This is the version of the terms and conditions signed between 23 March 2020 and 31 May 2022. For the current terms and conditions, see this page.
1.1 These Terms and Conditions together with the Term Sheet form the agreement between the parties (the “Agreement”).
1.2 In this Agreement, words and phrases have the meaning given to them in the Term Sheet and this clause 1.2:
(a) “Client Marks” means the trade marks of Client;
(b) “Contact Lists” means any lists or databases of potential or actual Event delegates or speakers and any related contact details which FT may at its discretion provide to Client;
(c) “Data Protection Laws” means any data protection laws applicable in the United Kingdom from time to time, including the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and the Regulation on Privacy and Electronic Communications, together with (where FT Publications, Inc. is the contracting party) any data protection laws applicable in the United States;
(d) “Event Materials” means any material, whether printed or online, relating to the Event, including Event literature, delegate lists, speaker lists, marketing materials, speaker papers, Recordings, Event websites or microsites or otherwise;
(e) “FT Marks” means the trade marks, brands and logos of FT, including “FT”, “The Financial Times”, the Event Name and the Principal Event Branding;
(f) “IPRs” means all present and future copyright, moral rights, database rights, trade mark rights, trade secrets and all related rights and neighbouring rights and any other intellectual property rights of whatsoever nature throughout the world whether or not registered or capable of registration including all renewals and/or extensions thereof;
(g) “Marks” means the FT Marks or the Client Marks, as the case may be;
(h) “Networking Tool” means any software or tool made available by FT which may allow Client to view the list of registered Event delegates and arrange meetings with such delegates;
(i) “Recordings” means any audio, visual, audio-visual or electronic recordings of the Event(s) or any photographs of the Event(s), made by or on behalf of FT;
(j) “Term” has the meaning given to it in clause 9.1; and
(k) “Term Sheet” means a term sheet executed by FT and Client which incorporates these Terms and Conditions.
1.3 Unless the context otherwise requires the words “include” and “including” will be construed as without limitation; and any reference to any legislative provision will be deemed to include any subsequent re-enactment or amending provision.
2.1 FT will deliver the Event in accordance with the Event Details and deliver the Client Benefits in a professional manner and using reasonable care and skill. If FT is unable to deliver any of the Client Benefits or the Venue precisely as set out in the Term Sheet, then FT may substitute alternative rights or an alternative venue of a substantially similar nature and to a materially equivalent value without penalty. FT will use reasonable endeavours to consult in good faith with Client when exercising these rights, but a failure to do so will not entitle Client to terminate this Agreement.
2.2 In the event that any of the Event Details set out in the Term Sheet are to be confirmed after signature of this Agreement (for example, where only the city of the Venue or only the month of the Date of Event is stated), then the further details will be decided by FT, in its reasonable professional opinion, in consultation with Client.
2.3 Client agrees that, save as set out in the Term Sheet: (i) FT may seek third party sponsorship for the Event(s) without restriction; and (ii) the Client Benefits detailed on the Term Sheet are non-exclusive.
2.4 Client will:
(a) fulfil the Client Obligations specified in the Term Sheet;
(b) promptly provide any assistance or feedback that FT may reasonably request;
(c) only use the FT Marks for purposes for which FT has provided its prior written approval;
(d) not distribute, make available or use any press releases or promotional or marketing materials relating to the Event without FT’s prior written approval;
(e) refer to FT all requests that it receives regarding the Event;
(f) not sell, or attempt to sell, branding rights or delegate places for the Event;
(g) not do or permit to be done anything which may reasonably be interpreted by FT in any way as being prejudicial or detrimental to the Venue, the Event or FT;
(h) not represent that FT endorses Client or Client’s products and services nor hold itself out as representing FT; and
(i) not seek to associate itself with FT or the Event other than as strictly permitted by the Client Benefits.
2.5 If Client undergoes a change of name or brand prior to the Event then:
(a) Client will notify FT as soon as reasonably practicable;
(b) FT will use reasonable endeavours to take account of the change of name or brand; and
(c) FT will not be required to make any changes to take account of the change of name or brand unless Client has agreed in writing to pay FT’s reasonable costs in making those changes; but
(d) FT reserves the right to terminate this Agreement if FT reasonably believes that the change of name or brand will be disruptive or detrimental to the Event (including if the new name or brand is confusingly similar to any FT Mark or any other sponsor’s name or brand, or if FT reasonably believes that the new name or brand infringes any third party rights or may be damaging to the reputation of FT, the Event or any other sponsor).
3.1 Unless specifically agreed to the contrary on the Term Sheet:
(a) Client will pay the Fees and any Costs (if provided on the Term Sheet) in full (without any set-off or counterclaim ) to FT on signature of the Term Sheet;
(b) if the FT contracting party is The Financial Times Limited, all payments will be made by Client to FT in London in pounds sterling; and
(c) if the FT contracting party is FT Publications, Inc., all payments will be made by Client to FT in New York in US dollars.
3.2 If Client fails to pay the Fees within the period specified in the Term Sheet, then, without limiting FT’s remedies under clause 9, Client will pay interest on the overdue amount at the rate of 4% per annum above Barclays Bank PLC base rate from time to time. Such interest will accrue on a daily basis from the due date until actual payment of the overdue amount, whether before or after judgment. Client will pay the interest together with the overdue amount.
3.3 If Client is required by any law or regulation to make any deduction or withholding (on account of tax or otherwise) from any payment, Client will, together with such payment, pay any additional amount as will ensure that FT receives, free and clear of any tax or other deduction or withholding, the full amount which it would have received if no such deduction or withholding had been required. Client will promptly forward to FT copies of official receipts or other evidence showing that the full amount of any such deduction or withholding has been paid over to the relevant taxation or other authority.
3.4 The parties agree to comply with the applicable double tax treaty with respect of withholding taxes and FT will comply with all reasonable requests from Client to file, or to provide Client with such forms, statements or certificates as will enable Client to apply a reduced rate of tax or exemption from tax in accordance with the applicable double tax treaty.
4.1 Subject to clause 4.2:
(a) FT will retain all IPRs which may arise in the course of organising and hosting the Event, including all IPRs in the Event Name, the Event Materials and the Contact Lists; and
(b) Client assigns to FT all IPRs (including future IPRs) in the Event Name, the Event Materials and the Contact Lists that may otherwise accrue to Client as a result of its involvement in the Event.
4.2 Client will retain all IPRs in the Client Marks and any pre-existing Client materials. Client grants to FT for the Term a worldwide, royalty-free non-exclusive licence to use the Client Marks for the purpose of allowing FT to carry out its obligations under this Agreement.
4.3 Each party (the “licensee”) acknowledges and agrees that: (i) all goodwill accrued from use of the Marks of the other party (the “licensor”) under this Agreement is to the benefit of the licensor and the licensor may at any time call for a confirmatory assignment of that goodwill and the licensee will immediately execute it; (ii) the Marks of the licensor will remain the exclusive property of the licensor; (iii) nothing in this Agreement will confer upon the licensee any right of ownership in the Marks of the licensor; and (iv) the licensee will not authorise any third parties to use the Marks of the licensor.
5.1 The following provisions of this clause 5 apply only if FT agrees to supply Client with copies of any Recordings (as indicated on the Term Sheet or otherwise agreed by FT in writing).
5.2 Subject to the terms of this Agreement, FT grants to Client a non-exclusive and non-transferable licence (without the right to sublicense) to allow Client to use the Recordings only:
(a) for internal business use;
(b) for internal research and current awareness purposes;
(c) on Client’s website, YouTube channel, Facebook page, Twitter feed and/or LinkedIn page; and/or
(d) within a larger piece of Client’s original work that is sent electronically to individuals outside Client’s organisation (such as a written report, written advice or a presentation including a scheduled newsletter); or
(e) as otherwise expressly agreed by FT in the Term Sheet or otherwise in writing.
5.3 Client will not:
(a) except as expressly permitted in this Agreement, copy, edit, modify, translate, sell, license, grant any rights in or otherwise make available the Recordings;
(b) use the Recordings in any manner prejudicial to the reputation or interests of FT or any person appearing in the Recordings; or
(c) distort, misrepresent or change the substance, emphasis or context of the Recordings.
5.4 Client will cease all use of the Recordings in accordance with FT’s reasonable instructions within 2 working days of FT’s written request to do so. FT will not be liable for any actions, losses, damages, expenses or other liabilities that may arise out of Client’s failure to comply with any request by FT under this clause 5.4.
6.1 Each party warrants and represents to the other that it is entitled to and has the necessary authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform the obligations imposed on it under this Agreement.
6.2 Each party warrants and represents to the other that it is authorised to grant the other party the right to use its Marks and any other materials it may provide to the other under this Agreement.
6.3 Except as expressly provided in this Agreement and to the extent permitted by law, no warranty, condition, representation or undertaking, express or implied, statutory or otherwise, is given or assumed by either party and all such warranties, conditions, representations and undertakings are excluded. Without limiting the foregoing, FT makes no warranty or representation to Client regarding the number, seniority or identity of the speakers and/or delegates at the Event or the return on investment that Client will obtain by acquiring the Client Benefits.
6.4 Each party will indemnify and keep indemnified the other party from and against all claims, damage, losses, costs (including reasonable legal costs), expenses, demands or liabilities arising out of any third party claim that the use by the indemnified party of any of the indemnifying party’s Marks in accordance with this Agreement infringes any IPRs or other proprietary rights of such third party.
6.5 If FT or Client (as the case may be) seeks indemnification under this Agreement (the “Indemnified Party”), the Indemnified Party will: (i) notify the other party (the “Indemnifying Party”) concerning the existence of the event giving rise to a claim under an indemnity; (ii) grant authority to the Indemnifying Party to defend or settle any third party action or claim; and, (iii) provide, at the Indemnifying Party’s reasonable expense, such information, cooperation and assistance to the Indemnifying Party as may be reasonably necessary for the Indemnifying Party to defend or settle the third party claim or action.
7.1 Client acknowledges that FT, as organiser of the Event, acts as a controller (and not as a processor on behalf of Client) in respect of FT’s processing of personal data in connection with the Event, including in respect of prospective and actual delegates at the Event.
7.2 Each party warrants that it will:
(a) comply with any obligations imposed upon it by Data Protection Laws;
(b) not do anything which may cause the other party to be in breach of the obligations imposed upon it by Data Protection Laws;
(c) maintain appropriate technical and organisational measures to prevent the accidental, unauthorised or unlawful processing, destruction, loss, damage or disclosure of personal data processed by it, in accordance with the requirements of GDPR;
(d) only use personal data disclosed to it by the other party for the purposes of this Agreement; and
(e) ensure that it has the appropriate consents as may be required by Data Protection Laws prior to disclosing any personal data to the other.
7.3 Without limitation to clause 7.2, Client acknowledges that all Contact Lists are personal data, and accordingly:
(a) Client will only use Contact Lists for purposes for which FT has provided its prior written approval;
(b) Client will comply with all laws and good practice on direct marketing in its use of the Contact Lists, including without limitation the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003;
(c) Client will not use any Contact Lists for the purposes of sending unsolicited marketing material by electronic mail or automated calling systems (as those terms are defined in the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003) or by fax; and
(d) Client will screen all Contact Lists against applicable “Do Not Call” or “Do Not Mail” registers before using for any direct marketing purposes.
7.4 Where FT agrees to give Client access to the Networking Tool (as indicated on the Term Sheet or otherwise agreed by FT in writing):
(a) Client acknowledges that the purpose of the Networking Tool is to enable genuine networking between attendees at the Event, and is not intended for unsolicited marketing to attendees; and
(b) FT may remove such right to access the Networking Tool if, in FT’s reasonable opinion, Client is misusing the Networking Tool.
7.4 The parties acknowledge that the Data Protection Laws may, separately and in addition to these Terms and Conditions, impose certain requirements on FT relating to the transfer of data outside the EEA. Client agrees to assist and cooperate with FT in complying with such requirements under this Agreement, where applicable.
7.5 Each of the parties undertakes to keep confidential all information (written or oral) concerning the business and affairs of the other that it will have obtained or received as a result of the discussion leading up to the entering into, or during the performance of, this Agreement (“Confidential Information”) save that which is (a) trivial or obvious; (b) already in its possession other than as a result of a breach of this clause; (c) in the public domain other than as a result of a breach of this clause; (d) required by a government body, a court of competent jurisdiction, or otherwise by law to be disclosed; or (e) for FT’s benefit only, is acquired by members of FT’s newsgathering or news dissemination operations by persons who are not provided with access to the Confidential Information pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
7.6 Each of the parties undertakes to the other to take all such steps as will from time to time be necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this clause 7 by its employees, agents and sub-contractors.
7.7 In this clause 7, the expressions “personal data”, “process”, “controller” and “processor” have the meanings given to them in GDPR.
8.1 If, in FT’s view, a planned Event is not viable (including where FT determines that extraneous circumstances are such that it cannot ensure the security of the Event, the Event Venue or the safety of speakers or delegates), then FT may cancel the Event and terminate this Agreement at any time prior to the Event. To the extent reasonably practicable, FT will consult with Client before cancelling the Event. If this Agreement relates to more than one Event, then FT may cancel a single Event without terminating the Agreement and this Agreement will continue in full force and effect as it relates to the non-cancelled Event(s). If FT cancels an Event under this clause 8, it will promptly refund Client any Fees pre-paid by Client up to the date of cancellation that relate to the cancelled Event and Client will not be required to pay any further Fees in relation to that Event.
8.2 FT may postpone an Event:
(a) at any time up to 30 days prior to the Event Date, where in FT’s view the Event will be more successful if it is postponed or where FT determines that a postponement is required if extraneous circumstances are such that it cannot ensure the security of the Event, the Event Venue or the safety of speakers or delegates; or
(b) at any time up to the Event Date, where FT reasonably considers this necessary due to the potential impact on the Event of an infectious disease outbreak or other Force Majeure Event.
To the extent reasonably practicable, FT will consult with Client before postponing the Event. The replacement date of the Event will be in FT’s discretion, acting reasonably and (to the extent reasonably practicable) in consultation with Client. In the case of annual Events, FT may elect to transfer the Client Benefits to the following year’s version of the same Event, which will then become the Event for the purposes of this Agreement.
8.3 Client has no right to cancel or postpone any Event in any circumstances. This does not affect Client’s right to terminate in accordance with clauses 9.2 or 10.1.
9.1 The term of this Agreement will commence from the date of the signing of the Term Sheet and unless otherwise terminated earlier in accordance with its terms, will conclude with the completion of the final Event(s), or any post Event administration, whichever is later, when this Agreement will automatically terminate (the “Term”).
9.2 Each party may terminate this Agreement immediately by notice in writing to the other party if:
(a) the other party commits any material breach of its obligations under this Agreement and fails to remedy such breach (if capable of remedy) within 14 days after being given notice by the first party to do so; or
(b) the other party makes an arrangement with or assignment in favour of its creditors or goes into liquidation (other than a voluntary liquidation for the purposes of amalgamation or reconstruction) or has a receiver or administrator appointed over its property or assets or any part thereof or any event analogous to any of the foregoing occurs in relation to the other party in any jurisdiction.
9.3 FT will be entitled to terminate this Agreement immediately by notice in writing to Client if:
(a) Client fails to pay any amount due under this Agreement on the due date for payment and remains in default 7 days after being notified by FT in writing to make such payment;
(b) there is a change in the control (meaning the majority shareholding or the capacity to control day to day management) of Client;
(c) Client is in breach of clauses 2.4(g), 2.4(h), 2.4(i) or 12; or
(d) Client (or any of its shareholders or directors) becomes subject to any Sanction, or continuation of this Agreement would (in the reasonable opinion of FT) expose FT or any of its affiliated companies to any Sanction, where “Sanction” means any sanction, prohibition or restriction under United Nations resolutions or the trade or economic sanctions, laws or regulations of the European Union, United Kingdom, Hong Kong or United States of America.
9.4 FT may also elect to suspend the operation of the Agreement by notice in writing to Client in any of the circumstances in which it is entitled to require Client to remedy a material breach or to terminate the Agreement pursuant to clause 9.2 or 9.3 (such notice to specify the grounds for suspension), without any liability for such suspension. During the period of the suspension the parties will discuss in good faith how to rectify the breach or dispute that led FT to suspend the operation of the Agreement. If such breach or dispute is rectified then FT will confirm this in writing to Client. If FT fails to provide such confirmation within 3 months of issuing the suspension notice, then this Agreement will be deemed to have been terminated by FT pursuant to the corresponding provision of clause 9.2 or 9.3 as applicable.
9.5 The expiry or termination of this Agreement will be without prejudice to any rights which have accrued to either of the parties under it, including FT’s right to receive payment of all Fees, which will become due and payable on termination. Upon termination, all of the Client Benefits will immediately terminate and automatically revert to FT and each party will promptly return to the other or destroy any property of the other in its possession or control. For the avoidance of doubt, Client is only entitled to a refund of pre-paid Fees in the circumstances set out in clause 8.1.
10.1 Neither party will be in breach of this Agreement or liable for failure to perform or delay in performing any obligation under this Agreement (including the obligation on FT to host the Event) if the failure or delay arises from or is attributable to: (a) any circumstances beyond its reasonable control (other than lack of funds on the part of Client), including, abnormally inclement weather, flood, lightning, storm, fire, explosion, earthquake, subsidence, structural damage, epidemic, failure or shortage of power supplies, war, military operations, riot, crowd disorder, strike, airport closure or disruption, lock-outs, other industrial action, terrorist action or civil commotion (“Force Majeure Event”); or (b) a reasonable expectation in light of extraneous circumstances that it will not be able to safely perform its obligations under this Agreement due to a Force Majeure Event. If the Force Majeure Event continues for at least three days, either party will be entitled to terminate this Agreement by notice in writing to the other.
11.1 Neither party will be liable to the other for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential loss, damage, costs, expenses or other claims whatsoever.
11.2 Without prejudice to Client’s payment obligations under this Agreement, the total liability of either party whether in contract, tort or otherwise in respect of any breach of its obligations under this Agreement or any representation, statement, negligent act or omission arising under or in connection with this Agreement will be limited to direct damages which will in no event exceed the Fee.
11.3 Nothing in this Agreement will limit or exclude either party’s liability: (a) in relation to any indemnity under this Agreement; (b) for death or personal injury caused by that party’s negligence; (c) for fraud or for fraudulent misrepresentation; (d) for breach of the data protection or confidentiality obligations; or (e) for any other matters for which it would be unlawful to exclude or limit liability.
12.1 Client will at all times comply with all applicable laws related to bribery, corruption and related matters including the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act.
12.2 Client will not offer, pay, or authorise any financial or other advantage to be given:
(a) to any official or employee of any government or political party, political candidates or employees of Government enterprises (“Official”); or
(b) to any person who deals with FT in connection with its business,
for the purpose of obtaining an improper business advantage for FT; influencing such Official to take, or not take, any action or decision; or inducing such Official to use his influence to affect any act or decision of the government.
12.3 Client will report any breach or potential breach of clauses 12.1, or 12.2 to FT as soon as it becomes aware of them.
13.1 Nothing in this Agreement will constitute or be deemed to constitute a partnership between the parties or constitute or be deemed to constitute one party as agent of the other for any purpose whatever and neither party will have authority or power to bind the other or to contract in the name of and create a liability against the other or to represent the other in any matter whatsoever.
13.2 No failure or delay by a party to exercise any right or remedy provided under this Agreement or by law will constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy, nor will it preclude or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy. No single or partial exercise of such right or remedy will preclude or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy.
13.3 This Agreement constitutes the whole agreement between the parties and supersedes all previous agreements between the parties relating to its subject matter. Each party acknowledges that, in entering into this Agreement, it has not relied on, and will have no right or remedy in respect of, any statement, representation, assurance or warranty (whether made negligently or innocently) other than as expressly set out in this Agreement. Nothing in this sub-clause will limit or exclude any liability for fraud.
13.4 The rights and remedies provided under this Agreement are in addition to, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies provided by law.
13.5 If a provision of this Agreement (or part of any provision) is found by any court or other authority of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that provision or part-provision will, to the extent required, be deemed not to form part of this Agreement, and the validity and enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement will not be affected. If a provision of this Agreement (or part of any provision) is found to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the provision will apply with the minimum modification necessary to make it legal, valid and enforceable.
13.6 A person who is not a party to this Agreement will not have any rights under or in connection with it.
13.7 No provision of this Agreement may be amended, modified, discharged or terminated other than by the express written agreement of the parties.
13.8 This Agreement may be signed in counterparts each of which once signed will be deemed to be an original of this Agreement. Signed copies of this Agreement sent as a PDF by email will be deemed to be originals of this Agreement.
13.9 Client may not assign at law or in equity its rights under this Agreement or subcontract any of its duties or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of FT.
13.10 Any notice required to be given under this Agreement will be made in writing and will be delivered by hand, recorded delivery or courier to the other party and will be deemed to have been received, if delivered by hand, at the time and date of delivery; and if sent by recorded delivery or courier, upon the date of receipt (as evidenced by signature). Any such notice given by FT will be sent to the address of Client shown on the Term Sheet. Any such notice given by Client will be sent to:
(a) if the FT contracting party is The Financial Times Limited: the Company Secretary, The Financial Times Limited, Bracken House, 1 Friday Street, London, EC4M 9BT.
(b) if the FT contracting party is F.T. Publications, Inc.: the Company Secretary, FT Publications, Inc., Bracken House, 1 Friday Street, London, EC4M 9BT.
13.11 The provisions of this Agreement that by their nature and content, must survive the completion, rescission or expiration of this Agreement, will so survive. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the parties specifically agree that the following provisions will survive: clause 5 (Use of Recordings), clause 6.4 (Warranties and Indemnities), clause 6.5 (Warranties and Indemnities), clause 7 (Data Protection and Confidentiality), clause 11 (Limitation of Liability) and clause 14 (Disputes and Governing Law).
14.1 If the FT contracting party is The Financial Times Limited, this Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts, except that, for the exclusive benefit of FT, FT retains the right to bring proceedings against Client in the applicable courts of Client’s place of business.
14.2 If the FT contracting party is F.T. Publications, Inc., this Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New York (without regard to its conflict of laws provisions) and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located in New York City, except that, for the exclusive benefit of FT, FT retains the right to bring proceedings against Client in the applicable courts of Client’s place of business.
15.1 This version of the Terms and Conditions applies to Term Sheets executed by the FT and Client at any time from 23 March 2020 until this version of the Terms and Conditions is superseded by a new version. Previous versions can be found here.
15.2 FT may at any time and at its sole discretion change, update or amend these Terms and Conditions by posting a new version of the Terms and Conditions at https://live.ft.com/termsandconditions. Any such change under this clause 15.2 will not affect any Term Sheets that have already been executed by FT and Client.