Click here to download model protective language to ensure your event is a success. Negotiating a reservation agreement that provides protection and flexibility in the case of a labor dispute is key to planning a successful event. Most reservation contracts contain a clause called “Force Majeure”, “Impossibility” or “Excused Non-Performance.” The purpose of such a clause is to excuse one or both of the parties from their responsibilities under the agreement if events beyond their control arise that make it difficult or impossible to carry out their obligations.

Form reservation agreements generally include a force majeure clause that limits the grounds for excused non-performance to a standard set of events and sets the bar high in terms of proving the impossibility or difficulty of performance.

Instead of relying on the Hotel’s form reservation force majeure clause, we urge meeting planners to negotiate notification and excused non-performance clauses that address the issue of labor disputes directly and offer protection in the event that a labor dispute does occur.

permalink // tags: Blackstone, Hyatt, Provenance, Resources, Starwood