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2025 MID-YEAR CONFERENCE
Conference Program Agenda
*Programming is subject to change
Conference Opening Reception
Thursday, May 29
6:00pm – 9:00pm
Fireside Chat with Beacon of Industry Award recipient, Jonathan “Lil Jon” Smith
Speaker: Jonathan “Lil Jon” Smith, Grammy-Award Winning Artist + Producer + Entrepreneur
Facilitator: Vincent Phillips, Esq., Founding Partner, Arrington and Phillips, LLP
LOCATION CHANGE ALERT
New Location: The Bank Event Center, 3120 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, Ga 30318
Friday, May 30
​Location: Georgia State University College of Law, 85 Park Place NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30303
8:30am – 11:45am
Bar Exam Writing Workshop for Law Students
Coach: Brandy O. Domengeaux, Esq., The Bar Writing Coach Senior Lecturer of Law, Georgia State Univ. College of Law
9:00am – 11:45am
Actors Masterclass Workshop
For new & emerging actors to learn scene study, auditioning technique and self tape prep.​
Coach: Chantal Maurice, Series Regular on AllBlk's Wicked City, Seen in Grey's Anatomy, Them & P-Valley
10:00am – 11:45am
TV Writing Masterclass Workshop
For new & emerging screenplay & TV series writers to learn structure, story, characters, and outlining.
Coach: Maggie Bush, Creative Executive, Tyler Perry Studios Writer on Sistas, Zatima, and Netflix Movie - Christmas with a Kiss
10:00am – 11:45am
Celebrity Endorsement Deals Workshop (CLE credit eligible)
This session will cover the nuts and bolts of negotiating talent and influencer endorsement agreements, and will address key legal and business considerations, including compensation, content ownership, AI and digital replica usage, termination, and regulatory compliance (including updates to the FTC guidelines).
Coach: Jordan Thompson, Counsel, Davis+Gilbert LLP.
11:45am – 12:30pm
Lunch, Welcome Remarks & Networking
Grab your lunch & network. Meet back at the panel room by 12:30pm
12:30pm-1:30pm
Fireside Chat with BESLA Power Player Award recipient, Matt Barnes
Speaker: Matt Barnes, Retired NBA Champion + Entrepreneur
Facilitator: Uwonda Carter, Esq., Partner, Carter + Woodard
1:30pm -2:00pm
Networking & Break
2:00pm – 3:00pm
House vs NCAA: Shaping the Future of Student Athletes Rights
In light of the pending House v. NCAA settlement and with the NCAA poised to implement transformative reforms to its longstanding model of amateurism, this panel promises to offer critical insights into one of the most significant shifts in collegiate sports history. This panel will specifically discuss the following: (a) the impact of the settlement on college athletics, (b) student-athlete compensation, (c) potential antitrust implications, and (d) employment status and unionization.
Moderator:
Darrell Thompson, Principal, The Law Office of Darrell Thompson
Panelists:
Donald Woodard, Partner, Carter+Woodard
Traci Bransford, Sports and Entertainment Industry Team Leader and Partner, Parker Poe
3:15pm – 4:15pm
Challenges and Protections for Child Performers. Presented by the BESLA Young Lawyers Division
This panel will delve into the unique challenges faced by child actors, including labor rights, financial protections, on-set safety, and the long-term effects of early fame. Experts will discuss current policies safeguarding child actors, proposed legislative changes, and strategies for improving protections in the future. Attendees will gain valuable insights into best practices for representing and advocating for child actors in a rapidly evolving industry.
Moderator
Janine Morris-Meggett, Esq., Principal Attorney, JAM, Law P.C.
Panelist:
Aziza A. Bowser, Esq., Senior Counsel, Production Risk Business and Legal Affairs, Paramount Global
Roy Turner Esq., Partner, The Rouse Firm
Tristan "Mack" Wilds, Actor & Grammy Nominated Musician
4:30pm – 5:30pm
Breaking Barriers: Diversity in Country Music
Country music have long been perceived as predominantly white spaces, limiting diverse representation and participation. This panel will explore the historical context of these industries, the challenges faced by minority professionals, and actionable steps toward fostering inclusion. Industry leaders, legal experts, and cultural influencers will discuss the importance of integration, the role of legal advocacy, and strategies for creating a more equitable landscape. Attendees will gain insight into efforts being made to break barriers and how they can contribute to meaningful change in these spaces.
Moderator:
Moraima "Mo" Ivory, Esq., Professor of Practice and Director of Entertainment, Sports and Media Law Initiative Georgia State Univ. College of Law
Panelists:
Alicia Ferriabough, Partner, Law Offices of Robert A. Celestin, Esq.
Naima Cochrane, Co-Founder/President & CEO, Black Music in Action Coalition
J.R. Harris, The Dooney Company
5:30pm - 8:00pm
End of Day Kick Back
Location:
Vanity Restaurant & Bar
138 Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30303
YLD Power Breakfast Fireside Chat: Looking Back to Look Forward
Saturday, May 31
9:30am -12pm | Programming starts at 10am
Location:
The Gathering Spot
384 Northyards Blvd, NW,
Atlanta, GA 30313
This fireside chat with Mayor Emeritus Shirley Franklin and BESLA Founders Michael Ashburne, Esq. and Louise West, Esq. will shed light on the early beginnings of BESLA.
Facilitator:
Vincent Phillips, Esq., Founding Partner, Arrington and Phillips, LLP
Speakers:
Shirley Franklin, Mayor Emeritus, City of Atlanta
Louise C. West, Esq., Mays Law Group, BESLA Co-Founder
Michael Ashburne, Esq., Law Office of Michael Ashburne, BESLA Co-Founder
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BESLA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was formed in 1980 | PRIVACY POLICY
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