BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Michigan Defense Trial Counsel - ECPv6.16.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.mdtc.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Michigan Defense Trial Counsel REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Detroit BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260612T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260612T173000 DTSTAMP:20260608T231523 CREATED:20251119T023807Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T150305Z UID:134891-1781254800-1781285400@www.mdtc.org SUMMARY:2026 Annual Summer Meeting + Conference DESCRIPTION:Register Now:\nRegister Online\n*Includes credit card processing fees \nRegister via Check\nOnsite Program\nHousing Reservations\n  \nJoin us for the 2026 Annual Summer Meeting + Conference: For the Sake of Trial – Elevating the Craft of Trial Practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opening Session\n 9:00 – 9:15 a.m. \npresented by Frederick Livingston (McDonald Baas and Livingston PLLC) & Shawn Lewis (Hewson & Van Hellemont PC) \n \n \n \n \n \n AI in the Courtroom: Practical Tools for Modern Trial Lawyers\n 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. \npresented by Scott Carvo – Partner\, Warner Norcross & Judd \n \n \n \n \n \n [No Fault] Social Media Solutions for the Innovative Insurance Adjuster - Breakout 1\n 10:45 – 11:15 a.m. \nSocial media isn’t just for sharing updates – it’s shaping the outcome of claims every day. This dynamic course uncovers the hidden influence of social platforms and shows you how to turn online insights into actionable intelligence. You’ll discover just how prevalent social media really is\, learn ethical and proven methods for investigating digital footprints\, and see the powerful impact these findings can have on a claim. Plus\, we’ll share practical strategies for monitoring\, preserving\, and leveraging social media evidence effectively. \npresented by Mike Huntsman & Jack Sanders – Command Services \n \n \n \n \n \n [Employment Law] Artificial Intelligence\, Authentic Liability - Breakout 1\n 10:45 – 11:15 a.m. \nIf you represent an employer of just about any size\, their employees are using ChatGPT to do their work for them.  Not all of them\, but a lot of them.  This presentation will discuss what employers need to know about the risks of restrictionless AI use in the workplace\, what policies can be implemented to control liability risk\, and what liability might result from failing to properly monitor and train employees. \npresented by Andrew Cascini – Henn Lesperance PLC \n \n \n \n \n \n [MedMal] Top 5 Motions In Limine - Breakout 1\n 10:45 – 11:15 a.m. \nMotions in limine are a vital but sometimes overlooked part of preparing for trial. They can lead to dispositive rulings on critical issues such as the scope of damages\, admissibility of expert testimony\, and exclusion of harmful hearsay evidence. We will explore the top 5 motions in limine to position you for success in defending the case at trial—or eliminating the need for trial altogether. \npresented by Karen E. Beach – Nauts\, Dwaihy\, Beach & Moran\, PLLC \n \n \n \n \n \n [No Fault] Anatomy of a Fraud Ring - Breakout 2\n 11:20 – 11:50 a.m. \nThis session will discuss a year and half investigation of what it took to break open a fraud ring\, the players involved\, the multiple claims across numerous carriers\, and how attention to detail matters. \npresented by Robert Abramson – McDonald Baas & Livingston PLLC \n \n \n \n \n \n [Employment Law] Reports of the Death of Non-Competes Are Greatly Exaggerated - Breakout 2\n 11:20 – 11:50 a.m. \nDefense attorneys who have represented employers know that when it comes to litigation\, non-compete prosecution and defense are\, well – a little bit unique. This presentation will bring attendees up to date about the legal status of non-competes in Michigan\, discuss some special wrinkles that practitioners need to keep in mind when litigating cases\, and provide some practical advice about drafting good agreements that are (hopefully!) enforceable. \npresented by Andrew Cascini – Henn Lesperance PLC \n \n \n \n \n \n Property/Premises - Breakout 2\n 11:20 – 11:50 a.m. \npresented by Rick Patterson & Noah Zeidan – Vandeveer Garzia \n \n \n \n \n \n Supreme Court Updates\n 1:20 – 1:35 p.m. \nStay current on the latest developments shaping Michigan law. This session will highlight key Michigan Supreme Court decisions\, emerging issues in pending cases\, and other notable rulings that may impact trial practice. \npresented by Carlos Escurel – Foley Baron Metzger & Juip \n \n \n \n \n \n Service of Process is Changing: Digital Service and Evasion in Modern Litigation\n 1:35 – 2:15 p.m. \nA look at how avoidance is evolving\, the role of digital touchpoints\, and how courts are beginning to approach alternative and digital service. We’ve been actively developing a Virtual Digital Service framework around this\, which gives some practical context to what’s coming next. \npresented by Dan Klimek – Sherlock Investigations \n \n \n \n \n \n View from the Bench (Judges' Panel)\n 3:05 – 3:55 p.m. \nModerator: Judge David Groner – Ret. \nPanelists: \n\nJudge Susan DeClercq – U.S. District Judge\, Eastern District of Michigan\nJudge James Jamo – 30th Circuit Court Judge\nJudge Michael Warren – Oakland County Circuit Court – Business Division\n\n \n \n \n \n \n View from the Bar (Practitioner Panel)\n 2:30 – 3:05 p.m. \nModerator: Laura Canfield – Secura Insurance \nPanelists: \n\nL. Ladd Culbertson – Secura Insurance\nCameron Getto – Zausmer PC\nJohn Whitman – Garan Lucow Miller PC\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Closing Remarks\n 3:55 – 4:00 p.m. \npresented by Fred Livingston – McDonald Baas & Livingston PLLC URL:https://www.mdtc.org/event/2026-annual-summer-meeting/ LOCATION:Double Tree Suites\, 525 W. Lafayette Boulevard\, Detroit\, MI\, 48226\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mdtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Website-Event-Banners-1-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260612T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260612T173000 DTSTAMP:20260608T231523 CREATED:20260224T180418Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T151642Z UID:134958-1781280000-1781285400@www.mdtc.org SUMMARY:2026 Defense Networking Reception (Summer) DESCRIPTION:Register Here: Registration \nJoin us after the 2026 Annual Summer Meeting to meet and greet the MDTC leaders and local attorneys. \nThis event is open to all Members\, Non-Members\, or Prospective Members. This is a chance for Members to connect with the MDTC Board and grow their professional network. URL:https://www.mdtc.org/event/2026-defense-networking-reception-summer/ LOCATION:Double Tree Suites\, 525 W. Lafayette Boulevard\, Detroit\, MI\, 48226\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mdtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Website-Event-Banners-4-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260616T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260616T130000 DTSTAMP:20260608T231523 CREATED:20260601T190316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T190508Z UID:135412-1781611200-1781614800@www.mdtc.org SUMMARY:Commercial Litigation Webinar DESCRIPTION:REGISTER HERE: Commercial Litigation Webinar Registration \n  \nAttend MDTC’s Commercial Litigation webinar on Tuesday\, June 16\, 2026. It will be hosted on zoom\, allowing anyone to attend from anywhere. \n  \nTitle: Navigating Michigan’s UPEPA \n  \nMichigan’s adoption of the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA) introduces a new framework for addressing Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP claims). This presentation will walk through the statute’s three-step analytical process\, including key procedural considerations. It will also provide a practical overview of how courts in other jurisdictions have interpreted and applied UPEPA\, offering attorneys insight into when UPEPA may be a viable and effective defense. \n  \nPanelists: \n\nJohn Sier – Kitch Attorneys & Counselors\, PC\nAnnaclare Censoni – Kitch Attorneys & Counselors\, PC URL:https://www.mdtc.org/event/135412/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mdtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Website-Event-Banners-2-scaled.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260811T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260811T130000 DTSTAMP:20260608T231523 CREATED:20260527T201119Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T201536Z UID:135389-1786449600-1786453200@www.mdtc.org SUMMARY:General Liability Webinar DESCRIPTION:REGISTRATION COMING SOON \n  \nAttend MDTC’s General Liability webinar on Tuesday\, August 11\, 2026 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM. It will be hosted on zoom\, allowing anyone to attend from anywhere. \n  \nTitle:Whittling Away of the Invitee/Licensee Status: A Review of Past Present and Future Premises Liability Status \n  \nPanelists (more coming soon): \n\nKent Riesen – Janson & Riesen LLC URL:https://www.mdtc.org/event/general-liability-webinar/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mdtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Website-Event-Banners-9-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260818T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260818T200000 DTSTAMP:20260608T231523 CREATED:20260224T181917Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T210359Z UID:134961-1787076000-1787083200@www.mdtc.org SUMMARY:Battle of the Bar IV DESCRIPTION:Register Now: Registration Link \nSponsor Now: Sponsorship/Partnership Opportunities \n  URL:https://www.mdtc.org/event/battle-of-the-bar-iv/ LOCATION:The Corner Ballpark\, 1680 Michigan Ave\, Detroit\, MI\, 48216\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mdtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Website-Event-Banners--scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260911T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260911T080000 DTSTAMP:20260608T231523 CREATED:20260224T202436Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T151839Z UID:134964-1789113600-1789113600@www.mdtc.org SUMMARY:30th Annual Golf Outing DESCRIPTION:Register Here: Registration \nSponsor Now: Sponsorship Opportunities  URL:https://www.mdtc.org/event/30th-annual-golf-outing/ LOCATION:Mystic Creek Golf Course\, Champions Circle\, Milford Charter Township\, MI\, 48380\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mdtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Website-Event-Banners-5-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261008T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261008T200000 DTSTAMP:20260608T231523 CREATED:20251215T161556Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T202530Z UID:134927-1791482400-1791489600@www.mdtc.org SUMMARY:Meet the Judges 2026 DESCRIPTION:REGISTER HERE: Meet the Judges Registration URL:https://www.mdtc.org/event/meet-the-judges-2026/ LOCATION:Detroit Golf Club\, 17911 Hamilton Rd\, Detroit\, MI\, 48203\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mdtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Join-Us-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261030T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261030T160000 DTSTAMP:20260608T231523 CREATED:20260327T132749Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T194221Z UID:135192-1793349000-1793376000@www.mdtc.org SUMMARY:2026 Annual Winter Meeting DESCRIPTION:Registration: Register Here\nJoin us for the 2026 Winter Meeting—an engaging day of insightful discussions\, dynamic speakers\, and valuable networking opportunities you won’t want to miss! Secure your spot and be part of a program designed to elevate your practice. \nTitle: Meeting The Challenge: A New Defense Model \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vendor Networking + Breakfast\n 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome\n 9:00 – 9:10 a.m. \n \n \n \n \n \n [Opening Session] Defending Healthcare Heroes\n 9:10 – 10:10 a.m. \nRunaway verdicts are no longer anomalies. They are a structural risk driven by psychology\, narrative control\, and early-case missteps that compound long before trial. John will teach us that “we don’t just try cases\, we need to craft narratives that connect with juries\, grounded in credibility\, fairness and respect for the civil justice system.” Controlling the Uncontrollable teaches defense counsel\, how to address increasingly aggressive plaintiff tactics and regain control. John also will emphasis the need for stronger defense cooperation and presentation to help avoid run-away verdicts\, and describe practical tools to identify severity trajectories\, establish credible defense anchors\, and manage risk before exposure hardens. \npresented by John E. Hall\, Jr.\, Esq. – Hall Booth Smith\, P.C \n \n \n \n \n \n Vendor Networking + Refreshment Break\n 10:10 – 10:30 a.m. \n \n \n \n \n \n [Keynote] Telling the Defense Story\n 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. \nDavid Mann shows lawyers how to simplify\, clarify\, and organize their case material to have lasting persuasive impact. All defense practice areas will benefit from this presentation\, with a particular emphasis on medical malpractice cases. Going beyond basic presentation skills\, David teaches defense lawyers of any experience level how to build on the facts to add a dynamic narrative arc that grabs attention and keeps it. He shares how to make a defense story resonate by unfolding it strategically\, while using vocal inflection and body language to make it come alive. \nKey areas of focus: \n• Finding the most persuasive narrative angle on a case• Efficiently re-focusing the jury on “the story they’re not telling you”• Organizing the flow of spoken material for persuasive impact• Translating complex legal jargon into plain language• Using body language and simple staging to illustrate key case story aspects• Creating written material that sounds right when spoken• Projecting confidence and power in the space” \npresented by David Mann  \n \n \n \n \n \n Lunch + Presentations\n 12:00 – 1:10 p.m. \nMDTC/MAJ Respected Advocate Award: presented by Rik Joppich – Joppich Law\, PLLC \nEvery year\, MDTC and MAJ each present a “Respected Advocate Award.” The MDTC annually gives the award to a member of the plaintiff’s bar for the purpose of recognizing and honoring the individual’s history of successful representation of clients and adherence to the highest standards of ethics. The MAJ does the same annually for a defense practitioner. In doing so\, we promote mutual respect and civility. \nBest Article Award: \nFor its annual Best Article Award\, the MDTC selects an article from each volume of Michigan Defense Quarterly to recognize as the best. \n \n \n \n \n \n Unsubstantiated Anchoring: Paintings and Jets and Baseball Contracts\, Oh My!\n 1:15 – 2:00 p.m. \nThe multi-million-dollar cost of famous paintings\, jets\, and sports contracts has nothing to do with personal-injury damages awards. Yet\, plaintiffs frequently reference them during closing arguments. Why? It’s anchoring—the exploitation of bias in numerical estimates based on exposure to arbitrary numbers. In this session\, you’ll learn what anchoring is\, how it works\, and how defendants can address it. \npresented by Mike Cook – Collins Einhorn Farrell PC URL:https://www.mdtc.org/event/2026-annual-winter-meeting/ LOCATION:Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel\, 21111 Haggerty Road\, Novi\, MI\, 48375\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mdtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Website-Event-Banners-10-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR