2026 ARDA & University of Florida Levin College of Law Legal Symposium 

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Registration

7:30 am-8:15 am

Continental Breakfast

8:15 am-8:30 am

Welcome Remarks

8:30 am-9:30 am

Session 1: Evolving Ownership Models for Vacation Ownership 

The industry is undergoing significant diversification beyond traditional timeshare structures. For the legal community, industry stakeholders and vendors, this presents new challenges in regulatory compliance, consumer protection, contract drafting and disclosures. It also provides new opportunities for product innovations, customer engagement and market growth.  This panel discussion will include an overview of these new types of product structures, drivers for change – no long term commitment, flexibility, generational travel preferences, alternative travel experiences, less regulation and less capital.  

Moderator

Speakers

9:35 am-10:35 am

Session 2: Hospitality Financing and Taxation Literacy: Soup to Nuts on Hospitality Project Finance and Tax

This session is designed to provide a straightforward overview of the critical financing  and tax aspects of developing and structuring hospitality projects, designed to provide both legal and non-legal hospitality professionals with basic information about core concepts and practical insights.  

On the taxation side, the program unpacks federal, state and local tax considerations that influence project feasibility, compliance and structures. Topics include income recognition rules, sales and use taxes, property taxes occupancy taxes and installment sales reporting. Special attention is given to IRS guidance and state-level regulations that shape the industry’s financial landscape. 

 On the financing side, we will examine the financing lifecycle of a hospitality project from initial capital formation and project underwriting to participation in the secondary financing marketings. The curriculum highlights key financing mechanisms, including construction loans, setting up and managing a developer’s consumer financing portfolio and receivables financing while also addressing risk allocation and lender expectations.  

Participants gain a practical working understanding of how financing strategies and tax obligations intersect with business objectives, legal structures, consumer protection laws and long-term sustainability. 

Speakers

10:35 am-10:50 am

Break

10:50 am-11:50 am

Session 3: Ethics & Advice from the Bench for Attorneys

This session will provide valuable insights from the bench and will explore emerging ethical considerations impacting the profession and offer practical guidance to help attorneys navigate complex situations while upholding the highest standards.

11:55 am-1:10 pm

Lunch with Speaker: Senator Ashley Moody

1:15 pm-2:15 pm

Session 4: General Counsel Panel 

General Counsels from the timeshare industry will share their perspectives on the most pressing legal, regulatory, and business issues facing the sector today. Drawing from their experience advising executive leadership and navigating an evolving landscape, panelists will discuss emerging trends, key challenges, and strategic priorities impacting developers, owners, and consumers.  

Moderator

Speakers

2:20 pm-3:20 pm

Session 5: Regulatory & Consumer Protection: The Current State of Privacy, Consumer Regulation & Information Security

The state of laws, regulations and litigation risks have rapidly evolved in privacy, related artificial intelligence and information security in recent years. In the timeshare industry, these changes have sweeping impacts across a wide spectrum of area, including everything from marketing to consumer service to employee management to financing. In this session, we’ll explore the latest developments and trends, as well as how the companies are modifying their compliance strategies to mitigate risks while still maximizing business value. 

Moderator

Speakers

3:20 pm-3:40 pm

Break

3:45 pm-4:45 pm

Session 6: AI in the Legal Profession 

Attendees will gain practical insights into the legal implications of AI, including intellectual property considerations, confidentiality obligations, and emerging model contract provisions. The discussion will also address ethical responsibilities, data security, and the protection of personally identifiable information (PII), providing guidance on developing appropriate guardrails for AI use. 

Moderator

Speakers

4:45 pm-5:30 pm

Reception

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Registration

8:30 am-9:30 am

Breakfast

9:45 am-10:45 am

Session 7: Terminating Timeshare Plans & Repurposing Resorts

As aging timeshare resorts face mounting pressures- from deferred maintenance, rising operational costs and shifting owner demographics- associations and stakeholders are increasingly exploring pathways for orderly termination and creative repurposing. This session provides a practical, forward looking overview of how boards, managers, legal advisors and owners can navigate the complex processes involved in winding down a timeshare regime or transforming it into a new sustainable use. 

Moderator

Speakers

10:45 am-11:45 am

Session 8: Co-Branding & Partnerships: Opportunities and Risks

Issues and opportunities related to the use of 3^rd party brands and customer lists for marketing purposes or the use of your own brand customer lists by 3^rd parties. This session will discuss arrangements with hotels and travel partners such as cruise, car rental etc., along with other business such as credit card companies, sports, entertainment, retail. Each arrangement brings a host of legal issues with consumer privacy and brand protection being paramount. Speakers will talk about the business benefits and desires of cobranding and partnerships. 

Moderator

Speakers

11:45 am-12:00 pm

Closing Remarks

12:00 pm

Conference Concludes