DISCOVER
BESLA’s 2026 Annual Conference brings together attorneys, executives, and rising professionals from across the country for meaningful dialogue, industry insight, and powerful networking. Set against the stunning backdrop of Punta de Mita, the 2026 conference will feature dynamic panels, curated events, and opportunities to connect with the community advancing excellence in entertainment and sports law.
HONOREES
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
BEACON OF INDUSTRY
FEE MATRIX
Take advantage of the general conference registration rate today!
Online Registration is Now Closed - Onsite Registration will Open on 10/28 @11:30am ET.
CONFERENCE RATES & PROCESSING FEES
(Standard Processing Fees will be included)
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Online Registration is Now Closed - Onsite Registration will Open on 10/28 @11:30am ET.
THURS. BESLA SUNSET CRUISE DETAILS
Thursday Evening Off-site Cruise: When registering for the conference, the first 200 registrants who indicate their intent to participate in the Thursday evening cruise will be on the event list. Once the capacity is reached, a waitlist will be established and managed on a first-come, first-served basis. Cruise reservations are non-transferable and non-refundable.
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DETAILS
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Member, Non-Member, & Student Registrations include (i) all substantive panels, (ii) welcome reception, (iii) scheduled off-site functions and (iv) the gala.
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Meal & Function Registration includes (i) welcome reception, (ii) scheduled off-site functions, and (iii) the gala.
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Rates and programming are subject to change without notice.
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All sales are final. No refunds will be given.
Non-members are welcome to join today and take advantage of the
2026 Conference member rate.
HOTEL INFORMATION
Dear BESLA Guest,
We are pleased to welcome you to the 46th BESLA Annual Conference, taking place from Wednesday, October 28th, through Sunday, November 1st.
For your convenience, we have also made additional pre and post conference room dates available at the same group rate, allowing you greater flexibility when planning your travel or extending your stay.
Please note that the group rate will be available for reservations made on or before the extended date of Monday October, 19th 6pm ET/3pm PT. We encourage you to book your accommodations by this date to take advantage of the special 46th BESLA Annual Conference rate.
Welcome back BESLA!
Conrad Punta De Mita
Hotel Reservation Details:
Conrad Punta de Mita Hotels & Resorts | Carretera Punta de Mita-Sayulita Km 2, 63734 Nayarit, Mexico
*This property is not all-inclusive.
RESERVATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
Contact the hotel for reservations questions: Direct +1 800 288 9985 | USA. +1 844 298 4300
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Transportation Details:
RESERVATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
Ground transportation reservations close on Oct. 23 1:59AM ET/10:59PM.
To make ground transportation arrangements either call or email +52 (322) 108 9178 | luis.cristobal@tropicalincentives.com. Let them know that you are attending the BESLA Annual Conference at the Conrad.
Rates:
Conference registration includes the CLE panels & workshops
Ensuring access to continuing legal education so every BESLA member can grow, lead, and serve without financial limitation.
MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
VANESSA ESTELLE WILLIAMS
Brooklyn-born powerhouse Vanessa Estelle Williams lit up the screen in her film debut as Keisha—the fierce, gun-toting “around-the-way girl” and head of security for the Cash Money Brothers—in the iconic urban classic New Jack City, directed by Mario Van Peebles and starring Wesley Snipes.
AGENDA
*Agenda is subject to change
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026
11:30 AM - 4:30 PM Check-in & Registration ~ Hotel Lobby
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM All White Welcome Reception (Sponsored by Paramount Skydance) followed by Karaoke ~ Beachfront near Mezquite
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2026
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Hosted continental breakfast available ~ Tukipa Foyer
7:30 AM – 3:00 PM Check-in & Registration ~ Hotel Lobby
All Continuing Legal Education (CLE) panels and presentations will take place in Tukipa
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Session Al
SPORTS
Title: Sports Betting, Gaming, and eSports: Navigating a Rapidly Evolving Legal Landscape
Moderator: Allison Hobbs, Esq. (Sr. Counsel, BALA, Samsung Electronics America, Inc.)
Panelists: David Pilson, Esq. (VP, Total Rewards, DraftKings), Keita Young, Esq. (Advocacy & Public Policy), Rich Winley III (Owner, Omni Gaming)
Description: Since the Supreme Court's decision in Murphy v. NCAA, the legalization of sports betting has transformed the sports and entertainment industries. As more states authorize sports wagering, attorneys must navigate an increasingly complex legal framework governing sportsbooks, daily fantasy sports, data rights, integrity protections, advertising and consumer protection, and responsible gaming. Global eSports revenues are estimated to be between $2.6 and $4.8 billion and are expected to reach $27.5 billion over the next decade. Such explosive growth has prompted HBCUs jumping into waters. This panel will examine emerging litigation, evolving regulatory trends, and the legal challenges arising at the intersection of sports, technology, media, and gaming.
9:10 AM - 9:20 AM Film Screening I (Sponsored by BET)
9:20 AM - 10:20 AM Session A2
MUSIC
Title: Follow the Money: Royalty Audits, Profit Participation & Protecting Creative Income
Moderator: Evita G. Kaigler, Esq. (Principal, Law Offices of Evita G. Kaigler, LLC)
Panelists: Keisha Perry Walker, Esq. (Principal, The Perry Law Group), Serona Elton (Head of Educational Partnerships, The MLC), Orlando McGhee (Head of Urban Music, ONErpm), Chris Spartz (Director, Armanino Advisory LLC)
Description: Royalty audits are one of the most effective—yet often underutilized—tools for protecting creative income. Musicians, recording artists, songwriters, and other entertainment professionals rely on complex royalty and profit participation structures that can result in underpayments, accounting errors, or missed revenue opportunities. This panel will explore the legal and financial mechanics of royalty audits, common audit rights negotiated in entertainment agreements, and strategies for enforcing contractual payment obligations. Panelists will also discuss the importance of educating creators—particularly those from historically underrepresented communities—about leveraging royalty audits to safeguard their earnings, preserve generational wealth, and maximize the value of their intellectual property throughout their careers.
10:20 AM - 10:25 AM Address by Serona Elton, The MLC
10:35 AM - 10:45 AM Film Screening II
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Session A3
SPORTS
Title: Labor & Employment in Professional Sports: Collective Bargaining, Player Rights & League Governance
Moderator: Cassandra Horton, Esq. (Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp LLP)
Panelists: Maacah Scott (Ass. GC, Chicago White Sox), Shameeka Quallo, Esq. (Chief Legal Officer, Washington Spirits), Chauntell Bobo, Esq. (Deputy General Counsel, WTA)
Description: Labor relations remain at the center of professional sports, shaping how leagues, teams, and athletes negotiate compensation, working conditions, player movement, and discipline. This panel will examine collective bargaining agreements, disputes involving salary caps, free agency, revenue sharing, and player safety. Panelists will also explore the unique legal challenges facing athletes in individual sports, where the absence of traditional union representation raises distinct issues along with the latest attempt to unionize collegiate athletes.
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM Lunch buffet available outside the Conference Center!
12:15 PM - 12:25 PM Film Screening III
12:25 PM - 1:25 PM Session A4
GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT
Title: AI, Likeness Cloning & the Future of Creative Rights
Moderator: Lee Rankin, Esq. (Founder/President, Lee Rankin Group)
Panelists: Michael Traylor, Esq. (Chief Legal Officer, MarTech Legal Experts), Yoko S. Ihaza, Esq. (VP, Biz Dev & Legal Affairs, Create Music Group), Jemar E. Daniel, Esq. (Partner, Dark Matter Law LLP)
Description: Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the entertainment industry, raising unprecedented questions about ownership, authorship, and the protection of creative works. This panel will examine the evolving legal landscape surrounding AI-generated content, including copyrightability, the use of copyrighted works to train AI models, ownership of AI-assisted creations, and emerging right of publicity issues. Special attention will be given to the unauthorized use of AI to replicate the likenesses of iconic Black musicians and performers, exploring the legal, ethical, cultural, and economic implications of voice cloning technology. As litigation, legislation, and collective bargaining continue to evolve, this session will provide practitioners with practical insights into the legal frameworks shaping the future of creativity, compensation, and artistic identity.
1:35 PM - 1:45 PM Film Screening IV
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM Session A5
GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT
Title: Protecting Wealth: Both Yours and Your Clients
Moderator: Domonique Price, Esq. (Principal, Go Price Law)
Panelists: Belva Anakwenze (Principal, Abacus Financial Business Management), Daryl Holmes (SVP, Wealth Management Advisor, UBS), Montreal Morand (Managing Partner/Founder, Woodmore Insurance Group)
Description: You spend your career helping clients prepare for life's biggest transitions—but have you prepared for your own? Whether you're building wealth, growing a practice, or planning for retirement, a thoughtful estate plan is essential to protecting your family, your assets, and your professional legacy. This interactive workshop will explore the key components of estate planning, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, beneficiary designations, tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies, and succession planning for law practices. Panelists will also discuss the ethical and practical considerations attorneys should address when advising clients on preserving generational wealth, minimizing conflict, and ensuring their wishes are carried out. Attendees will leave with practical tools to strengthen both their personal estate plans and their ability to counsel clients on one of the most important—and too often overlooked—aspects of legal planning.
2:45 PM - 5:00 PM Afternoon Break
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Depart for Sunset Cruise
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Sunset Cruise (max capacity is 200 ppl -- priority will be given based on timing of registration)
9:30 PM Return from Sunset Cruise
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Hosted continental breakfast available ~ Tukipa Foyer
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Check-in & Registration ~ Hotel Lobby
All Continuing Legal Education (CLE) panels and presentations will take place in Tukipa
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Session Bl
SPORTS
Title: College Athletics at a Crossroads: NIL, Revenue Sharing & the Future of Amateurism
Moderator: Meagan Sunn, Esq. (VP-Government Affairs, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP)
Panelists: Stephen Pina, Esq. (Partner, Archer & Greiner PC), Tanisha Pinkins, Esq. (Sr. Associate, Holland & Knight LLP), Erica McKinley, Esq. (Founder/CEO Erica McKinley PLLC)
Description: The legal framework governing college athletics is chaotic and continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. A patchwork of state NIL laws, the absence of a comprehensive federal framework, booster-funded collectives, and ongoing litigation have transformed the landscape for student-athletes, educational institutions, and governing bodies. This panel will examine the far-reaching implications of the House v. NCAA settlement, the shift toward revenue sharing, and recent federal efforts to reshape athlete eligibility, transfer rules, and NIL regulation. Attendees will gain practical insights into the legal, regulatory, and business challenges defining the future of collegiate sports.
9:00 AM – 9:05 AM Presentation of Before You Sign by Tabetha Plummer
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM Session B2
GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT/MUSIC
Title: On the Road: Legal & Business Considerations for Touring and Live Entertainment
Moderator: Honieh Udenka, Esq. (Associate, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP)
Panelists: Robert Gibbs (Head of Music Atlanta, United Talent Agency), Aurielle Brooks, Esq. (Partner, Arrington & Phillips LLP), Erica Grace Martin, Esq. (SVP Legal-Commercial Transactions, Roc Nation), Lahteefah Parramore, C.P.A. (Partner TriStar Sports and Entertainment)
Description: From arena tours and music festivals to theatrical productions and live events, successful touring requires careful legal planning and seamless operational execution. This panel will examine the legal and logistical issues that arise throughout the touring lifecycle, including talent and promoter agreements, venue contracts, sponsorships, insurance, licensing, labor and employment matters, immigration and international touring, transportation, security, risk management, and crisis planning. Panelists will also discuss the evolving challenges of producing live entertainment in today's marketplace and provide practical strategies for helping artists, producers, promoters, and event organizers navigate the complexities of touring while minimizing legal and operational risk.
10:25 AM - 11:25 AM Session B3
FASHION
Title: Fashion, Beauty & Luxury Brands: Protecting, Building & Monetizing Iconic Brands
Moderator: Elke Suber, Esq. (Chief Legal Officer/Corp. Secretary, Community.com)
Panelists: Kenneth Anand, Esq. (Director of Client Relations, Jayaram Law), Cory Litwin, Juliette Browne, Esq. (Associate Attorney, Ziffren Brittenham LLP)
Description: From fashion houses, sneaker brands and beauty empires to athlete collaborations and celebrity-owned brands, fashion is more than design—it's a business built on intellectual property, branding, licensing, and global commerce. This panel will explore the legal and business strategies behind creating, protecting, and monetizing iconic brands, including trademark and copyright protection, licensing, brand collaborations, influencer and endorsement agreements. Panelists will also examine emerging issues involving artificial intelligence, social commerce, and brand expansion, while providing practical guidance on advising clients as they build, grow, and safeguard brand value in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
11:35 AM - 12:35 PM Session B4
GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT/PROFESSIONALISM
Title: Beyond the Resume: Professionalism, Executive Presence & Ethical Practice in Sports and Entertainment Law
Moderator: Uwonda S. Carter, Esq. (Managing Partner, Carter + Woodard)
Panelists: Charles Hamilton, Esq. (Principal, AudioVascular Consulting), Candisse Williamson, Esq. (Partner, Prodigious Legal Advisors)
Description: Success in sports and entertainment law requires more than legal knowledge—it demands professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to build trust with clients, colleagues, executives, talent, and industry stakeholders. This workshop will explore the principles of executive presence, professional etiquette, effective communication, networking, and relationship management through the lens of legal ethics and professionalism. Panelists will discuss common scenarios involving fellow attorney and client interactions, negotiations, social media, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, civility, cultural competency, implicit bias, and professional reputation, while examining the ethical obligations imposed by the Rules of Professional Conduct. Designed for law students, new attorneys, and emerging practitioners, this session will provide practical strategies for developing a credible, ethical, and enduring professional presence in the sports and entertainment industries. This session is specifically for attendees practicing law for 6 years or less.
12:35 PM - 6:00 PM Lunch and Afternoon on Your Own!
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Pre-Gala Cocktail Reception~ Tukipa Foyer
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Gala & Awards Program (Black Tie Attire) ~ Tukipa Ballroom
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2026 Beacon of Industry Honoree - Robert Townsend
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2026 Hall of Fame Inductee – Channing D. Johnson, Esq.
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2026 BESLA Scholarship Recipients
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2026 Film Festival Winner
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2026
7:45 AM – 9:00 AM Hosted grab n’ go breakfast available ~ Tukipa Foyer
SPORTS
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM Session C1 Codex
Title: BESLA Presents: Women in Sports Initiative Breakfast sponsored by U.S. Track & Field
Description: This power breakfast will feature a keynote address by Tiffany M. Shepard, Esq. (Director & Sr. Counsel, Brand Rights Protection, FIFA World Cup 2026). This event requires a separate registration/signup.
8:30 AM – 10:30 AM Check-in & Registration
All Continuing Legal Education (CLE) panels and presentations will take place in Tukipa
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Session C2
FILM/TELEVISION
Title: Performer Compensation & Streaming Platforms
Moderator: Tony Brackett, Esq. (Sr. Director, Business & Legal Affairs, Netflix)
Panelists: Oz Scott (Independent Filmmaker & Directors Guild of America Member), Marjorie Williams, Esq. (SVP- Business Affairs, Paramount Sports Entertainment), Joshua Edwards, Esq. (Partner, Fox Rothschild LLP)
Description: As audiences increasingly consume content through streaming services, the entertainment industry's longstanding compensation framework has undergone significant change. Questions surrounding transparency, revenue sharing, and fair compensation remain at the forefront of industry negotiations. This panel will examine the legal, contractual, and business issues surrounding streaming payments, including how existing collective bargaining agreements address compensation, the challenges of measuring value in the streaming era, and the competing perspectives of performers, studios, and streaming platforms. Attendees will gain insight into evolving legal standards and key considerations for practitioners representing talent, studios, and content distributors.
10:10 AM – 11:10 AM Session C3
PROFESSIONALISM
Title: Fireside Chat with Robert Townsend
Moderator: Darrell D. Miller, Esq. (Partner/Founding Chair of Ent. & Sports Dept., Fox Rothschild LLP)
Description: Join acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and comedian Robert Townsend, alongside his attorney Darrell D. Miller, Esq. for a conversation exploring the breadth of Townsend’s Hollywood career spanning more than four decades of breaking barriers, including the business decisions that have shaped his success.
11:20 AM - 12:20 PM Session C4
FILM/TELEVISION
Title: Tyler Perry Studios Presents Maxscene: A New Home for Filmmakers
Description: A new door is opening for filmmakers with distinctive voices. Join us for a conversation with Antoinetta Stallings (Head of Development & Acquisitions), Robyne Gordon (Head of Business Affairs), and Courtney Glaude (Writer, Director, Filmmaker) on Maxscene, Tyler Perry Studios’ new specialty film division.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Session C5- Compounding Connections: Networking Breakout Sessions
Description: The practice of law is changing faster than at any point in recent memory. Artificial intelligence is reshaping how legal work gets done, and the industry is still searching for sustainable alternatives to the billable hour. In this new landscape, your network is no longer a nice-to-have. It is one of your most valuable assets. The lawyers and business professionals who thrive in the years ahead will be the ones who build, leverage, and monetize their relationships with intention. Simply put, we must compound connections.
That's why this year's BESLA conference introduces focused breakout sessions designed to move beyond the ballroom. Large gatherings are great for energy and inspiration, but meaningful relationships are often built in smaller rooms. These sessions bring together attendees who share a practice area or career stage so you can get to know one another, exchange ideas, and start building together. The industry groups noted below will host free-flowing networking sessions, giving you the time and space to connect with peers, potential collaborators, and future deal partners in a setting that larger sessions simply can't provide. Attendees will gather in 1 of the 4 groups below:
SESSION I - Motion Picture, Television and Streaming - Xiriki (Blue)
SESSION II - Music - Game Room (Red)
SESSION III - Sports - Xiriki A (Orange)
SESSION IV - Technology and Finance - The Library (Green)
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM BESLA Pool Party~ Aura (Adults-Only Pool)
Close out BESLA 2026 with an afternoon of sun, music, and good vibes at our conference-ending Pool Party! Enjoy passed appetizers from 1:00PM - 3:00 PM, followed by food stations from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, as we relax, connect, and celebrate another successful BESLA Annual Conference.
5:00 PM - 11:30 PM Night on Your Own in PVR - ENJOY!
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2026
DEPARTURES
BESLA wishes its members, sponsors, partners and extended family safe travels back home!
We Appreciate Our Sponsors
Thank you for supporting BESLA’s programming and student scholarship efforts!
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2026 BESLA ANNUAL CONFERENCE | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | P.O. Box 351120, Los Angeles, CA 90035
BESLA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was formed in 1980 | PRIVACY POLICY