Business Topics for Broadway’s Honky Tonks and Nashville’s Hospitality Market
Nashville’s Honky Tonk scene is a vibrant cornerstone of the city’s hospitality market, but it faces a myriad of current legal and business challenges that owners must navigate. Key issues include the complexities of obtaining and maintaining alcohol licenses amid evolving health and safety regulations, particularly in a post-pandemic landscape. Labor shortages and compliance with employee rights laws further complicate staffing. Additionally, lease negotiations in Nashville’s competitive real estate market require keen strategies, especially regarding force majeure clauses that address unforeseen events. Negotiating artists naming rights/license deals. Business owners must also prioritize liability and risk management, ensuring adequate insurance coverage and effective crisis protocols. Intellectual property considerations, such as trademark protection and music copyright compliance, are essential in safeguarding their brands. Staying informed and adaptable is crucial for Honky Tonk owners to thrive in this dynamic environment.
Speaker:
Sean Marshall, Big Plan Holdings, Nashville, TN
12:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Group Lunch and Presentation
Sponsored by:
Whiskey Tasting Lunch Experience
Speaker:
Join us for a distinctive whiskey tasting experience during lunch at the CLLA Southern Region Conference. Guided by a whiskey expert, attendees will sample a selection of premium whiskeys while learning about their history, craftsmanship, and unique flavor profiles. Whether you are a longtime whiskey enthusiast or simply curious to explore new spirits, this event offers the perfect blend of education, networking, and Southern hospitality. Connect with colleagues, share insights, and enjoy a memorable lunchtime experience.
Speaker:
Ed Lanquist, Jr., Baker Donelson, Nashville, TN
2:30 p.m.
EXPLORE NASHVILLE ON YOUR OWN
7:00 p.m.
Cocktails at the Listening Lounge – 2nd Floor
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Dinner on Your Own
Friday, March 5, 2027
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception
Acoustic Lounge – 2nd Floor
SongTeller Hotel
Saturday, March 6, 2027
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Registration, Breakfast and Welcome
Studio – 2nd Floor
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
AI in the Trenches: What Actually Works in Law Practice Today
Forget the hype and the headlines about lawyers sanctioned for fake citations. This program cuts straight to what’s working right now in real law offices. Drawing on more than 30 years of practice and hands-on experience with today’s leading AI tools, the presenter walks through practical, field-tested uses for research, drafting, document review, and client communication, and flags where these tools still stumble. Attendees will see live examples of prompts that deliver, workflows that save real hours, and guardrails that keep you on the right side of your ethical duties of competence, confidentiality, and candor. Whether you’re a skeptic, a dabbler, or already using AI daily, you’ll leave with techniques you can put to work Monday morning.
Speaker:
Ed Lanquist, Jr., Baker Donelson, Nashville, TN
10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. BREAK
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
From Barrels to Balance Sheets – 100 Years of Alcohol Regulation
The alcoholic beverage industry operates within closely regulated state and federal schemes where the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol is tightly controlled. Counsel will present the regulatory framework governing industry members to provide you with a foundational understanding of alcohol laws and how the worlds of beverage alcohol regulation and credit laws intersect.
Speakers:
Curtis S. Harrington, II, Belcher Skyes Harrington, PLLC, Brentwood, TN
Ryan A. T. Mercurio, Belcher Skyes Harrington, PLLC, Brentwood, TN
11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. BREAK
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Hot Legal and Business Topics for Broadway’s Honky Tonks and Nashville’s Hospitality Market
Nashville’s Honky Tonk scene is a vibrant cornerstone of the city’s hospitality market, but it faces a myriad of current legal and business challenges that owners must navigate. Key issues include the complexities of obtaining and maintaining alcohol licenses amid evolving health and safety regulations, particularly in a post-pandemic landscape. Labor shortages and compliance with employee rights laws further complicate staffing. Additionally, lease negotiations in Nashville’s competitive real estate market require keen strategies, especially regarding force majeure clauses that address unforeseen events. Negotiating artists naming rights/license deals. Business owners must also prioritize liability and risk management, ensuring adequate insurance coverage and effective crisis protocols. Intellectual property considerations, such as trademark protection and music copyright compliance, are essential in safeguarding their brands. Staying informed and adaptable is crucial for Honky Tonk owners to thrive in this dynamic environment.
Speaker:
Sean Marshall, Big Plan Holdings, Nashville, TN
12:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Group Lunch and Presentation
Sponsored by:
Whiskey Tasting Lunch Experience
Speaker:
Join us for a distinctive whiskey tasting experience during lunch at the CLLA Southern Region Conference. Guided by a whiskey expert, attendees will sample a selection of premium whiskeys while learning about their history, craftsmanship, and unique flavor profiles. Whether you are a longtime whiskey enthusiast or simply curious to explore new spirits, this event offers the perfect blend of education, networking, and Southern hospitality. Connect with colleagues, share insights, and enjoy a memorable lunchtime experience.
Speaker:
Ed Lanquist, Jr., Baker Donelson, Nashville, TN
2:30 p.m.
EXPLORE NASHVILLE ON YOUR OWN
7:00 p.m.
Cocktails at the Listening Lounge – 2nd Floor
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.