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Anthrocon announced there may be a convention in 2021.
Let me explain how this works: Conventions often enter into multi-year contracts.
There are penalties for breaching said contracts.
Stating that you will not perform is an anticipatory breach.
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Let me explain how this works: Conventions often enter into multi-year contracts.
There are penalties for breaching said contracts.
Stating that you will not perform is an anticipatory breach.
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They have to proceed as if the convention will occur to avoid breaching.
If they state "We will not be holding AC 2021" right now, they have breached the 2021 contract year.
Damages can be sought against them.
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If they state "We will not be holding AC 2021" right now, they have breached the 2021 contract year.
Damages can be sought against them.
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So they are likely proceeding as if the convention will occur to avoid this.
The reason is likely to avoid a breach, which would place the hotel/event center in a better position in an action to enforce, so there is time to assess and negotiate as needed over the next few months
The reason is likely to avoid a breach, which would place the hotel/event center in a better position in an action to enforce, so there is time to assess and negotiate as needed over the next few months
If I have a contract to rent your event space in July, but in December say "I will not have it," and there is a liquidated damages clause of $100,000, you get to sue me immediately under an anticipatory breach for $100,000.
If I say "We are planning it" and then, looking at the numbers and situation, begin discussing with the hotel the realities and the possibility of extending, cancelling, or moving with a lessened penalty, you cannot sue me for a breach. I have not yet breached.
The former places the event organizer in a position of weakness - the breach is present, the event space does not have to acquiesce or negotiate because they can act.
The latter allows breathing room to find other solutions.
The latter allows breathing room to find other solutions.
Likewise, some event contracts - especially large events - require certain things to happen by certain dates well in advance of the event actually taking place.
Anthrocon has been a fixture for 20-plus years. I don't think anyone there is charging ahead like a drunken teenager.
Anthrocon has been a fixture for 20-plus years. I don't think anyone there is charging ahead like a drunken teenager.
None of which is to say, of course, they aren't planning to have a convention if it is safe to do so - and are in advance planning what measures to take as they continue to monitor and assess the situation.
