Smart Contract Negotiations

Strategies for Risk Mitigation and Cost Management

Published by New England Society of Association Executives
and Kentucky Society of Association Executives

Learning Objectives

Identify and negotiate eight critical contract clauses that protect associations from financial exposure, including construction/renovation disruptions, cancellation provisions, attrition penalties, and unexpected fees
Evaluate insurance options that transfer risk away from the association, including event cancellation insurance and registration insurance products that protect attendees and sponsors without impacting organizational revenue
Apply cost containment strategies across four key expense categories- venues, food and beverage, audio/visual and IT services, and general service contractors to maximize budget efficiency
Leverage data-driven negotiation techniques that demonstrate an association's value to venues and vendors, resulting in stronger concessions and more favorable contract terms

Registration

Schedule:
Wednesday, November 18, 2026

1:30 PM EASTERN
(10:30 AM PT / 11:30 AM MT / 12:30 PM CT)
Duration: 60 minutes

$45 for Association Member
$75 for Non-member

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Questions?

For immediate assistance please consult our FAQ page.

If you're unable to find the answer you need, please call 737-201-2059 (M-F, 8am-6pm CT) or e-mail customer service

Summary

Event contracts have become increasingly complex, and hidden costs continue to erode association budgets. This comprehensive session equips association professionals with practical strategies to protect their organizations through smarter contract negotiations, strategic risk mitigation, and proven cost containment techniques. Attendees will learn how to identify and negotiate critical contract clauses, leverage insurance options to protect their bottom line, and implement tactical approaches to reduce expenses with venues, audio/visual services, and general service contractors.

SWL-28337

Presenters

Heather Sampson

Heather Sampson, CMP Fellow, DES, founder/CEO of Aspire Meetings & Events, is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and... Read More

How To Attend

Join the live program from your office, home, or hotel room using a computer with high speed internet. You may ask questions, participate in evaluations, and post comments from your computer during the program. Please note that credit (if available) is only provided to registered attendees participating at their own computer and phone. Simple instructions with a link to the program will be sent when you register and again the day before the webinar.

Credit

If applicable, you may obtain credit in multiple jurisdictions simultaneously for this program (see pending/approved list below). Registrants in jurisdictions not listed below will receive a Certificate of Attendance/Completion that may or may not meet credit requirements in other jurisdictions. Where applicable, credit will be only awarded to a paid registrant attending the live program at their own computer and phone.

Click on jurisdiction for specific details

CAE