Legal + Workforce Symposium
Legal Insights for Hospitality and Tourism: Navigate industry challenges
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (CDT)
Category: Signature Events
Join industry leaders, HR professionals, legal experts, and workforce partners for a full day of critical conversations and strategic insights at TNHTA’s annual Legal + Workforce Symposium. This year’s event features dual tracks—Legal and Workforce Development—alongside engaging general sessions, breakout panels, and a rooftop networking reception to close out the day.
Presented in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, and the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association, this is one of the most anticipated events on our calendar—designed to equip Tennessee’s hospitality employers with the tools, updates, and relationships they need to thrive.
Key Topics Include:
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Labor law updates, risk management, alcohol compliance
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Workforce trends, hiring pipelines, DEI strategies
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Immigration & I-9 compliance
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State policy updates and advocacy insights
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Building future-ready teams and career pathways
Speakers include:
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Commissioner Deniece Thomas, TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce
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Commissioner Mark Ezell, TN Dept. of Tourist Development
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Legal experts from Fisher Phillips, Adams + Reese, Capitol & Fifth Public Strategies
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Educators, employers, and workforce development leaders
Stick around for our closing Rooftop Reception sponsored by Fisher Phillips, featuring drinks, music, and networking with statewide leaders.
This event is FREE to members of TNHTA. Space is limited—secure your spot today!
Co-Sponsor:
Partners:
Agenda
| July 16 | |
| 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM |
Registration and Networking Breakfast
Sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development |
| 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM |
Opening Remarks and Keynote Address
Sara Beth Urban - TNHTA President & CEO Leesa LeClaire - GNHA President & CEO Commissioner Deniece Thomas - TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner Mark Ezell - TN Department of Tourist Development |
| 9:45 AM - 10:30 AM |
Breakout Session 1
Policies in Practice: Legal Pathway Labor Law & Employment Essentials for Hospitality: What You Need to Know in 2025 presented by Fisher Phillips People in Practice: Workforce Pathway Attracting and Retaining Top Talent in Hospitality |
| 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM |
Breakout Session 2
Policies in Practice: Legal Pathway Contracts, Liability & Risk Management: Protecting Your Hospitality Business presented by Baker Donelson People in Practice: Workforce Pathway Building Future-Ready Teams: Upskilling & Career Pathways in Hospitality |
| 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM |
Breakout Session 3
Policies in Practice: Legal Pathway Compliance on Tap: Serving Safely Under Tennessee’s ABC & HDCP Regulations presented by Adams + Reece People in Practice: Workforce Pathway Breaking Down Hiring Barriers in Hospitality |
| 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM |
Working Lunch and Advocacy Update
Legislative and policy updates from TNHTA's Lobbyists. |
| 1:30 PM - 1:45 PM |
Pause for Paws
Presented by the Tennessee Association of Guide Dog Users - ADA compliance and guest accessibility awareness. |
| 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM |
Breakout Session 4
Policies in Practice: Legal Pathway Navigating DEI in a Shifting Legal Landscape: Compliance, Inclusion, and the Path Forward presented by Baker Donelson People in Practice: Workforce Pathway Building Tennessee’s Hospitality Talent Pipeline: Employer Resources & Workforce Connections |
| 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM |
General Session
Immigration & Workforce Compliance in Hospitality presented by Fisher Phillips |
| 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM |
Closing Panel
The Future of Hospitality Workforce & Compliance - This powerful closing session brings together legal experts, educators, and workforce development leaders for a candid discussion on the future of Tennessee's hospitality and tourism industry. |
| 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM |
Rooftop Reception
Sponsored by Fisher Phillips |
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