UPCOMING EVENTS
2023 Calendar of Events
7
Feb
A Conversation with Will Calhoun, Grammy Award-Winning Drummer of Living Colour
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eastern
Location
Webinar
Description
In Honor of Black History Month, Duane Morris and The Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association invite you to join us for A Conversation with Will Calhoun, Grammy Award-Winning Drummer of Living Colour. Duane Morris Partner and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Joseph K. West will be joined by Will Calhoun, the renowned drummer for the groundbreaking band Living Colour. Will is also a writer, historian and documentary filmmaker. Will’s forthcoming documentary project, “The Bridge,” explores the African diaspora and the connections of people of color through the universal language of music.
13-14
Apr
Mid-Year Conference
Thursday, April 13, 2023 - Friday, April 14, 2023
Location
Atlanta, GA
Description
The Opening Reception will be held on Thursday, April 13 and CLE panels on Friday, April 14 at the Georgia State College of Law.
EVENT CLOSED
5
May
BESLA’s Film/TV Division – In Association with Mays Law Group, PC Presents: From Real World to Real Housewives (Part II) (a Virtual CLE Panel)
Friday, May 5, 2023
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm ET / 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm PT (UPDATED TIME)
Location
VIA ZOOM LINK
(Space is limited)
Description:
The Black Entertainment & Sports Lawyers Association's (“BESLA”) Film/TV Division and Mays Law Group, PC (“MLG”) are pleased to announce Part II of its 2022 Annual Conference panel entitled: From Real World to Real Housewives.
While Part I addressed the legal/business challenges and considerations that inevitably surface when producing and broadcasting reality or docu-follow style programs, this panel will perform a deeper dive and will present practical considerations to aid attorneys advise their clients of best practices to mitigate risk in various formats; and will address clearance issues (scripts, locations, materials, etc.), product integrations, location agreements, charities, government officials and other legal issues.
Application for accreditation of this course or program is currently pending in: New York, New Jersey, Illinois, California, Georgia, Florida and Texas.
EVENT CLOSED
18
May
BESLA YLD presents the Lunch & Learn Series (Part I - Sports) : Caesar Lopez
Thursday, May 18, 2023
1:00pm - 2:00pm ET/10am - 11am PT
Location
VIA ZOOM LINK
(Space is limited)
Registration closes on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 @ 11pm ET/8pm PT or when the event reaches capacity, whichever comes first.
Description:
BESLA YLD will host a virtual three-part lunch and learn series this year in the field of sports, digital/media and film/tv with experienced attorneys in their respective fields.
The YLD kicks off this series with Caesar Lopez, the Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, of the Orlando City Soccer Club of Major League Soccer, Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer Club and Exploria Stadium. Join BESLA YLD in welcoming Caesar Lopez for a discussion on his professional path and current work at the Orlando City Soccer Club.
1
Jun
New York Regional Event
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Doors:
3:30pm ET
Panel Discussions Time:
4pm - 6pm
Reception:
6pm - 8pm
Location
Merrill Lynch
One Bryant Park 2nd floor
New York, NY 10036
Registrations closes: Tuesday, 5/30/23 12p ET/9a PT
Description
Panel #1: The Legal Implications of Generative AI. Presented by BESLA YLD (Pending CLE Credit)
Panel #2: The Entry of Private Equity Funds: the Changing Face of Minority Ownership in Professional Sports
EVENT CLOSED
6
Jun
New York Regional Event
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Panel Discussions Time:
6:00pm - 7:30pm ET
Location
This will be disclosed to confirmed attendees.
Registration closed on June 1, 2023. More details to come soon on Part II (LA fireside chat) and Part III (virtual fireside chat) of the series!
Description
In celebration of Black Music Month and New York Music Month, BESLA YLD will host an exclusive three part series of fireside chats in the month of June with the most sought after music executives from Sony, Warner and Universal. Law students and junior attorneys will be able to learn from top executives in the business on their career path and the steps they took to achieve their career goals.
The YLD kicks off this series with Stephanie Yu, Executive Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs, of Epic Records. This discussion will be moderated by Samantha Dunac, Associate Director, of the Business Affairs Administration, of Sony Music Entertainment.
EVENT CLOSED
21
Jun
Los Angeles Regional Event
BESLA YLD presents the Music Table Talks Series: Part II – Warner
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
3:00pm PT – 5:00pm PT
Location:
This will be disclosed to confirmed attendees.
Registration
Law students and junior attorneys should rsvp with their full name, law school, and year of graduation at beslayld@besla.org. Registration closes once the guestlist is full or on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 12pm PT, whichever occurs first. Space is limited. Registrants that have been selected to attend the event will be notified by Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
Description
In celebration of Black Music Month and New York Music Month, BESLA YLD will host an exclusive three part series of fireside chats in the month of June with the most sought after music executives from Sony, Warner and Universal. Law students and junior attorneys will be able to learn from top executives in the business on their career path and the steps they took to achieve their career goals.
The YLD kicks off the second event in the series with Julian Petty, Executive Vice President & Head of Business & Legal Affairs, of Warner Records. This discussion will be moderated by Miriam Camara, Principal, Camara Law Group PLLC, and General Manager, Kyyba Entertainment.
More details to come soon on Part III (virtual fireside chat) of the series!
EVENT CLOSED
21
Jun
Los Angeles Regional Event
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
6:30pm PT – 9:30pm PT/9:30pm ET – 11:30am ET
Location:
Grandmaster Recorders
1518 N. Cahuenga Blvd.,
Hollywood, CA
Description
In honor of Black Music Month and to kick off BET Awards Weekend, BESLA is happy to announce that its annual Los Angeles Summit will take place at the iconic Grandmaster Recorders’ 71 Studio Bar in Hollywood on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Once an actual recording studio, the space that is now 71 Studio Bar has seen some of the music industry’s greatest artists come through its doors: from Stevie Wonder, Rufus feat. Chaka Khan, James Brown, Rick James and The Gap Band to Bonnie Rait, Blondie, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gwen Stefani and Kanye West.
This year BESLA will honor Uwonda Carter and Donald Woodard, founding partners of Carter + Woodard (Georgia’s first majority Black-owned, full-service entertainment and corporate law firm) with its Dealmakers Award.
EVENT CLOSED
Dealmakers Award
Los Angeles Regional Event Chairs
Jakgeem Mays
Mays Law Group, PC
Marjorie Williams
Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole LLP
Sponsored by
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27
Jun
BESLA YLD presents the Music Table Talks Series: Part III – Universal
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
6:00pm ET – 7:30pm ET
Location:
Zoom information will be sent out to confirmed attendees.
Registration
Law students and junior attorneys should rsvp with their full name, preferred email address, law school, and year of graduation at beslayld@besla.org. Registration closes once the guestlist is full or on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 5pm ET, whichever occurs first. Registrants will be provided with Zoom information by Monday, June 26, 2023.
Description
In celebration of Black Music Month and New York Music Month, BESLA YLD will host an exclusive three part series of fireside chats in the month of June with the most sought after music executives from Sony, Warner and Universal. Law students and junior attorneys will be able to learn from top executives in the business on their career path and the steps they took to achieve their career goals.
This year’s event series concludes with a music table talk with Odell Nails, Senior Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs at Universal Music Group. This discussion will be moderated by Danielle Hardy, Counsel, Business and Legal Affairs at Universal Music Group.
EVENT CLOSED
30
Jun
Essence Film Festival presents the BESLA Filmmakers Legal Clinic
Friday, June 30, 2023
1:30pm CT – 4:00pm CT
Location:
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd,
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Description
Professional-level filmmaking requires a plethora of legal paperwork and contracts. Having an entertainment
attorney work with your team to develop the production’s legal framework is a must! Furthermore, filmmakers
have a bevy of options for getting their projects made but little understanding of the ramifications of the
various types of studio, distribution and co-production agreements.
EVENT CLOSED
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20
Jul
BESLA YLD presents the Lunch & Learn Series Part II - Film/TV : Rakiat Layo Gbadamosi
Thursday, July 20, 2023
1:00pm - 2:00pm ET/10am - 11am PT
Location
Via Zoom Link
(Space is limited)
Registration closes on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 @ 8pm ET/5pm PT or when the event reaches capacity, whichever comes first.
Description
BESLA YLD will host a virtual three-part lunch and learn series this year in the field of sports, film/tv and digital/media with experienced attorneys in their respective fields.
The YLD kicks off the second event in the series with Rakiat Layo Gbadamosi, Executive Director of Business Affairs at Disney. Rakiat Layo Gbadamosi has over a decade of legal experience and a proven track record of closing complex deals. She has negotiated against and on behalf of some of the biggest names in entertainment and media, closed multi-million dollar deals and successfully negotiated complex deals with various high level stakeholders. Join BESLA YLD in welcoming Rakiat Layo Gbadamosi for a discussion on her professional path and current work at Disney where she supports its ABC brand. This discussion will be moderated by Lola Johnson.
EVENT CLOSED
27
Jul
Chicago Regional Event
Thursday, July 27, 2023
VIP RECEPTION @ 5PM (INVITE ONLY)
DOORS OPEN @ 6PM
Location
Fairlie
339 N Bell Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
Description
LEGACY BUILDERS:
CREATING A LEGACY OF GENERATIONAL WEALTH
This panel will provide a dynamic discussion and interactive Q&A session with a distinguished group of influential leaders in various fields, including financial experts, attorneys, entertainers, and athletes. With their exceptional talents, visibility, and financial success, they possess the power to shape culture, challenge norms, and inspire others. Drawing from their lived experiences, successes, and challenges, each panelist will offer their own valuable unique perspective and insight into how they effectively utilized their platform to build generational wealth in the black community. They will also offer practical strategies and innovative approaches to strategic investments, financial literacy, asset protection, and other best practices to inspire and guide attendees toward financial empowerment and legacy building.
1.0 hr. CLE credit available
14
Aug
BESLA, Merrill Lynch, & Discover Boating on Martha's Vineyard!
Wednesday, August 14, 2023
6:00pm - 9:00pm ET
Location
7 Dempster Park
Oak Bluffs, MA 02568
Description
Join us for a night of boating bliss at the Uptown House Opening Reception, where you'll discover the joy of mingling
Registration for both events (Reception & Boating Experience) are Now Sold Out!
16
Aug
BESLA YLD presents the Lunch & Learn Series Part III – Digital/Media: Stanley Pierre-Louis
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
1:00pm - 2:00pm ET/10am - 11am PT
Location
Via Zoom Link
(Space is limited)
Registration closes on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 @ 8pm ET/5pm PT or when the event reaches capacity, whichever comes first.
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Description
BESLA YLD has been hosting a virtual three-part lunch and learn series this year in the field of sports, film/tv and digital/media with experienced attorneys in their respective fields.
The YLD kicks off the final event in the series with Stanley Pierre-Louis, CEO and President of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the voice and advocate for the $56.6 billion U.S. video game industry. With more than two decades of entertainment and media experience, Mr. Pierre-Louis leads ESA’s public policy efforts to showcase the dynamic impact the video game industry has on business, entertainment, and culture. Prior to being named CEO in May 2019, Mr. Pierre-Louis served as the ESA’s General Counsel, leading the legal, policy, and regulatory affairs function for the organization. Before joining the ESA in May 2015, Mr. Pierre-Louis was Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel for Intellectual Property at Viacom Inc. Join BESLA YLD in welcoming Stanley Pierre-Louis for a discussion on his professional path and current work at ESA. This discussion will be moderated by Allison Hobbs, Senior Counsel of Epic Games.
EVENT CLOSED
17
Aug
BESLA YLD & HBA ESL Networking Mixer
Thursday, August 17, 2023
5:30pm - 8:00pm CT
Location
Heights Bier Garten
1433 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, Ste. 1, TX 77008
Description
The Black Entertainment & Sports Law Association (BESLA) Young Lawyers Division (YLD) is partnering with the HBA Entertainment and Sports Law Section to host a networking mixer on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 5:30pm at Heights Bier Garten. We welcome all attorneys, law students and
business professionals working in entertainment and sports, as well as individuals with an interest in the industry. This is a great opportunity to mix and mingle with peers who share similar interests as well as a chance for talent seeking legal representation to connect with local industry professionals.
BESLA is a nationally recognized leader in legal education and professional development within the United States for lawyers and professionals in the entertainment, sports, and related industries. We are excited to join forces and continue to expand the sports and entertainment industry in the great city of Houston, Texas.
EVENT CLOSED
21
Sept
BESLA DC Regional Event
Date
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Time
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Reception Location:
Pendry Hotel, Ballroom 3/Pool Terrace - The Wharf
655 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024
23
Sept
10th Annual National HBCU Pre-Law Summit & Law Expo - RSVP for "The Burial" Film Screening
Date and Location updated (9/19/2023)
Friday, September 22, 2023
Location
University of the District of Columbia | Theater of the Arts
4200 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC
Please RSVP here for Washington, DC
Space is limited
View Trailer:
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8-12
Nov
BESLA 2023 43rd Annual Conference
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 thru Sunday, November 12, 2023
Location
HYATT ZILARA
HYATT ZIVA
All inclusive Resorts
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
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