2024 DRI Product Liability Conference

Name: 2024 Product Liability Conference | DRI
Start: 2024-02-07T11:00
End: 2024-02-09T12:30
Location: Hilton Denver City Center

February 7–9, 2024 | Denver, Colorado

Enhance Your Product Liability Litigation Skillset!

Register by December 21, 2023, to receive the early bird discounted rate.
View registration information here.

Join us for the 2024 DRI Product Liability Conference which, for the first time in the Committee’s history, will be held in Denver, Colorado! This year’s Program is even more awe-inspiring than the City’s breathtaking views of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, with world-class speakers set to discuss topics ranging from the ever-changing landscape of product liability claims, to building an evidentiary basis to reconstruct reality. Find out how both science and the game of poker can take aspects of your practice to the next level. And, we will have a number of exciting networking opportunities you will not want to miss that are as unique as the Mile High City itself!

What You Will Learn:

Targeted programming to improve all aspects of your practice!
Cutting edge research on the science of jury testing.
How game theory can be effectively used at mediation.
The new frontiers of product liability claims in the wake of online marketplaces, smart products, and AI.
How [not] to lose your clients.
Excellent programming stemming from collaboration amongst the 18 Specialized Litigation Groups (SLGs).

Expand Your Network By:

Connecting with attendees and sponsors at one or more of the on and off-site networking events offered.
Taking advantage of DRI’s Ambassador Program if you are a first-time attendee.
Getting involved with the committee through one of the 18 SLGs offering additional programs.

Panel Counsel Meetings with Major Companies
Take advantage of the opportunity to engage with key industry companies* including:

Great American Risk Solutions
Husqvarna
Hyster Yale Group Sponsored by Ricci, Tyrrell, Johnson & Grey

*Subject to change

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Thank You to DRI's Committee Leadership
Registration & Networking Information
Agenda with Speakers
Headquarters Hotel Information
CLE Information
Sponsors
DRI Cares
Other Information

Thank You to DRI's Product Liability Committee Leadership

Heather Bub — **Heather A. Bub**
Program Chair

**Jeffrey A. Curran**
Program Vice Chair

**Fred E. (Trey) Bourn III**
Committee Chair

**Lindsay Lorimer**
Committee Vice Chair

Join the Product Liability Committee

Registration Information

Save up to $200 when you register on or before December 21!

	Member Pricing	Non-Member Pricing	Non-Member Bundle ^
Early Bird Registration* (Now thru Dec. 21)	$1,395	$1,795	$1,715
Regular Registration* (Dec.22–Feb. 6)	$1,595	$1,995	$1,915
Onsite Registration	$1,695	$2,095	$2,015
Group Registration (Non-Sponsored)**	$1,095 per person	$1,095 per person	$1,095 per person
Government	Government members will receive the applicable government rate for the seminar upon login. If the government rate does not appear after logging in, please call DRI directly at (312) 795-1101 to receive the discounted rate. Invoices can be sent after purchase upon request.

Not a DRI Member? Select the Non-Member Bundle and Save!

^ Not a DRI Member and new to DRI? Take advantage of the Non-Member / Trial Membership Bundle and receive up to 9 months of membership when you register for the DRI Product Liability Conference. You'll be able to add this special offer to your cart at check out. Note: Trial membership processing can take up to 30 days from the date of purchase, please contact DRI Customer Service with any questions.

Learn more about membership at DRI and get started on your DRI journey today!

*If your membership recently lapsed, please renew your membership prior to registering to ensure you receive your discounted member rate. If you would like to join DRI to receive the member pricing and see the benefits of becoming a member, click here to go to the Application page.

**Group registration is for registering four or more attendees, members and non-members. There is one free registration with every 10 registrations. You must lock in the rate three weeks prior to the seminar. If you want to register for the group pricing, fill out the form here (online registration is not available for this offering).

Networking Events

Skiing at Winter Park | Keep the Colorado Fun Going

Date: Friday, February 9–Saturday February 10
Pricing: See links below
Location: Winter Park Resort, 85 Parsenn Road, Winter Park, Colorado 80482

The DRI Products Committee invites you to join them in Winter Park for a weekend of skiing and fun following the DRI Product Liability Conference meeting in Denver. The Ski Weekend Committee is also planning an after ski gathering for Saturday, February 10. More information on that event as we get closer to the date. Please let us know if you are planning to join us, so we can reserve the perfect sized space. For questions, email Lynne Jones Blain at lblain@hccw.com.

Following are links for planning your trip! Buying in advance is recommended.

Transportation - Amtrak has a dedicated train that leaves from the station near our conference hotel. Avoid the hassle of driving – take the train!

Lodging - We have picked a hotel at the base of the mountain with relatively reasonable rates. However, there are lots of options on this site.

Equipment Rental - Rental includes: skis, poles, boots, and helmet; Or snowboard, boots, and helmet. Clothing is not included with rentals.

Lift Tickets - Lift tickets for all ages, ski or ride more than 3,000 acres of terrain at Winter Park Resort.

Agenda with Speakers

*Schedule and Speakers subject to change

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Time (Mountain)	Program
11:00 a.m.	Registration
11:30 a.m.	SLG Lunch-Arounds More details to come.
11:30 a.m.	Women in the Law Luncheon
1:00 p.m.	Meetings of Specialized Litigation Groups (SLG) - Session 1 For details, click on the blue tab "SLG Session 1."
3:15 p.m.	Product Liability Committee Meeting (open to all)
3:45 p.m.	Smaller Networking Events More details to come.
6:00 p.m.	Networking / Cocktail Hour
8:00 p.m.	SLG Dine-Arounds More details to come.
9:30 p.m.	Networking Events More details to come.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Time (Mountain)	Program
8:00 a.m.	Registration & Coffee Service Get to know the early risers in our group over a cup of coffee.
9:00 a.m.	Welcome and Introductions Roman Lifson, Christian and Barton, LLP, Richmond, VA Heather A. Bub, Amundsen Davis, LLC, St. Louis, MO
9:10 a.m.	Case Valuation & Mediation – Tips from a Poker Player Learn how game theory can impact mediation strategies, including case valuation, from the perspective of this panel, consisting of outside counsel, in-house counsel, and a mediator. One presenter, a former professional poker player, has found his experience to be invaluable to his current law practice. Chris Fitzgerald, Conn Kavanaugh Rosenthal Peisch & Ford, LLP, Boston, MA Nate Walker, Husqvarna Group, Charlotte, NC Hon. Sandy Brook, Judicial Arbiter Group, Inc., Denver, CO
10:00 a.m.	Quick Hit: Bringing Science to Jury Testing From Professor Bernard Chao’s research applying social science insights and experimental methods to test jury decision-making, learn the effectiveness of different damages arguments and how particular evidence, as well as jury instructions, can impact a jury’s decision making. Prof. Bernard Chao, University of Denver School of Law, Denver, CO
10:20 a.m.	Coffee Break
10:35 a.m.	How to Lose a Client in 10 Ways You have clients – now how do you keep them? Gain insight from a panel of experienced in-house counsel and insurance adjusters, which goes beyond the obvious advice on how to keep your clients happy, and learn how to become an indispensable partner with your clients. Moderator Eric Probst, Schindler Elevator Corporation, Morristown, NJ Hernan Lacuesta, Sompo International Insurance, Los Angeles, CA Jodi Oley, State Farm Insurance, Bloomington, IL Craig Dupen, Kubota, Grapevine, TX
11:25 a.m.	Quick Hit: TBIs – Real or Just in Someone’s Head? Traumatic brain injury (TBI) claims have become more prevalent than ever and, now, serve to increase verdict potential and settlement value of cases. Hear how the plaintiffs’ bar is finding new ways to try and get around scans that do not show evidence of brain injury and learn strategies for defending against these claims. Anthony J. Novak, Larson King, LLP, Saint Paul, MN
11:45 a.m.	To Infinity & Beyond! The New Frontiers of Product Liability In the ever-changing landscape of smart products and online marketplaces, product liability claims are evolving. Through the expansion of existing theories of liability, the law’s definition of what constitutes a "product," and the Court’s interpretation of "who" can be held liable, reports of product liability litigation's "death has been greatly exaggerated." Amy Fischer, Foliart Huff Ottaway & Bottom, Oklahoma City, OK Scott Maidment, McMillan LLP, Toronto, Canada Gretchen Miller, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Chicago, IL
12:35 p.m.	DRI Cares - Blessings in a Backpack On your way to lunch, support Blessings in a Backpack, DRI Cares, and the DRI Foundation by filling a bag with food for a child experiencing food insecurity in our community. Feed a child before you feed yourself to make a difference in the lives of children and families all over our country and in this local community.
12:35 p.m.	DRI Networking Lunch Join attendees for lunch and networking opportunities that are second to none.
1:30 p.m.	Corporate Counsel Breakout (for In-House Counsel and Claims Professionals only)
2:00 p.m.	How to Be a Courtroom Jedi – Insights from the Bench on Using the Force of Persuasion Have you ever wondered what Judges find to be particularly effective? Without having to travel to Dagobah, gain insight from members of the Bench that will help take your practice to the next galaxy (not so far, far away). Moderator Marsha Piccone, Fox Rothschild, LLP, Denver, CO Justice Sandra Corbett, Alberta Court of Justice, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Hon. Regina Rodriguez, United States District Court for the District of Colorado, Denver, CO
2:50 p.m.	Quick Hit: ChatGBT in the Legal Realm: Transforming the Landscape of Legal Assistance To use, or not to use ChatGPT in the legal realm? By now, everyone knows the pros: efficiency and cost savings. What about the risks, though: liability, concerns with sharing confidential information, potential for bias, etc. Learn why law schools are teaching students how to use it, why some law firms are instituting policies prohibiting its use, and why client billing guidelines may someday require it to be used. Ricardo Woods, Burr Forman LLP, Mobile, AL
3:10 p.m.	Refreshment Break
3:25 p.m.	Building the Evidentiary Foundation to Reconstruct Reality Now more than ever technology, in reliance on data from various sources, can help reconstruct an accident when an incident was not witnessed or when witnesses prove unreliable. This presentation will educate attorneys on what types of data are relevant to request during discovery and how to build a foundation for this data (and, ultimately, the reconstruction) to be admissible at trial. Edderek (Beau) Cole, Butler Snow, Ridgeland, MS Charles A. Fox, PhD, ESi, Peachtree Corners, GA Brian L. Mims, Tadano America Corporation, Willis, TX
4:15 p.m.	You’ve Been Warned! The Future Is Coming for Labels As more product warning labels and instructions are being provided to consumers in digital format (via QR codes, YouTube videos, and even TikTok), juries are left to determine what is (or is not) compliant with the applicable standards. Learn more about the best practices for manufacturers to communicate with consumers about product warnings and instructions in this digital age. Tara Amenson, S-E-A, Ltd., Columbus, OH Mohamed Bakry, Marshall Dennehey, Philadelphia, PA
5:05 p.m.	Adjourn
6:00 p.m.	Premier Networking Reception Join fellow seminar attendees at our Premier Networking Reception. More details to come.
8:00 p.m.	Dine-Arounds Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).

Friday, February 9, 2024

Time (Mountain)	Program
7:30 a.m.	Registration and Coffee Service Get to know the early risers in our group over a cup of coffee.
8:00 a.m.	Meetings of Specialized Litigation Groups (SLG) - Session 2 For details, click on the blue tab "SLG Session 2."
10:00 a.m.	Coffee Break
10:30 a.m.	Meetings of Specialized Litigation Groups (SLG) - Session 3 For details, click on the blue tab "SLG Session 3."
12:30 p.m.	Adjourn

SLG Session 1 (Wednesday 1:00–3:00 p.m.)

Digital Evidence and Emerging Technologies & Trial Techniques (Joint Session)

Digital Evidence and Emerging Technologies

Chair: James M. Dedman, IV, Gallivan White & Boyd, PA, Charlotte, NC
Vice Chair: Patrick M. Delaney, RumbergerKirk, Orlando, FL

Impact on Artificial Intelligence on the Justice System (How is it Used to Help Litigation, Ethics issues, and Demonstrations with New Software)

Brittany K.T. Kauffman, Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, Denver, CO

Trial Techniques

Chair: Jeffrey C. Warren, Bowman and Brooke, LLP, Phoenix, AZ
Vice Chair: Thomas E. Bazemore, III, Huie Fernambucq & Stewart, LLP, Birmingham, AL

Techniques for Effective Cross-Examination of Expert Witnesses

Lee Mickus, Evans Fears Schuttert, Denver, CO

Fire Science & International (Joint Session)

Fire Science

Chair: Andrew E. Stead, McMillan, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Vice Chair: Allison Waase, Coffey Modica, White Plains, NY

Clients’ Perspectives on Business and Litigation Priorities After Fire Losses

Heather A. Brown, Tyco Fire Products, Toronto, Canada
Joshua Browning, Tyco Fire Products, Washington, D.C.
Tracy Gregar Ferak, Faegre Drinker, Chicago, IL

International

Chair: Robert Love, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Vice Chair: Lisa Parliament, McMillan, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Strategies and Practical Tips in Navigating Multijurisdictional Product Issue
In the context of an increasingly complex and fast changing regulatory and legal landscape, an experienced panel of lawyers from various jurisdictions will discuss strategies and practical tips in responding to hot issues in regulatory compliance and litigation management.

Pamela O’Neill, Eversheds Sutherland Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
Sarah-Jane Dobson, Kennedys Law, London, England

Building Products and Scaffolds, Cranes & Aerial Devices (Joint Session)

Building Products

Chair: Rachel Cooper, McMillan, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Vice Chair: Lindsay N. Zanello, Dechert, New York, New York

Scaffolds, Cranes and Aerial Devices (SCAD)

Chair: Brandon M. Meyers, McCoy Leavitt Laskey LLC, Albuquerque, NM
Vice Chair: Mary London Fuller, Sheehy Ware Pappas Grubbs, P.C., Houston, TX

Strategies for Handling Cases Involving High-Exposure Personal Injury and Property Damages

Michael Thomas, Greenberg Traurig, Denver, CO

SLG Session 2 (Friday 8:00–10:00 a.m.)

Automotive & Biomechanics (Joint Session)

Automotive

Chair: Elizabeth L. Moyo, Wright, Columbus OH
Vice Chair: Natalie J. Eschbach, Litchfield Cavo, Chicago, IL

Auto-adjacent Components and Accessories

Pierce D. Umberger, Ph.D., P.E., Engsys, Peachtree Corners, GA
Chad Lieberman, Burns Figa & Will, Greenwood Village, CO

Biomechanics

Chair: Megan E. Cook, Teague Campbell, Raleigh, NC

How to Discredit and Attack an Opposing Party’s Expert Opinions Using Accurate Methodology and Science

Brian Boggess, S-E-A, Ltd., Charlotte, NC

Aviation & Mass Torts and Class Actions (Joint Program)

Aviation

Chair: S. Brad Brown, Jr., Jackson Walker, LLP, Dallas, TX
Vice Chair: Conor McLaughlin, Thompson Hine, Cleveland, OH

Lessons From the Field - NTSB Investigations and Probable Cause Reports

Greg Feith, Consultant and Former NTSB Senior Air Safety Investigator

Mass Torts and Class Actions

Chair: Maude Lafortune-Belair, Lavery, Quebec, Canada
Vice Chair: Jonathan L. S. Hodes, Virgin Hickman, Vancouver, Canada

Logistical Issues of a Mass Tort Action (When the Parties do not Qualify for a Rule 23 Class Action)

Andrew D. Barr, Greenberg Traurig, Denver, CO

Young Lawyers Breakout

Chair: Xan Ingram Flowers, Butler Snow, Birmingham, AL

Crafting Winning Objections to Discovery Requests in Products Cases
Junior lawyers take the first stab at responding to discovery (especially in smaller, one-off cases); there’s an increasing emphasis on non-boilerplate objections—ex Judge North’s missives; discussion of recent cases nationwide where the defense was able to limit kitchen sink type requests in a way that saved the client time/money.

Madison Sharko, Irwin Fitchie, New Orleans, LA

Integration of AI in Product Development
FDA has started to introduce regulations for AI in pharmaceutical and medical devices; and the first human trials of drugs that were developed at least in party by AI began last month; emerging case law and hot topics on AI in products cases; anticipation of plaintiffs’ bar using AI integration for failure to warn and alternative design arguments; how young lawyers can use AI to assist in development of products defenses in pending cases at the non-partner level.

Tom Wyatt, Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull, PLLC, Little Rock, AR
Christian Castile, Reed Smith, Philadelphia, PA

Tort Reform - Efforts and Developments Across the Country

Alexi Layton, Evans Fears Schuttert McNulty Mickus, Las Vegas, NV

Children’s Products & Consumer Goods and Office Equipment (Joint Session)

Children’s Products

Chair: Rachel A. Remke, Arent Fox Schiff, Chicago, IL
Vice Chair: Brandon D. Cox, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Atlanta, GA

Certifications for Compliant Products
Retailers are looking to ensure products they sell are compliant, and manufacturers are looking for ways to streamline compliance with retailer requirements; this presentation will discuss retailers’ efforts to use certain certifications as a path toward ensuring compliance, the impact these efforts have had on retailers and manufacturers, and the way forward.

Brittany K.T. Kauffman, Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, Denver, CO

Conquering Complex Causation
Causation can be one of the most complex elements in a products liability case; this presentation will address strategies for assessing, minimizing and dismantling complex causation cases; it will also discuss lessons learned from cases involving infant causation, traumatic brain injuries, and complex regional pain syndrome.

Bardia Sanjabi, Greenberg Traurig, Atlanta, GA

Consumer Goods and Office Equipment

Chair: Isaac Messmore, Soule & Stull, Minneapolis, MN
Vice Chair: Kristin F. Mazzeo, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP, Philadelphia, PA

The Digitization of Warnings and Manuals

Isaac Messmore, Soule & Stull, Minneapolis, MN
Mark Bouchard, Siemens, Chicago, IL

SLG Session 3 (Friday 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.)

Food Law & Manufacturer's Risk (Joint Session)

Food Law

Chair: A. Michael Gentine, Arnold & Porter, Washington, D.C.
Vice Chair: Rachel Remke, ArentFox Schiff, Chicago, IL

Food Allergens & Labeling – An Update on Regulatory and Litigation Developments

Raqiyyah Pippins, Arnold & Porter, Washington, D.C.

An Update on All Things PFAS

Kyle Bjornlund, Cetrulo, Boston, MA

Manufacturer's Risk

Chair: Jason R. Gagnon, Carmody Torrance Sandak Hennessey LLP, Waterbury, CT
Vice Chair: Denis Alia, Cetrulo LLP, Boston, MA

TBD

Moderator: Imoh E. Akpan, Goldberg Segalla, Baltimore, MD
Sarah Wolfe, U-Haul, Phoenix, AZ
Aaron Gentry, Draxlmaier, Greenville, SC

ACMIE & Chemical and Toxic Tort (Joint Session)

ACMIE

Chair: Patrick A. Edwards, Stinson, Wichita, KS
Vice Chair: Sean Shirley, Balch & Bingham LLP, Birmingham, AL

Recent Changes in Jurors’ Attitudes Towards Corporate Defendants, Including New Strategies for Jury Selection Post-COVID, and Nuclear Verdicts Post-COVID

Jeff Dougherty, Litigation IQ, Frisco, TX
Allison Weyand, Frost Brown Todd, Louisville, KY
Clair Battle, CNH , Chicago, IL

Case Law Update on US Supreme Court’s Ruling in Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway
A discussion of Mallory, in which personal jurisdiction was found in Pennsylvania for any company registered to do business there, regardless of other factors. Update will also cover more recent rulings interpreting and applying Mallory.

Aidan Zielske, Haws-KM, St. Paul, MN

Chemical and Toxic Tort

Chair: Luis Leitzelar, Bienvenu, Bonnecaze, Foco & Viator, Baton Rouge, LA
Vice Chair: George Wray, Borden Ladner Gervais, LLP, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Forever and Ever, Amen…PFAS and a Right to a Healthy Environment

Allison Foord, Borden Ladner Gervais, LLP, Vancouver, Canada
Patrick Lowther, Morris Manning & Martin, Atlanta, GA
Bob Alpert, Morris Manning & Martin, Atlanta, GA

Recreational Products & Power and Hand Tools (Joint Session)

Recreational Products

Chair: Andrei Pascu, McMillan LLP, Montréal, Canada
Vice Chair: Patrick Clyder, McGuireWoods LLP, Chicago, IL

TBD

Moderator: Rachel Cooper, McMillan, Toronto, Canada
Craig Dupen, Kubota, Grapevine, Texas
Jason Britt, Textron, Augusta, GA

Power and Hand Tools

Chair: Jared S. Hawk, Saul Ewing LLP, Pittsburgh, PA
Vice Chair: Christopher Lyle Jackson, Dinsmore, Lexington, KY

A Compilation of Hot Topics … Including News on Autonomous Products

Eric Carter, Techtronic Industries Power Equipment, Anderson, SC
Mark Koontz, Husqvarna, Hopewell, PA
Robert Basile, J.S. Held LLC, North Kingstown, RI

Headquarters Hotel Information

A limited number of discounted hotel rooms have been made available at the Hilton Denver City Center, 1701 California St, Denver, CO 80202. Take advantage of the group rate of $189.00 Single/Double in one of two ways:

Reserve your Room Online
Contact the hotel directly at 855.686.8871 and mention DRI Seminar.

The hotel block is limited, and rooms and rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You must make reservations by January 9, 2024, to be eligible for the hotel's group rate. Requests for reservations made after January 9 are subject to room and rate availability.

CLE Information

Earn up to TBD hours of continuing legal education hours (CLE) from this seminar.

View CLE Credit by State

CLE Late Fees

Other Information

If you have any questions or concerns regarding DRI programs, please contact DRI Customer Service at 312.795.1101 or custservice@dri.org.