Speaking Engagements & Publications
March 19-21, 2013
2013 Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show
David will present Stop Lighting Things on Fire! (and other tips for avoiding liability when serving alcohol and food) at the 2013 Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas. The show is the definitive on-premise beverage show. Held in Las Vegas every March, this show's got it all: dynamic speakers as well as innovative products, informational tools, unique demonstrations and special events on the exhibit floor and non-stop evening events.
Click here for more information on the Hospitality Law Conference.
February 8-10, 2012
2012 Hospitality Law Conference
David presented, for the fourth consecutive year, at the annual Hospitality Law Conference in Houston, Texas. David's talk, entitled The Best Offense is a Good Defense: Strategies for Preventing and Defending Food, Allergy and Alcohol Claims, examined recent food and beverage litigation, and presented practical strategies for avoiding incidents and defending claims.
The Hospitality Law Conference, now in its tenth year, is a one-of-a-kind opportunity that brings together hundreds of private attorneys, human resource professionals, in-house counsel, loss-prevention personnel, risk managers, and hospitality owners and operators to learn about a host of legal issues pertinent to the hospitality industry.
June 27, 2011
Nation’s Restaurant News
David was featured in the June 27, 2011, issue of Nation's Restaurant News in an article entitled Bananas Foster mishap: Should you play with fire?
July 15-18, 2011
Resort Hotel Association Annual Conference
On July 17, 2011, David presented a seminar entited Allergens and Pathogens and Plaintiffs - Oh, My! A Review of Recent Court Cases Impacting the Hospitality Industry to the members of the Resort Hotel Association at Big Cedar Lodge, in Ridgedale, MO.
The Resort Hotel Association (RHA) is a not-for-profit insurance association specializing in insurance programs that address the risks unique to independent resorts, hotels, city clubs and spas.
June 2011
Restaurant Start Up & Growth Magazine
David authored an article for the June 2011 issue of Restaurant Start Up & Growth Magazine entitled Got Coverage? An Insurance Coverage Primer for Restaurant Operators.
April 19, 2011
Dallas Bar Association Franchise & Distribution CLE
David presented a one-hour continuing education program to the Franchise & Distribution Section of the Dallas Bar Association entitled Appetite for Destruction: the Changing Landscape of Menu Labeling, Disclaimers and Food Claims. David reviewed some significant court cases from across the country involving the service of food and alcohol, including foodborne illness, allergies, dangerous foods/drinks, and dram shop/alcohol. He also discussed recent menu labeling legislation, as well as highlights from recently-proposed FDA menu labeling regulations. Finally, David presented strategies for developing policies and procedures to avoid liability when serving food and alcohol.
April 2011
Restaurant Start Up & Growth Magazine
Restaurant Startup & Growth Magazine also featured David in the April 2011 issue, in an article entitled Give Me Just One More Chance! (How Chapter 11 Works, and How it Helps).
February 25-28, 2011
CMAA World Conference on Club Management
David presented Playing with Fire: Avoiding Food & Beverage Liability at Your Club to the members of the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) at their 2011 World Conference on Club Management. CMAA is the professional association for managers of membership clubs. With close to 7,000 members across all classifications, its manager members run more than 3,000 country, golf, city, athletic, faculty, yacht, town and military clubs.
February 24, 2011
Franchising 2011: A View of the Changing Landscape
On February 24, David presented The Impact of Menu Labeling Legislation to the attendees of the Mullin Law, PC Franchising 2011 seminar.
Feb. 9-11, 2011
Hospitality Law Conference
David, with co-presenters Elizabeth DeConti and Christian Stegmaier, gave a breakout session entitled Ripped From the Headlines: Avoiding Liability and Negative Publicity by Taking Lessons from Actual News Stories at the ninth annual Hospitality Law Conference in Houston, Texas.
The Hospitality Law Conference is a one-of-a-kind opportunity that brings together more than 350 private attorneys, human resource professionals, in-house counsel, loss-prevention personnel, risk managers, and hospitality owners and operators to learn about a host of legal issues pertinent to the hospitality industry.
November 10, 2010
HospitalityLawyer.com Webinar
David will present Cheating Death: The Importance of Succession Planning for Multi-owner Businesses at 3:00 p.m. CDT on HospitalityLawyer.com.
Entrepreneurs begin their businesses with excitement and hope. They consider their partners carefully. Many seldom consider, however, (especially at the outset) how to plan for the possibility that an owner could die while the business is operating. Such provisions are critical when the partners participate in operations.
This Webinar will explore strategies for avoiding partnership with estates or heirs, including Buy/Sell Agreements, and Key Person life insurance, as well as options for implementing these plans in ways that protect the company. Click HERE to register.
Fall 2010
In the Mix Magazine
David’s article "Wake Me Up, Before You Go" was featured in the Fall 2010 issue of In The Mix. The article examines issues that can arise when companies fail to make provisions for smooth operation in the event an owner dies.
September 13, 2010
Art Institute of Dallas
On September 13, 2010, David addressed the Capstone Class at the Art Institute of Dallas' School of Culinary Arts on legal issues in the food and beverage industry, providing the students with a general overview of various legal issues they might face, including forming entities, lease negotiation and food/liquor liability.
Summer 2010
In The Mix Magazine
David’s article "Money for Nothing" was featured on the Summer 2010 issue of In The Mix. The article discusses the need for restaurant and bar owners to make sure they have appropriate insurance coverage for food- and beverage-related claims. The article also suggested resources that operators can use to guard against claims.
June 2010
Restaurant Start Up & Growth Magazine
Restaurant Startup & Growth Magazine also featured David in the June 2010 issue, in an article entitled "Other People’s Money: The Legal Aspects of Growing Your Business With Friends, Family and Angel Investors." The article discusses various forms of restaurant funding (loans, venture capital and private investors), with a focus on the legal requirements involved in raising money through private investments.
June 7, 2010
Art Institute of Dallas
On June 7, 2010, David addressed the Capstone Class at the School of Culinary Arts on legal issues in the food and beverage industry, providing the students with a general overview of various legal issues they might face, including forming entities, lease negotiation and food/liquor liability.
May 2010
Restaurant Start Up & Growth Magazine
David was featured in the May 2010 issue of Restaurant Start Up and Growth Magazine in an article entitled, "On Your Mark: Understanding and Protecting Your Trademark." In this article, David addressed the danger of trademark infringement and the importance of protecting your trademark.
This article was reprinted in the August 2010 Food & Beverage Newsletter for Operators published by HospitalityLawyer.com.
April 2010
2010 Menu Labeling
Click here for short primer on the menu labeling portion of the Patient Protection & Affordable Health Care Act, passed into law on March 23, 2010. This article was also featured in HospitalityLawyer.com’s May 2010, Food & Beverage Newsletter.
February 4, 2010
Hospitality Law Conference
On February 4, 2010, David presented The Modern Menu: Warnings, Disclaimers, and Nutrition Labeling at the 8th Annual Hospitality Law Conference. This session focused on the legal aspects of menu design, including the use of warnings and disclaimers to avoid (or limit) liability for foodborne illness and allergic reactions. The session also addressed existing nutrition labeling laws, as well as proposed national menu labeling legislation.
January 2010
Restaurant Start Up and Growth
David was featured in the January 2010 issue of Restaurant Start Up and Growth Magazine in an article entitled, "Risky Business: How to Prevent Workplace Hazards." In this article, David addressed common and uncommon workplace injury issues, discussed workers' compensation insurance and suggested how to set up a safety training program in-house.
December 7, 2009
Art Institute of Dallas
On December 7, 2009, David addressed the Capstone Class at the School of Culinary Arts on legal issues in the food and beverage industry, providing the students with a general overview of various legal issues they might face, including forming entities, lease negotiation and food/liquor liability.
November 6, 2009
The Dallas Institute
On November 6, 2009, David appeared with Dr. James McWilliams at the Dallas Institute to discuss "The Ethics of Food."
The Dallas Institute – The Ethics of Food: A Symposium.
November 3, 2009
Mexican Restaurant Association Convention 2009
On November 3, 2009, David spoke in Kansas City, Missouri at a seminar titled, "Protecting Your Restaurant From Foodborne Illness & Allergy Claims."
October 2009
Nightclub & Bar Magazine
David was featured in the October 2009 issue of Nightclub & Bar Magazine in an article entitled, "Ensuring Happy Holidays: Proper Contracts and Service Help Make Private Parties Successful." In this article, David addressed issues that arise when booking private parties or special events and gives advice on how to better prepare your contracts to minimize liability and risk.
Fall 2009
Food Safety Solutions
David was featured in the Fall 2009 issue of Food Safety Solutions in an article entitled, "State of Anaphylactic Shock."
October 2009
Restaurant Startup & Growth Magazine
David was featured in the October 2009 issue of Restaurant Startup & Growth Magazine in an article entitled, "What You Say Is What They Get: A Truth-in-Menu and Menu Labeling Laws Primer."
Summer 2009
In The Mix Magazine
David was featured in the Summer 2009 issue of In The Mix in an article entitled, "Making Your Mark On The World," a short article on the benefits of seeking Federal Trademark protection.
August 2009
Corporate & Incentive Travel
David was featured in the August 2009 issue of Corporate & Incentive Travel in an article entitled, "Protect Attendees and Your Organization From Identity Thieves and Corporate Spies."
June 28, 2009
2009 Southwest Foodservice Expo
David joined other foodservice industry experts on a panel at the Southwest Foodservice Expo entitled, "Gear Up in the Economic Downtown."
May 11, 2009
Nation’s Restaurant News
David was featured in the May 11, 2009 issue of Nation's Restaurant News in an article entitled, "FS/TEC Panel Offers Insights Into Revised PCI Security Standards."
Additionally, this article was previewed in the January 12, 2009 issue of Nation's Restaurant News in an article entitled, "Weick Among FS/TEC Winners."
April 20, 2009
Nation’s Restaurant News
David was featured in the April 20, 2009 issue of Nation's Restaurant News in an article entitled, "On a roll: Texas restaurateurs drive businss with gourmet-food trailers."
continued...
April 15, 2009
Greater Dallas Restaurant Association
On April 15, 2009, David co-hosted, along with Jay Goldstein of Advance Foodservice Consulting and Special Guest Donald Uloth, the seminar sponsored by Greater Dallas Restaurant Association “Tool Chest Educational Series” on "Immigration: Staying Staffed and in Compliance”.
April 2009
Nightclub & Bar
Also reprinted in the HospitalityLawyer.com newsletter, the "Take Me Home Tonight" article focused on various ways bars have tried to get patrons home safely while exposing themselves to potential liability.
March 9, 2009
Art Institute of Dallas
On March 9, 2009, David addressed the Capstone Class at the School of Culinary Arts on legal issues in the food and beverage industry, providing the students with a general overview of various legal issues they might face, including forming entities, lease negotiation and food/liquor liability.
March 4, 2009
Dallas Institute for Humanities
David participated in the Dallas Institute for Humanities Environmental Forum.
February 25, 2009
Greater Dallas Restaurant Association
On February 25, 2009, David co-hosted, along with Jay Goldstein of Advance Foodservice Consulting and Special Guest Michael Levy with Desperado’s restaurant, the seminar sponsored by Greater Dallas Restaurant Association “Tool Chest Educational Series” on Menu Engineering.
February 16, 2009
Hospitality Law Conference
On February 16, 2009, David addressed the 7th annual Hospitality Law Conference in Houston, Texas. His talk focused on the need for restaurant companies to develop policies and procedures for addressing and avoiding foodborne illness and allergy claims.
February 4, 2009
Foodservice Technology Exposition & Conference (FS/TEC) Conference
In February 2009, David participated on a panel at the 14th annual Foodservice Technology Exposition & Conference (FS/TEC) Conference in Orlando, Florida. The panel addressed the requirements of PCI Data Security Standards v.1.2 in the restaurant industry and ramifications for non-compliance.
February 2009
HospitalityLawyer.com
David was featured in the February 2009 issue of HospitalityLawyer.com in an article entitled, "Take Me Home Tonight: Words You DON'T Want To Hear In Your Bar."
November 2008
QSR Magazine
David was featured in the November 2008 issue of QSR Magazine in an article entitled, "Leasing Terms," which explored negotiating tactics for restaurant leases.
October 15, 2008
Greater Dallas Restaurant Association’s 2008 Growth Series
On October 15, 2008, David co-hosted, along with Jay Goldstein and Special Guest Jason Puig of Staubach Retail, the fifth in their series of seminars sponsored by the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association. The seminar focused on maximizing value when dealing with developers and landlords.
October 2008
Club Managers’ Association of America Legal Newsletter
The Oct/Nov/Dec 2008, issue of the CMAA Legal Newsletter featured David's article entitled, "Shock Treatment: Avoiding Liability for Allergy Claims in Food and Beverage Operations."
July 2008
QSR Magazine
David was featured in the July 2008 issue of QSR Magazine entitled "Labeling Battle Continues" on the issue of Menu Labeling.
September 15, 2008
Art Institute of Dallas, School of Culinary Arts
On September 15, 2008, David addressed the Capstone Class at the School of Culinary Arts on legal issues in the food and beverage industry, providing the students with a general overview of various legal issues they might face, including forming entities, lease negotiation and food/liquor liability.
June 2, 2008
Art Institute of Dallas, School of Culinary Arts
On June 2, 2008, David addressed the Capstone Class at the School of Culinary Arts on legal issues in the food and beverage industry, providing the students with a general overview of various legal issues they might face, including forming entities, lease negotiation and food/liquor liability.
June, 2008
Restaurant Startup & Growth Magazine
The June 2008, issue of Restaurant Startup & Growth Magazine featured David's article entitled, "Tragic Consequences: Avoiding Food Allergen Crises and Liability in Your Restaurant."
May 26, 2008
Nation’s Restaurant News
David was featured in the May 26, 2008, issue of Nation's Restaurant News in an article entitled, "Hackers Increasingly Wreak Havoc on Industry."
May 21, 2008
Greater Dallas Restaurant Association’s 2008 Growth Series
On May 21, 2008, David co-hosted, along with Jay Goldstein and Special Guest Ron Ruggless of Nation's Restaurant News, the fourth in their series of seminars sponsored by the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association. The seminar focused on creating advantages in the current economic climate, showcasing the strong North Texas economy and identifying opportunities for maximizing profits.
April 23, 2008
Le Cordon Bleu, Dallas
David addressed the Hospitality Supervision students at Le Cordon Bleu Dallas. The talk focued on "hot topics" in the hospitality industry, such as menu labeling, employment issues and liability prevention.
April 21-22, 2008
Texas Culinary Academy
David addressed the faculty and students at the Texas Culinary Academy. The faculty talk focued on allergies, foodborne illness and liability issues, while two separate talks with students dealt with (1) liability issues, and (2) what to know before starting your own restaurant company.
April 6-8, 2008
Dine America Conference
David sat on the Government Relations Update panel at the annual Dine America Conference held in Houston, Texas.
April 2, 2008
Le Cordon Bleu, Dallas
David addressed the Hospitality Supervision students at Le Cordon Bleu Dallas. The talk focued on various issues the students will likely face working in the hospitality industry.
March 10, 2008
Art Institute of Dallas, School of Culinary Arts
On March 10, 2008, David addressed the Capstone Class at the School of Culinary Arts on legal issues in the food and beverage industry, providing the students with a general overview of various legal issues they might face, including forming entities, lease negotiation and food/liquor liability.
January 23, 2008
Greater Dallas Restaurant Association’s 2007-8 Growth Series
On January 23, 2008, David co-hosted, along with Jay Goldstein and Special Guest Lee Plotkin, the third in a series of seminars sponsored by the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association. The seminar focused on purchasing strategies and provided resources to assist owner/operators in preventing and/or dealing with purchasing contracts and supply issues.
December 2007
Restaurant Startup & Growth Magazine
Restaurant Startup & Growth Magazine featured David in the December 2007 issue, in an article entitled "Gone Today, Heirs Tomorrow." The article discussed options for protecting a business from uncertainty following the death of an owner by implementing succession strategies.