On September 21-23, the Direct Selling Association hosted its annual Legal & Regulatory Seminar. The seminar provided the only annual event for direct selling company legal, regulatory and government affairs professionals to hear directly from regulators and policymakers.

The seminar included remarks from Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Sam AA Levine, United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and a panel with Reps. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ) and Marc Veasey (D-TX). Participants also heard from General Counsels, compliance executives, leading industry attorneys, industry partners, and Congressional staff on issues impacting the direct selling business. The presentations focused on how companies and the industry will adapt and respond to ensure protection of our business and consumers.

Senator Blackburn said, “It is the private sector like direct sellers that solve problems. They create businesses and economic impact for millions of Americans. Working with direct sellers, I will ensure that regulators understand the positive force and strong self-regulation the industry provides.”

Congressman Veasey remarked, “The direct selling business is a huge economic engine in the DFW Metroplex. My role is to represent my constituents and not put people over politics. I look forward to continuing my work with direct sellers to protect consumers and economic opportunities at the same time.” 

Congresswoman Lesko added, “I was pleased to join the Direct Selling Association and speak with them about the positive impact direct selling can have on our communities, especially women. I will continue to work with my Congressional colleagues in a bipartisan manner to keep barriers to entry low and encourage more people to get involved with this vital component to our economy.”

DSA President Joseph N Mariano noted, “It was energizing to gather for our first all in-person Legal & Regulatory Seminar in three years. Understanding the current regulatory and legislative landscape as well as working to achieve more clarity is vital to ensuring the success of our companies and salespeople. DSA prides itself on its ability to convene regulators, policymakers, as well as industry executives and partners who provide insights on key issues and challenges that impact our business model. This is the only forum for the industry that brings together these parties.”  

DSA extends a special thank you to our premier sponsor Winston & Strawn LLP as well as Jenkon, Nexio, Momentum Factor, Scheef & Stone, Millar Kreklewetz, and Squire for their generous sponsorship of this event. To view the full agenda, please go here https://www.dsa.org/dsa-legal-regulatory-seminar/agenda