We are delighted to welcome Barbara Dunn as our guest today.
Barbara is one of the top legal experts in our industry and an absolute powerhouse in her field! She joins us today to share her professional journey and explore the realities of owning and running a business.
Stay tuned for Barbara’s valuable insights on the legal aspects every business owner must consider to thrive in the current dynamic and competitive business landscape.
Barbara’s Professional Journey
Barbara is an experienced attorney specializing in nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations, and association law. She built a career specializing in legal counsel for associations and nonprofit organizations. With her extensive experience in contract negotiation, risk management, and governance, she has guided many organizations through complex legal challenges. Her expertise has been especially valuable in helping organizations adapt to changing environments, including the shift to virtual events and navigating pandemic-related disruptions.
Legal Support During the Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Barbara offered vital support for associations having to cancel or reschedule large-scale in-person events. She helped them navigate the force majeure clauses in their contracts and assess legal and practical risks. Effective communication and thorough documentation were essential for her success in resolving disputes with venues and vendors.
Contracts and Force Majeure
During the pandemic, Barbara encountered many contracts that were outdated or vague, leaving associations vulnerable to unexpected disruptions. She highlights the importance of having force majeure clauses, regular contract reviews, and updates that include specific language about public health emergencies and related government actions.
Shifting to Virtual and Hybrid Events
With virtual and hybrid events becoming more commonplace, organizations should update their contracts and legal documents to make them applicable to intellectual property rights, accessibility needs, and agreements with tech vendors for virtual and hybrid events.
Risk Management and Insurance
Legal protection also means ensuring insurance coverage is up to date. Associations should work with insurance brokers to cover the possibility of event cancellations or cyber risks. Solid internal planning and governance policies will help keep those risks in check.
Governance and Communication
Barbara advises boards and executive teams to revisit bylaws and governance structures to keep up with operational changes. Clear and open communication within the association, with members and outside partners, is the key to handling risks smoothly, especially in tough times or during transitions.
Long-Term Lessons for Associations
Associations should adopt a forward-thinking approach to risk and legal preparedness rather than reacting only after issues arise. They should stay flexible, have regular legal reviews, and nurture good relationships with their lawyers, vendors, and team members. Being proactive about risk and legal readiness will help associations stay ahead instead of reacting frantically when problems arise.
Bio: Barbara Dunn
Barbara Dunn is a lawyer and trusted advisor to meeting professionals and trade show organizers. With more than three decades of experience, Barbara collaborates with her clients as they navigate complex contract negotiations and finalize effective contracts for their meetings, events, and trade shows. Barbara also represents nonprofit organizations as they launch, pursue federal tax exemptions, develop governing documents, train board members, and build their operations. Barbara is the owner of her law practice, Barbara Dunn Law PLLC, following her tenure as a capital partner at the law firm of Barnes & Thornburg.
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