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Back to Events

Legal + Workforce Symposium

Legal Insights for Hospitality and Tourism: Navigate industry challenges


Wednesday, July 16, 2025
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (CDT)

Hilton Green Hills


3801 Cleghorn Avenue Nashville, TN 37215-2507 United States
Register Now
Category: Signature Events
Book Your Room at the Hilton Green Hills Here

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:

  • Labor law updates, risk management, alcohol compliance
  • Workforce trends, hiring pipelines, DEI strategies
  • Immigration & I-9 compliance
  • State policy updates and advocacy insights
  • Building future-ready teams and career pathways
 Speakers include:
  • Commissioner Deniece Thomas, TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce
  • Commissioner Mark Ezell, TN Dept. of Tourist Development
  • Legal experts from Fisher Phillips, Adams + Reese, Capitol & Fifth Public Strategies
  • 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:

Legal + Workforce Symposium

Partners:

Baker Donelson
Greater Nashville Hospitality Association | Nashville, TN

Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA)

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
Register Now

For More Information:

Chelsa Lourie

Chelsa Lourie

Workforce Development Director, Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association

View Profile

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2630 Elm Hill Pike Ste. 110
Nashville, Tennessee 37214
United States

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615.385.9970

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