Creating Enterprise Value: AI, Talent, Risk & Growth Strategies for Agency Leaders:
A Business Conference for Agency CFOs, CEOs, Presidents, Managing Principals & Owners
Program Overview:
This conference is designed to address strategic, financial, operational, and legal issues that can afect agency profitability, valuation, leadership succession, risk management, and long-term enterprise value. Through a combination of expert presentations and executive discussions, attendees will gain practical insights into the opportunities and challenges facing agency leaders in an increasingly complex business environment.
12:00 PM – 12:25 PM
Registration, Lunch and Welcome
12:25 PM – 1:10 PM
AI’s Impact on Agency Processes, Economics, Pricing, and Profitability and Negotiating Agreements With Clients to Address These Issues
Artificial intelligence is reshaping agency operations, economics, client expectations, and risk profiles. This session will examine how agencies can leverage AI to improve eficiency and profitability while addressing evolving contractual and governance considerations.
Topics Covered
What clients to understand about the use of AI, costs and eficiencies.
Intellectual property, ownership and compliance considerations
AI's impact on agency business models and economics
Client expectations regarding AI usage and disclosure
Pitch and procurement pressures
Key contractual protections and risk allocation provision
Governance frameworks for AI review and approval
Speakers: Candice Kersh and Karen Lo (Special Group)
1:10 PM – 1:50 PM
Building an Ownership Culture: Equity Participation & Long-Term Incentive Strategies
Topics Covered
Equity participation structures for key employees and next-generation leaders
Employee Participation Units (EPUs), phantom equity, profits interests, and other incentive alternatives
Balancing founder control with meaningful employee ownership opportunities
Designing long-term incentive programs that align performance and succession goals
Rewarding key contributors without giving up unnecessary control
Roll-over equity particularly in private equity roll ups
Speakers: Wendy Heilbut and Mark Himmelsbach (Episode Four)
1:50 PM - 2:40 PM
Diversification Opportunities, Including SaaS, IP licensing, Investment, and Branded Entertainment
Many agencies are exploring new revenue streams and proprietary assets that can improve growth, valuation, and long-term sustainability.
Topics Covered
SaaS and technology licensing opportunities
Development and monetization of agency intellectual property
Proprietary technology and data products
Strategic investments and ownership interests
Branded entertainment and content ventures
Building value through scalable, non-service-based assets
Speakers: Greg Boyd, Chris Chase and Ben Moskowitz
2:40 PM - 2:55 PM
Networking Break
2:55 PM - 3:55 PM
M&A Readiness, Succession Planning & Deal Structures
Whether you're thinking about growth through acquisition, bringing in an investor, transitioning ownership, or eventually selling your agency, understanding the deal process is critical. This session will demystify how agency transactions work, what to expect during a sale process, and the key deal terms, structures, and negotiation points that can materially afect outcomes for founders and owners.
Topics Covered
Who is buying agencies today and why
Strategic buyers versus private equity investors
What the sale process looks like from start to finish
Valuation drivers and factors that influence deal value
Earn-outs, rollover equity, and other key deal structures
Deal terms that commonly surprise agency owners
Preparing for diligence and avoiding common pitfalls
Building the right advisory team and preparing for a successful transaction
Speakers: Lee Silver, Gavin McElroy and Michael Sidler (Madison Alley)
3:35 PM - 4:15 PM
Talent Risk Management and Employment Issues
Managing talent-related risks has become increasingly challenging, particularly as agencies engage a broader ecosystem of employees, contractors, creators, and influencers.
Topics Covered
Employee versus independent contractor classification
Compensation and payment compliance considerations
California-specific workforce requirements
Background checks and screening practices
Risk management when engaging creators and influencers
Speakers: Wendy Stryker and Tiffany Caterina
4:15 PM - 4:25 PM
Networking & Refreshment Break
4:25 PM - 5:05 PM
Practical Approaches to Contracting, Governance, and Compliance Strategies
As the legal and regulatory environment continues to evolve, agencies must adopt practical operational safeguards that reduce risk and help avoid costly disputes.
Topics Covered
Contracting strategies to mitigate business risk
Risk allocation and indemnification provisions
Ownership and rights-management considerations
Internal governance and approval procedures
Vendor management and oversight
AI governance frameworks
Updating contracts, policies, and workflows to address emerging AI-related risks
Creating practical review processes that reduce liability exposure
Speakers: Matthew Vittone and Andrew Folks
5:05 PM - 5:40 PM
Advertising Technology: Emerging Risks for Agencies
The rapid growth of privacy litigation involving digital tracking technologies is creating new legal challenges for the advertising industry. This session will explore the evolving litigation landscape, the potential exposure of advertising agencies, and practical steps agencies can take to protect themselves and their clients.
Topics Covered
Emerging class action and regulatory risks involving tracking technologies
When advertising agencies may face liability for client websites, apps, marketing pixels, and data collection practices
Allocating risk through client contracts, indemnification, and insurance
Practical strategies for reducing litigation risk without compromising marketing effectiveness
Speakers: Matt Pearson and Caren Decter
5:45 PM - 7:15 PM
Cocktail Reception
Networking reception for agency executives, speakers, sponsors, investors, and advisors.
In the Press
The Real Deal Magazine Largest Deal of the Day
Congratulations to our client, Sandra Halpern, whose sale of a commercial property in Queens, New York, was featured in The Real Deal as the largest deal of the day. Frankfurt Kurnit’s Larry Welch advised Ms. Halpern on the sale, Adam J. Osterweil advised on trust and estate issues, and Michael La Femina, Réne Scotland, Nikki Torain, Hilary Geier, and Don Thoresen provided valuable assistance in closing the deal. View Article
February 14, 2024
In the Press
Berlin: Elizabeth Olsen, Charles Melton to Star in Todd Solondz’s ‘Love Child’
The Hollywood Reporter mentions Frankfurt Kurnit as counsel to American filmmaker Todd Solondz, who has just cast Elizabeth Olsen and Charles Melton as leads in his upcoming film, "Love Child." View Article
February 13, 2024
In the Press
Live Nation Worker Can Fight $5.5M Disputed Atty Fee
Law360 mentions Nicole Hyland as counsel to Mark Perez, whose breach of contract claim against Morelli Law Firm PLLC for withholding $5.5 million in attorney fees from a $20 million personal injury award was upheld by a New York appeals court. View Article
February 12, 2024
In the Press
America Ferrera’s Feature Directorial Debut ‘I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter’ In Development At Amazon MGM Studios’ Orion Pictures
Deadline mentions Frankfurt Kurnit as counsel to New York Times bestselling author Erika Sánchez, whose novel, "‘I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" is being developed into a film and will be directed by America Ferrera. View Article
February 8, 2024
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In the Press
Tracking Technologies: A Deep Dive on What They Are and How They Work
Cybersecurity Law Report mentions Daniel M. Goldberg and Rick Borden's article, "Regulators and Litigators are Investigating Data Flows Through SDKs – An Overview and Practical Steps to Reduce Risk" as a resource for information on SDKs in mobile apps. (Behind paywall) View Article
February 5, 2024
In the Press: Quoted
Don’t Accidentally Pick Up Clients At The Family Reunion
Above the Law quotes Khasim Lockhart on how to walk the thin line between maintaining family relationships and creating attorney-client ones. View Article
January 31, 2024
In the Press
MrBeast Says Restaurant Co.‘s Suit Is Trying To ‘Gaslight’ Court
Law360 mentions Maura J. Wogan and Nicole Bergstrom as counsel to YouTube megastar MrBeast, who recently urged a New York state court to dismiss a lawsuit, arguing that the opposing party attempted to both unlawfully silence him and "gaslight" the court and the public. View Article
January 30, 2024
Winston & Strawn, Willkie Lead Firms for NBA Players Union Bills
Bloomberg Law mentions Frankfurt Kurnit as one of the firms on the National Basketball Players Association's payroll in 2023. View Article
January 30, 2024
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In the Press
Amanda Seyfried to Star in ‘Long Bright River’ Limited Series at Peacock From Liz Moore, Nikki Toscano
Variety mentions Frankfurt Kurnit as counsel to Amanda Seyfried, who is set to star in and executive produce the suspense thriller series "Long Bright River." View Article
January 29, 2024
In the Press
UTA Signs ‘Rotting In The Sun’ Star Jordan Firstman
Deadline mentions Victoria Cook as counsel to American comedian, actor, and writer Jordan Firstman, who has just signed with UTA for representation in all areas. View Article
January 26, 2024
In the Press: Quoted
FTC’s Rite Aid Order: A Strong Message to Biometric and AI Users
Cybersecurity Law Report quotes Daniel M. Goldberg on the FTC's groundbreaking enforcement action against Rite Aid, arising from the company's use of automated, facial recognition technology. It's arguably the FTC's first AI enforcement action. View article (Behind paywall)
January 24, 2024
In the Press
‘Sophie’s Choice’ Writer’s Family Sued Over Stage Rights Deal
Law360 mentions Maura J. Wogan and Molly G. Rothschild as counsel to stage, television, and movie writer David W. Rintels, who sued the family of the writer of Sophie's Choice over stage deal rights. View Article
January 15, 2024
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Bella Thorne To Make Feature Directing Debut With ‘Color Your Hurt’, True Story About A Gay Man Growing Up In The Bible Belt
Deadline mentions Frankfurt Kurnit as counsel to film producer Jen Gatien, who will produce Bella Thorne's feature-film, "Color Your Hurt." View Article
January 11, 2024
Published Articles
Sports Law In 2024 – Key Issues To Watch In North America
LawInSport published Christopher R. Chase's articles, "Involvement of U.S. federal government in sport," "Antitrust cases," "Relations with China," and "Counterfeiting and piracy," in their Sports Law in 2024 - Key Issues to Watch In North America guide. View Article
January 11, 2024
In the Press
Amazon MGM Studios Inks First-Look Deal with Nneka Onuorah
Deadline mentions Frankfurt Kurnit as counsel to Emmy award-winning director Nneka Onuorah, who has just signed an exclusive first-look TV and film deal with Amazon MGM Studios. View Article
January 10, 2024
In the Press: Quoted
How Will Contextual Advertising Fare When The FTC Revises Its COPPA Rule?
AdExchanger quotes Daniel M. Goldberg on the Federal Trade Commission's notice of proposed rulemaking to update its Children's Online Privacy Protection (COPPA) Rule. View Article
January 9, 2024
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Published Articles: In the Press
FTC’s New Warning Letters About Influencer Disclosures Include Important Guidance for Marketers
The Licensing Journal published Jeffrey A. Greenbaum’s article, “FTC’s New Warning Letters About Influencer Disclosures Include Important Guidance for Marketers." View Article
January 3, 2024
In the Press
Michael Jai White Directs, Toplines Action Comedy ‘Trouble Man!’ For Samuel Goldwyn Films; Cast Also Includes Method Man, Orlando Jones, More
Deadline mentions Frankfurt Kurnit as counsel to Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man, who is set to star in the action-comedy film, "Trouble Man!" View Article
December 18, 2023
In the Press
Marisa Tomei, Sherry Cola & Ciara Bravo Leading Rom-Com ‘You’re Dating A Narcissist!’
Deadline mentions Frankfurt Kurnit as counsel to Oscar-winner Marisa Tomei, who is set to star in the rom-com, "You’re Dating A Narcissist!" View Article
December 18, 2023
In the Press
Assemble Media, Bluestone Entertainment Developing Assemble’s Horror Short Story “Support Group For The Formerly Possessed” For Film
Deadline mentions Frankfurt Kurnit as counsel to film writers Andrew Deutschman and Jason Pagan, who are set to adapt the short story, “Support Group for the Formerly Possessed.” View Article
December 18, 2023
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Published Articles
Do I Really Need to Worry About Those Photos in the Background?
The Association of Corporate Counsel republished Melissa Georges' article, "Do I Really Need to Worry About Those Photos in the Background?" in their weekly news magazine. View Article
December 18, 2023
In the Press: Praise
Variety’s Dealmakers of 2023: Hollywood’s Dealmakers Kept Industry on Course in a Turbulent Year
Variety includes Andrew Hurwitz on their list of dealmakers for 2023, Hollywood’s top negotiators. Read more.
December 14, 2023
In the Press: Praise
Variety’s Dealmakers of 2023: Up Next
Variety includes Emma C. Smizer in their Dealmakers of 2023 “Up Next” list. Read more.
December 14, 2023
Published Articles
Trash Talking Your Competitors: How Far Can You Go?
MarketScreener republished Terri Seligman's article, “Trash Talking Your Competitors: How Far Can You Go?” View Article
December 11, 2023
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In the Press: Quoted
Liquid Death’s ‘Armless Palmer’ Stunt Evokes Clash of IP Rights
Bloomberg Law quotes Catherine M.C. Farrelly on Liquid Death's rebrand of their 'Armless Palmer' beverage to 'Dead Billionaire' after receiving legal threats from the Arnold Palmer estate. View Article
December 11, 2023
