This year's in-person and virtual 2022 Global Entertainment & Sports Law + Industry Conference will focus on Miami as an epicenter for tech and necessary to today's industry attorneys, including esports in South Florida, the new wave of connection blockchain to stadium sponsorships and fan engagement, the Miami Grand Prix, a coffee talk on art shaping public spaces in Miami, and the future of Miami entertainment and hospitality. Other topics will include a conversation on diversity equity and inclusion efforts in the entertainment and sports space, hot topics facing NBA general counsels, music catalog sales, and acquisitions, and will simulate a Name, Image, and Likeness deal focused on the creation of an NFT.
"It is no secret that Miami is evolving at a rapid pace. With an influx of talent and tech companies moving and doing business in South Florida, the impact has been felt in entertainment, arts, and sports industries," said Greg Levy, associate dean and director of the Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law LL.M. "Our conference will explore the issues impacting our city and other topical business, legal and societal issues impacting these industries. Our conference always looks to bring together a community of professionals and students to explore, debate and discuss the most pressing issues of our day – this year is no exception. I want to commend our student committee for their incredible work in making this conference a reality."
Laurie Silvers, J.D. '77, founder of the South Florida-based global esports and entertainment company Misfits Gaming Group, and Misfits CEO Ben Spoont will participate in a Thursday keynote conversation. Entertainment and hospitality mogul David Grutman will speak on "Miami 2030" later in the day. Stephen Espinoza, president of sports and event programming at Showtime Networks, Inc., will participate in a Friday keynote conversation, "Game Time," as will Christine Simmons, COO of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, looking at equity, inclusion, and diversity of women leaders in sports and entertainment. Former NFL player and UM alumnus Jonathan Vilma, an NFL analyst on Fox Sports, will join a broadcaster and agent forum during Thursday's conference.
The University of Miami School of Law's Entertainment and Sports Law Society and LL.M. in Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law hosts the annual event. The society delivered its first conference in 1997. Since then, it has grown into a full-scale event where law students and professionals participate in a forum to discuss current legal issues in sports, entertainment, intellectual property, the arts, and the media. Some of the most well-known local and national attorneys, faculty, agents, legal advisers, athletes, and entertainers serve as panelists, lead Q-and-A sessions, and foster academic debate.
13.5 CLE credits are approved in The Florida Bar, including 1.0 bias elimination and 2.5 technology, and visit www.law.miami.edu/esls.
The Thursday, April 7, and Friday, April 8, 2022, event is from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. EST is open to the public either in-person or virtual and free with advanced registration. For specific conference information, contact events@law.miami.edu.
Masks are no longer required in indoor spaces on the Coral Gables campus. Individuals who wish to wear a mask for their protection are encouraged to do so. For the latest COVID-19 guidance at the University of Miami, visit https://coronavirus.miami.edu/index.html.
Speakers, topics, and time are subject to change without notice.
