COVID-19

This panel will discuss the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the travel and hospitality industry, including how airlines, cruise lines and hotels have managed through the crisis so far, what’s next for the industry once the pandemic becomes endemic (and hopefully milder), and the unique issues that arise in hotel property workouts and bankruptcies.

The world has gone through monumental changes as a result of COVID-19: We have witnessed an administration change; a pandemic shutdown, emergence and contemplated re-shutdown; record market highs; record sustained interest rate lows; and substantial stimulus legislation. How have these various external and macroeconomic changes affected insolvency and fraud litigation, and what impact will they have on the future of litigation? Further, how have these changes influenced cross-border considerations in litigation? This panel will explore the latest trends in insolvency and fraud litigation, and the effects that COVID-19 has had on these trends.

Bankruptcy filings fell dramatically during this latest recession and pandemic. The practice of law, especially insolvency law, was (temporarily?) upended. This panel will explore how the past might inform future filings.

The experts on this panel will show you how to get the best valuation evidence before the courts, and will discuss how volatile COVID-19 conditions have impacted their valuation opinions.

The day-to-day life of restructuring professionals has changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lots of us learned that we can effectively complete our most challenging work from our home offices. This panel of CEOs, COOs and managing partners of firms with significant restructuring practices will discuss what has worked and what hasn’t worked during the pandemic, along with current trends and future issues.

Hosted by the International, Legislation and Secured Credit Committees This panel will examine and discuss recent trends and issues in the chapter 11 reorganizations of airlines, including foreign-based airlines that have sought chapter 11 protection in the U.S., such as Avianca and LATAM. Additionally, the panelists will analyze governmental and legislative initiatives in the U.S. taken in response to COVID-19 that at the time staved off formal reorganization proceedings for U.S.-based airlines.

Hosted by the Business Reorganization and Real Estate Committees Join this panel of experts as they offer their perspectives on the state of the real estate and real estate-based business economy as we reach the six-month point of the post-COVID-19 recovery period. Armed with the benefit of pent-up demand and states and businesses moving to fully reopen over the summer, plus the start of the lucrative holiday shopping season, these proven real estate restructuring professionals will offer their thoughts on the sectors that have weathered the storm and the factors that will enable some borrowers to restructure, while others will be forced to liquidate. Additionally, the panelists will identify which sectors could see storm clouds on the horizon.

Many businesses thrived and grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, while others died on the vine. How do you understand the value of distressed businesses in a post-COVID-19 world? This panel will explore how to evaluate post-COVID-19 business plans and tax strategies to enhance and preserve value.

How can you tell whether your next case will have a successful outcome? In this fast-paced, entertaining session, panelists will examine over a dozen key U.S. industries, comparing their performance before and during the pandemic — and even toss in a few post-pandemic prognostications. Discover the key indicators that can predict how your next case might go.

2021 kicks off a new version of the Broken Bench program: Jeopardy Host, Chief Judge Pamela Pepper, will challenge contestants Judge Cate Furay, Professor Nancy Rapoport, and Demetra Liggins with educational and fun questions. The Jeopardy categories will include: Famous Debtors, Bricks & Mortar, Supremely Strange, Sex & Religion, and Covid-19.