MeCo provides members with free, unlimited access to valuable industry information, job boards, educational resources, directories, company recommendations and reviews, mentorship opportunities, and monthly educational web seminars, by some of the industry's most recognized players. As a distinguished attorney, author, speaker and consultant within the meetings industry, Foster brings invaluable experience and wisdom to MeCo members.

"Most specialists within the meeting industry have legal concerns but simply don't how to address them," says Bill Youngs, CMP and MeCo Contributor. "With John Foster joining our team, MeCo now has an industry legal expert that can address important legal questions through his legal columns and chat sessions."

Although he is a former hotel director of sales turned lawyer by trade, John Foster is recognized as a long-time, dedicated leader for the meeting and planning industry. Foster was chosen as a 'Subject Matter Expert' and 'Platinum Speaker' for Meeting Professionals International (MPI). He is also a respected consultant and counselor for associations, trade shows & event sponsors, and meeting & convention professionals nationwide and across borders. In 2003, John Foster received a special recognition award as "Corporate Member of the Year" by the Georgia Society of Association Executives. With all of his accolades and experience, MeCo members will benefit from Foster's presence.

"I am extremely pleased that John Foster has joined MeCo as our Legal Guru. Ever since I heard John speak over 15 years ago, I have considered him as The Dean of our industry's legal concerns," explains Sue Walton, MeCo Friday Moderator. "I was new to the industry back then, and John's seminar was the first I attended regarding the legalities of contracts; he set the bar so high, no one has surpassed it."

"As meeting professionals, we all worry about the many complex legal issues that affect us and our clients," confesses Loretta Lowe, MeCo Thursday Moderator. "John Foster is, without a doubt, the best legal educator in our field. John has the rare ability to explain intricate legal concepts in such a way that us non-lawyers can understand. Over the years, I have learned so much from his industry articles, MeCo posts, and speaking engagements. We are very grateful to have him join the MeCo list experts".

Named as one of the 'Top 25 Most Influential People' in the meetings industry by MeetingNews, it's no wonder why people are so excited about John Foster's decision to join MeCo in this capacity. In addition to being a well-known and prominent attorney for Foster, Jensen & Gulley, LLC, based in Atlanta, John Foster is an author of three books for meeting professionals including: Meeting & Facility Contracts, Meetings & Liability, and Independent Meeting Planners & The Law. He is a legal columnist for Convene, the official journal for the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and an award winning author for their Professional Meeting Management book. John has been a guest lecturer and adjunct professor at several universities in their meeting management programs. He handles in-house legal training and contract preparation and negotiations for corporations and associations nationwide.

"With the addition of John Foster, MeCo reaches new heights," says Sandy Biback, CMP CMM and Tuesday Moderator. "John's columns, Chat sessions and occasional responses to legal questions will be an essential resource for all MeCo members."

"Remember, it's easier to keep you out of trouble rather than get you out of trouble", advises Foster.

For more information on how to join MeCo, please visit www.meetingscommunity.org .

About The Meetings Community (MeCo)
The Meetings Community (MeCo) is a free online destination for meeting planners and suppliers to discuss the issues surrounding the meeting and hospitality industries. After years of experience in the meeting and hospitality industries, James Louis, Loretta Lowe, Dan Parks, Jean Travers, Sue Walton, and William Youngs saw a groundbreaking opportunity to connect the planning management community on a global scale. MeCo is a free service; membership is open to all meeting and event planners and suppliers from around the world and encompasses all aspects of the industry.