About Me

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I am a consultant and general counsel to International Ride Training LLC as well as a practicing attorney in Avon, Connecticut. A particular focus of mine is the legal needs of the amusement and tourism industry. My focus on the amusement industry derives from my pre-law career as an operations manager with Cedar Fair Entertainment Company and Universal Orlando. Having started my career as a ride operator at Cedar Point in 1992, I progressed through the seasonal ranks and ultimately became the Manager of Ride Operations and Park Services at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City. I also worked in Universal's operations department during the construction and development of Islands of Adventure. Today, I am an active member of the New England Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions and the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions. I have been invited to speak at amusement industry meetings and seminars and have worked on a variety of matters relating to this industry.

Legal Disclaimer (because, you know, I'm a lawyer)

This Blog/Web Site is made available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice (or any legal advice). By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher and / or author nor can such a relationship be created by use of his Blog / Web Site. By using thisBlog / Web Site you understand that any statement on the blog site are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of Wiggin and Dana LLP or International Ride Training LLC. By using this blog site you understand that the Blog/Web Site is not affiliated with or approved by Wiggin and Dana LLP or International Ride Training LLC. The Blog/Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state or jurisdiction. This blog is not published for advertising or solicitation purposes. Regardless, the hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

IAAPA Is Over, So What's Next? How Does A Couple Of Days In New Orleans In February Sound?

IAAPA 2014 in Orlando was a huge success!   From talking to my clients and peers that were there, I think all agree that the quality of the educational sessions and networking opportunities was, as usual, consistently fantastic.  But what now?  Well I have a suggestion.  How about a trip to New Orleans in the dead of winter?  Sound good?
 
Recently, the American Conference Institute reached out to me about being a media partner for an upcoming, and first of its kind, conference on Recreation, Leisure, and Amusement Park Compliance and Litigation.  Now, over the years, I've had a few whispers from various people about setting something like this up, but nothing that has either been backed by someone like ACI, who has A LOT of experience with quality business conferences on a variety of topics, or that I thought would be of interest to a broad swath of the industry.  Well, that's all about to change.



So what is this all about, exactly?  Well you can find out all the detailed information by clicking here.  But in a nutshell, the conference is scheduled for February 26-27 at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel in Naw'lins (that is how the locals say it, yes?).  The faculty includes speakers from some of the most notable companies in the industry today - companies like Palace Entertainment, Intrawest, T.H.E. Insurance, PARC Management, Herschend Family Entertainment, Cedar Fair Entertainment, The Morey Organization, and Vail Resorts Management.  It also includes some of the leading attorneys in the industry including, of course, yours truly.

And what are we going to be talking about?  Well, you name it and it's probably covered.  It will surprise no one that I will be speaking on a panel discussing compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.   Other panels will address employment issues in the industry; best practices for safety, training, and education; the use of technology in litigation; state and federal safety regulation; preparing for catastrophic accident cases; insurance issues; waiver enforceability; and a panel discussion with state ride regulators.  Frankly, the scope of issues that will be covered in this two day conference is unparalleled in the industry regardless of whether you are an insurer, an attorney, or an operator. 

I should make clear that, although I am a media partner with ACI for this conference, I am not being paid to endorse this event.  If I didn't think this was a great opportunity, I wouldn't have anything to do with it.  The fact that I've put my name on this conference means I believe in what they are doing.  But, that said, as a reader of this fine blog, my media partnership gives YOU some benefit.  ACI has generously offered readers of The Legal Roller Coaster a $200 discount on the registration fee.  To obtain this discount, enter the code LRC200 upon registration (you can click here to be taken directly to the registration page).

So, I ask you ... who wouldn't want to head to New Orleans at the end of February for a couple of days of in-depth discussion on a variety of industry issues, networking with some of the industry's top professionals, and, maybe ... just maybe, taking in a little of the Mardi Gras atmosphere down there at the same time?  I'll be there.  I hope to see some of you there too.



8 comments:

  1. This looks like it's going to be a great conference. I hope I will be able to attend.

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