Conference Details

12+

hours

The Conference provides 12/14 hours of CLE credit and 2.75/3 hours of eithics, at less than $60/credit.

100+

speakers

Industry thought leaders include more than a dozen judges populate the greate debates, concurrent sessions and committee programs.

15+

networking

Mingle at carefully designed social and optimal events throughout, all in a unique, comfortable and family-friendly setting.

Conference Information

 

Hotel

Terranea (terra-NAY-a) Resort is poised above the Pacific on the beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula. A hidden gem on the Los Angeles coast, this 102-acre luxury Southern California resort destination is surrounded by tranquil waves and offers a whole new world of relaxation and adventure that words just can’t describe.

 

ABI has arranged for a special conference rate of $360 per night. Reservations must be made with the resort by November 1, 2019, to secure this special rate. Reservations may be made only once you have registered with ABI. Upon payment of the conference registration fees, you will receive hotel reservation information with your conference confirmation. Rooms are held on a first-come, first-served basis. ABI cannot guarantee anyone a room after the specially rated ABI block is filled.

 

Read more about the resort’s commitment to service excellence, outstanding reputation and workplace culture HERE.

 

Travel

Terranea is located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, one of Southern California’s most scenic and coveted coastlines overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. Guests can enjoy a tranquil escape in this natural haven, conveniently located 30 minutes from both Los Angeles International and Long Beach Airports and just 30 miles south of Downtown Los Angeles. The resort address is 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.

 

Continuing Education
9 hours of CLE credit, including 2 hours of ethics/professionalism and 1 hour of substance abuse, are pending in states calculating CLE on a 60-minute hour, and 10.8 hours of CLE credit, including 2.4 hours of ethics/professionalism and 1 hour of substance abuse, are pending in 50-minute-hour states. Credit hours granted are subject to each state’s CLE credit-approval regulations and might not be approved prior to the program. California MCLE: ABI certifies that this activity has been approved for MCLE credit in the amount of 9 hours, including 2 hours of ethics and 1 hour of competence issues. NY MCLE: This course or program has been approved in accordance with the requirements of the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board for a maximum of 10.5 credit hours, of which 10.5 credit hours can be applied toward the professional practice requirement and 3 credit hours can be applied toward the ethics professionalism requirement. 10.5 hours of CPE credit, including 3 hours of behavioral ethics, are also available.

 

* ABI offers intermediate-level courses, which assume that attendees will have at least some detailed knowledge of insolvency matters (pursuant to the “Statement on Standards for CPE Programs” established by AICPA and NASBA). ABI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE sponsors. State boards of accountancy have the final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website, www.nasba.org.

 

ABI acknowledges that in some instances there will be persons who need to attend an educational seminar for CLE credit who are not able to pay full registration fees. ABI will handle such instances on a case-by-case basis and will work with the individual on alternative solutions. For persons who cannot meet the full registration rate, ABI will offer a reduced rate based on what the individual can reasonably afford to cover the cost of meals and materials. For persons unable to pay a reduced rate, we may allow the individual to work at our registration area for a few hours during attendee check-in, or assist in conference set-up. ABI also has reduced rates for government employees, professors, law clerks and students. Illinois Attorneys: If registration fees are more than $500, attorneys who qualify will receive a reduction of at least 50% off the registration fee. For information on tuition assistance, send an e-mail to jguirguis@abiworld.org.

 

Cancellation Policy*
All fees, except a $75 handling fee, will be refunded if notice of cancellation is received in writing by November 14, 2019. No refunds will be made if notice is received after November 14, although substitutions will be allowed. After November 14, upon written request, a coupon for 20% off the registration fee (not including optional events) will be issued, which can be used (by the cancelling registrant only) for any ABI educational program up to one year after this conference, or for this same conference next year.


 

Optional Events

 

9 Holes of Golf at The Links at Terranea

Sponsored by Ritchie Bros.

Thursday, December 5, 10:00 a.m.

The Links at Terranea is a dramatic 9-hole, par 3 Southern California oceanfront golf course, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. This is no ordinary 9-hole, par 3 course; rather, it is a collection of nine championship-caliber par 3 holes, masterfully routed and integrated with each other and the natural surroundings. $150 per player includes golf fee and lunch. Please select the appropriate event in the online registration portal to play, and indicate your handicap.

 

Tennis Tournament at the Peninsula Racquet Club

Sponsored by Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.

Thursday, December 5, 1:00 p.m.

Located in the beautiful hills of Rancho Palos Verdes, the Peninsula Racquet Club (PRC) has a panoramic view of Catalina Island and cool ocean breezes year-round. Round-robin format. $50 per player includes lunch, prizes and tournament fee. Please select the appropriate event in the online registration portal.

 

Afternoon Coastal Hike

Thursday, December 5, 2:00 p.m.

Come enjoy an afternoon hike led by a trained naturalist while you enjoy exploring the property and local trails. $90 per person includes guide and water. Please select the appropriate event in the online registration portal. This event is subject to cancellation if the minimum required attendance is not met.

 

Winter Fun Run (5K)

Sponsored by Validity

Friday, December 6, 6:00-7:00 a.m.

Join us for the annual 5K Winter Fun Run and run at your own pace around the beautiful trails of Terranea. The $15-per-person fee includes a t-shirt and water. Please select the appropriate event in the online registration portal.

 

Painting by the Sea

Friday, December 6, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Channel your inner Van Gogh with an afternoon of painting by the sea in the uniquely Californian style of plein air painting (meaning “open air” in French, the perfect setting in which to paint). With the helpful tips provided, combined with your unique expression, you will be able to create your own works of art. The cost is $125 per person. Please select the appropriate event in the online registration portal. This event is subject to cancellation if the minimum required attendance is not met.

 

Winter Soirée

Dinner and Entertainment sponsored by Alston & Bird LLP; BakerHostetler; Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP; Ballard Spahr, LLP; Fox Rothschild LLP; Gavin/Solmonese LLC; Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP; Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP and Shearman & Sterling LLP

Friday, December 6, 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Join your colleagues for a fun-filled evening of networking! Admission is $75 for attendees before October 5 and $100 after October 5. Guest tickets are $100 before October 5 and $125 after October 5. Please select the appropriate event in the online registration portal.

 

Whale-Watching Tour

Saturday, December 7, 11:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

December is the beginning of gray whale season off the coast of California. Enjoy your cruise as experienced captains offer comprehensive narration and information about the characteristics of the Pacific gray whale and other local sea life. The $200-per-person fee includes resort pick-up and drop-off and cruise. Please select the appropriate event in the online registration portal. This event is subject to cancellation if the minimum required attendance is not met.

 

Schedule Highlights


Thursday December 3rd, 2015
8:00am
Optional Event
Golf Tournament & ABI Golf Tour
Golf Tournament & ABI Golf Tour
The Adobe golf course is considered stately and grand, a forefather of modern design, and one of the most established golf courses in Phoenix. The Adobe offers a simplistic beauty that is hard to find in an era when trickery is a goal in golf course architecture. Like the great players of its day, the Adobe course can tell some amazing stories. $175 per player includes breakfast, cart rental, prizes and tournament fee. Please mark the appropriate box on the registration form, and indicate your handicap.
1:00pm
Tennis Tournament
Sponsored by Snell & Wilmer
Tennis Tournament
Guests can play on hard, grass and clay surfaces. A fully stocked pro shop, sunken court and Olympic-sized pool and spa surround the historic clubhouse, which was once a gracious estate. Round-robin format. $75 per player includes lunch, prizes and tournament fee. Please check the appropriate box on the registration form.
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Kayaking the Verde River
Kayaking the Verde River
Explore Arizona from the Verde River! Guides will lead the way and provide standby safety and tour management. In addition to developing boating skills, you’ll have a chance to learn about the amazing diversity of flora and fauna that has evolved along the river’s corridor. The $150-per-person fee includes round-trip transportation, guide, equipment and refreshments. Please check the appropriate box on the registration form.
5:00pm - 6:30pm
Emerging Leaders & Judges’ Roundtable (invite only)
Emerging Leaders & Judges’ Roundtable (invite only)
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Opening Reception
Sponsored by FTI Consulting, Inc.
The bar sponsors of the reception are SSG Capital Advisors, LLC, Jenner & Block LLP and Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP
Friday December 4th, 2015
8:00am - 9:30am
Great Debates
Polling Sponsored by BMC Group
Moderator
Can a chapter 11 plan grant a third-party release?
Can a bankruptcy judge disband a creditors’ committee?
Must a creditor file a proof of claim in a chapter 13 case, or is confirmed plan sufficient?
9:30am - 10:45am (Concurrent)
BAPCPA Consumer Issues: 10-Year Anniversary Special
BAPCPA Consumer Issues: 10-Year Anniversary Special
Ten years ago, the consumer bankruptcy bar was facing an unknown world with the passage of BAPCPA. Areas of concern included the means test, the determination of “presumptions of abuse,” the definitions of “excess disposable income” and how it varied from “disposable income,” and the stringent limitations on the claims of exemptions by debtors. This panel will examine the case law that has evolved and will review how consumer bankruptcy cases are being administered in light of BAPCPA. Has the outcome been what the drafters intended it to be, or is consumer bankruptcy practice essentially the same 10 years later?
9:30am - 10:45am (Concurrent)
The Next Big Thing in Restructuring
The Next Big Thing in Restructuring
This panel will present a roundtable discussion.
11:00am - 12:10pm
Committee Educational Sessions (3)
Committee Educational Sessions (3)
Financial Advisors & Investment Banking/Technology & Intellectual Property
You Are Selling My What? Valuation and Sale of Intellectual Property and Customer Information by
a Distressed Company

Ethics & Professional Compensation/Mediation
Ethical Issues in Professional Fee Disputes: Mediation vs. Litigation

Commercial Fraud/Health Care
Lies Lies Lies, Yeah: Can a Health Care Business Reorganize When Facing Allegations of Fraud? The
Role of the Forensic Accountant, Counsel and the Community
12:15 - 2:00pm
Luncheon Presentation
“Eye on Bankruptcy” Live
Sponsored by Freeborn & Peters LLP and Mesirow Financial Consulting, LLC
“Eye on Bankruptcy” Live
3:45pm – 5:00pm
Committee Educational Sessions (3)
Committee Educational Sessions (3)
Business Reorganization/Real Estate
Big and Little Boxes: The Ins and Outs of Retail Restructuring

Bankruptcy Litigation/Labor & Employment
Distress & Labor in the Courtroom: Pensions and CBA Rejections

Asset Sales/Bankruptcy Taxation
Selling Unusual Assets in Bankruptcy and their Tax Aspects (Pot, Porn and Puppies)
Saturday December 5th, 2015
8:00am - 9:30am
Concurrent Sessions(3)
Perfecting the Pitch
Concurrent Sessions(3)
Perfecting the Pitch
A professional speaking coach will start this session with general comments on speaking, then provide specific critiques on two teams that will make a mock pitch for a new creditor group representation (ad hoc group or committee).
Estate Planning, Divorce and Bankruptcy: When Worlds Collide
Estate-planning efforts and divorce proceedings can result in trustees being able to reach property that had previously been considered beyond the reach of creditors. Be prepared to explore the intersections of these laws with an expert panel who will address the impact of bankruptcy on estate plans, homestead exemptions, life estates, the sale of remainder interests and more.
Modern-Day 363 Sale Best Practices
When is the sale over (Revel), when can I credit bid (Fisker), and what is the right price (MPM) ? These and other 363 topics will be addressed during this session.
9:30am - 10:45am
Committee Educational Sessions (3)
International/Secured Credit
Committee Educational Sessions (3)
Unsecured Trade Creditors/Young and New Members
A Road to Recovery: How to Navigate the Twists and Turns of Insider Litigation
International/Secured Credit
Collateral Protection and Competing Priorities: Secured Credit in the International Arena
Consumer Bankruptcy/Legislation
Recent and Pending Legislation Regarding Student Loans and CFPB Regulations for Mortgage Servicing
11:00am - 12:30pm
Concurrent Sessions (2)
Understanding the Ethical Limits: Retention Issues
Concurrent Sessions (2)
Judges’ Hot Topics
Understanding the Ethical Limits: Retention Issues
This is the first in our new series on understanding basic ethics concepts. This panel will address the classic conflict problems that exist for business and consumer attorneys when they are retained. More advanced discussion points will focus on representing multiple entities or individuals in cases.

Speakers


Top professionals from law, finance and the judiciary system are on the facutly, respresenting diverse practice areas and stakeholders.

  • Portfolio Item

    Judge Barbara Houser (NDTX)

    Date: Friday 8-9:30 am
    Topic: Can a Chapter 11 Plan Grant a 3rd Party Release?

    Portfolio Item

    Susan Boswell, Quarles and Brady (Tucson)

    Date: Friday 9:30-11 am
    Topic: Diocese and Religious Order Bankruptcies

    Portfolio Item

    Lisa Poulin, Deloitte CRG (McLean, VA)

    Date: Friday 9:30-11 am
    Topic: The Next Big Thing?

  • Portfolio Item

    Bryan M Gaston, Conway MacKenzie (Houston)

    Date: Friday 9:30 - 11 am
    Topic: The Next Big Thing

    Portfolio Item

    Judge Gerber (NY)

    Date: Friday 9:30-11 am
    Topic: Pushing the Edges: Strategy and Survival in the Out-of-Court World

    Portfolio Item

    Bob Keach (Host/Moderator)

    Date: Friday 2:15-3:45 pm
    Topic: Supreme Court Round-Up

  • Portfolio Item

    Sandra Horwitz, CSC Trust Company (Wilmington, DE)

    Date: Friday 2:15-3:45 pm
    Topic: A New Weapon in Mega Bankruptcy Cases: The Trust Indenture Act

    Portfolio Item

    My Chi To, Devevoise (NY)

    Date: Friday 2:15-3:45 pm
    Topic: A New Weapon in Mega Bankruptcy Cases: The Trust Indenture Act

    Portfolio Item

    Steven Cimilore, Wilmington Trust (Moderator)

    Date: Saturday 8-9:30 am
    Topic: Perfecting the Pitch

  • Portfolio Item

    Jeff Pomerantz, Pachulski Stang (LA)

    Date: Saturday 11-12:30 pm
    Topic: Judges Hot Topics

    Portfolio Item

    Wayne Walker, CohnReznick

    Date: Saturday 8-9:30 am
    Topic: Perfecting the Pitch

    Portfolio Item

    Nicole Horton, Ernst & Young (LA)

    Date: Saturday 8-9:30 am
    Topic: Perfecting the Pitch

  • Portfolio Item

    Eve Karasik, Levene, Neale and Bender

    Date: Saturday 8-9:30 am
    Topic: Perfecting the Pitch

    Portfolio Item

    Susan Freeman, Lewis & Roca (Phoenix)

    Date: Saturday 11-12:30 pm
    Topic: Understanding the Ethical Limits: Retention Issues

    Portfolio Item

    Judge Eugene Wedoff (Chicago)

    Date: Saturday 11-12:30 pm
    Topic: Judges Hot Topics

Pricing


Registration Rates.

    • $795

    • ABI Member

      • Early Bird (By 10/2/15) $795
      • Regular (10/3/15 - 11/6/15) $845
      • Late (After 11/6/15) $895
    • Register
    • $1070

    • New ABI Member*

      • Early Bird (By 10/2/15) $1070
      • Regular (10/3/15 - 11/6/15) $1120
      • Late (After 11/6/15) $1170
    • Register
    • $395

    • Gov't Member

      • Early Bird (By 10/2/15) $395
      • Regular (10/3/15 - 11/6/15) $445
      • Late (After 11/6/15) $495
    • Register
    • $490

    • New Gov't Member

      • Early Bird (By 10/2/15) $490
      • Regular (10/3/15 - 11/6/15) $540
      • Late (After 11/6/15) $590
    • Register

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Contact


American Bankruptcy Institute

Address


66 Canal Center Plaza
Alexandria, VA

Phone

(703) 739-0800

Email

Questions about the Conference:
jguirguis@abiworld.org.