DSCP Training

Reception

Welcome

Congressional Staff Perspectives: Looking Back at the 118th Congress and Forward to the 119th

Join Congressional staff from committees relevant to direct selling with jurisdiction over the Federal Trade Commission, independent contractors, and tax issues to discuss major developments from the 118th Congress and what to expect as the 119th Congress starts in 2025.

• Adolfo Franco, Executive Vice President, COO and Counsel, Direct Selling Association (moderator)

Winston & Strawn Session

FTC Commissioner/State AG

Lunch

What Is the Standard? Perspectives on Earnings Claims from a Consumer Advocate and Companies

In February, 100 direct selling companies received letters from consumer advocate Truth in Advertising alleging that companies and independent salesforce members were making claims about potential earnings that were not in line with Federal Trade Commission standards. Join this insightful discussion with a TINA representative and industry professionals on standards that can be used to monitor and be compliant.

• Jonathan Gilliam, Founder and CEO, Momentum Factor
• Iona Gorecki, Special Counsel, Kelley Drye 
• Bonnie Patten, Executive DIrector, TruthInAdvertising.org

FTC Guidance Palooza: But Is It Legal?

While 2023 was active in rulemaking by the FTC, 2024 has also been active with the FTC rescinding the 2004 Advisory Memo and updating its Business Guidance on Multi-Level Marketing. But is the guidance consistent with the law, or is the FTC only making policy through business education? Our panel of experts discusses the implications of these actions.

Deputy Administrator, US Department of Labor - Pending

Break

Current State of Data Security and Privacy: Legislative Solutions to Clarify Standards

The past two years have seen comprehensive data security and privacy legislation introduced in Congress. This year, the American Privacy Rights Act was introduced by bi-partisan, bi-cameral Members of Congress only to be stalled. What are the major sticking points of legislative solutions and what can companies do to stay ahead of the curve?

• Katy Spicer, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs (moderator)

Performance Marketing Compliance: What You Need to Know

As more direct sellers are embracing performance marketing strategies, there are a bevy of additional rules and regulations you need to abide by including consent and privacy. Compliance experts discuss how to do it the right way.

• Gayla Huber, Integrashield
• Matt Cagle, CompliancePoint

Litigation Update: Independent Contractor and Non-Compete Rules

As rules are put forward by the Biden Administration that have a negative impact on direct selling they are being held in check by business groups bringing lawsuits. Companies have also been the subject of litigation regarding non-solicitation provisions. Come here from the experts involved in those cases.

Reception

General Counsel Dinner

Compliance Officer Dinner

Welcome Back

Five Years In: A Lookback at the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council

The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council was launched in 2019 as an impartial monitoring, enforcement, and dispute resolution mechanism for direct selling businesses regarding product claims and income representations.

Executives from the DSSRC discuss their past work and, more importantly, what is on the horizon for 2025 and beyond.

• John Webb, Senior Legal Counsel for Policy, Advocacy and Compliance, Direct Selling Association (moderator)
• Peter Marinello, DSSRC
• Howard Smith, DSSRC

Fireside Chat: Perspectives from the Federal Trade Commission

A senior Federal Trade Commission staffer discusses a busy 2024 in updated guidance regarding direct selling and the perspectives on what the agency expects from companies and salesforce. This detailed one on one conversation will have in depth insights.

• Lois Greisman, Associate Director, Division of Marketing Practices, Federal Trade Commission
• John Villafranco, Partner, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

General Counsel Panel - ASK the GCs

Hear from experienced direct selling company general counsels. They will discuss the legal and regulatory framework for direct selling, share their challenges, concerns, and vision for the industry's future, and answer your questions.