Document:

EX-10.1

 

Exhibit 10.1

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of February 25, 2008, by and between GAYLORD ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY, a
Delaware corporation having its corporate headquarters at One Gaylord Drive, Nashville, Tennessee
37214 (“the Company”) and COLIN V. REED, a resident of Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee
(“Executive”).

Witnesseth:

     WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Executive as its President and Chief Executive Officer,
and Executive desires to serve in such capacity pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; and

     WHEREAS, the Executive has heretofore been employed by the Company under the terms of an
agreement that expires on April 30, 2008 (the “Prior Agreement”);

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the
parties hereto agree as follows:

Agreement

     1. Employment; Term; Place of Employment. The Company hereby employs Executive, and
Executive hereby accepts employment with the Company upon the terms and conditions contained in
this Agreement. The term of Executive’s employment hereunder shall commence on February 4, 2008
(the “Effective Date”) and shall continue for a period of two (2) years from and after the
Effective Date (the “Initial Period”). For purposes of this Agreement, a “Contract Year” shall mean
a one-year period commencing on the Effective Date or any anniversary thereof. This Agreement shall
automatically renew for two (2) year terms (each referred to as an “Extension Period”) (the Initial
Period and each Extension Period collectively referred to as the “Employment Period”) unless either
party notifies the other party at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Initial
Period or any Extension Period. Executive shall render services at the offices established by the
Company in the greater Nashville metropolitan area; provided that Executive agrees to travel on
temporary trips to such other places as may be required to perform Executive’s duties hereunder.

     2. Duties; Title.

     (a) Description of Duties.

     (i) During the Employment Period, Executive shall serve the Company as its
President and Chief Executive Officer and report directly to the Board of Directors
of Directors (the “Board of Directors”). In addition, subject to approvals required
by the Delaware Business Corporation Act and the Company’s Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws, Executive shall perform the duties of Chairman of the
Board as described by the Company’s Restated Bylaws, as amended from time to time
Executive shall supervise the conduct of the business and affairs of the Company,
its subsidiaries and respective divisions and perform such other duties as the Board
of Directors shall determine.

 

 

     (ii) Subject to approvals required by the Delaware Business Corporation Act and
the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, Executive shall serve as a
member of the Board of Directors.

     (iii) Executive shall faithfully perform the duties required of his office.
Subject to Section 2(b), Executive shall devote all of his business time and effort
to the performance of his duties to the Company.

     (b) Other Activities. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in
Section 2(a), Executive shall be permitted to engage in the following activities, provided
that such activities do not materially interfere or conflict with Executive’s duties and
responsibilities to the Company:

     (i) Executive may serve on the governing boards of, or otherwise participate
in, a reasonable number of trade associations and charitable organizations, whose
purposes are not inconsistent with the activities and the image of the Company;

     (ii) Executive may engage in a reasonable amount of charitable activities and
community affairs; and

     (iii) Subject to the prior approval of the Board of Directors, Executive may
serve on the board of directors of no more than two business corporations, provided
also that they do not compete, directly or indirectly, with the Company.

     (c) Other Policies. Executive shall be subject to and shall comply with all
codes of conduct, personnel policies and procedures applicable to senior executives of the
Company, including, without limitation, policies regarding sexual harassment, conflicts of
interest and insider trading.

     3. Cash Compensation.

     (a) Base Salary. During the initial Contract Year, the Company shall pay to
Executive an annual salary of $910,000. Executive’s annual salary shall be increased in each
subsequent Contract Year by a percentage set by the Board of Directors based upon
performance and market competitiveness (such annual salary, together with any increases
under this subsection (b), being herein referred to as the “Base Salary”).

     (b) Annual Cash Bonus. Executive shall be eligible for an annual cash bonus
equal to a target of 100% of Executive’s Base Salary, up to a maximum of 200% of Base
Salary, (the “Annual Bonus”) to be paid to him in each calendar year, and shall be
determined based on annually set performance goals and criteria, subject and pursuant to the
terms and conditions of the Company’s Cash Incentive Plan, as it is amended from time to
time. The Annual Bonus for each calendar year shall be paid to Executive on or before the
end of February 28th of the immediately succeeding year.

     (c) Withholding. The Base Salary and each Annual Bonus shall be subject to
applicable withholding and shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s payroll
practices.

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     4. Benefits; Expenses; Etc.

     (a) Custom Non-Qualified Mid-Career Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan.
Executive shall be entitled to a nonqualified supplemental executive retirement benefit (the
“SERP”). Company agrees to pay Executive a retirement benefit which has a value of
$2,500,000.00 (the “Initial SERP Benefit”). The Initial SERP Benefit will be adjusted for
hypothetical investment earnings (or losses) beginning April 23, 2005 until paid to
Executive, based on the investment performance of one or more mutual funds selected by
Executive in his sole discretion, and in a manner consistent with Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(o).
Company shall not be responsible for the quality of the investment performance of any such
fund(s). In addition, Company agrees to pay Executive a retirement benefit which will have a
value of $1,000,000.00 on May 1, 2010 (the “Additional SERP Benefit”), provided that
Executive continues to be employed by the Company through such date. As of the Effective
Date, and pursuant to the terms of the Prior Agreement, the Additional SERP Benefit is 40%
vested and accrued, for a value of $400,000, and will continue to accrue and vest at the
rate of an additional 20% per year on each of May 1, 2008, May 1, 2009 and May 1, 2010,
provided that Executive remains employed by the Company during such period. The Additional
SERP Benefit will be adjusted for hypothetical investment earnings (or losses) beginning on
May 1, 2006 until paid to Executive, based on the investment performance of one or more
mutual funds selected by Executive in his sole discretion, and in a manner consistent with
Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(o). Company shall not be responsible for the quality of the
investment performance of any such fund(s). Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement,
and subject to deferral pursuant to Section 6, the Initial SERP Benefit and the Additional
SERP Benefit, as adjusted for hypothetical investment earnings (or losses) beginning April
23, 2005 based on the investment performance of one or more mutual funds selected by
Executive in his sole discretion (collectively, the “SERP Benefit”) shall, to the extent
then vested, be payable upon the Executive’s termination of employment.

The Company will separately account for the portion of the SERP Benefit earned and vested
before January 1, 2005 ($1,875,000) together with hypothetical investment earnings or losses
thereon (the “Pre-409A SERP Benefit”). Executive’s rights to the Pre-409A SERP Benefit shall
not be modified by this Agreement but shall be with the Executive’s rights as they existed
on December 31, 2004 under the terms of the Prior Agreement. As provided under the Prior
Agreement, Executive may elect to receive the Pre-409A SERP Benefit in the form of one (1)
lump-sum payment or equal annual installments over a period not exceeding fifteen (15)
years. Such election by Executive pertaining to the Pre-409A SERP Benefit shall be made (or
may be changed) at any time, and from time to time, on or before the last day of the
calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year in which the SERP Benefit could
otherwise become payable. If no election is made, a lump-sum payment of the Pre-409A SERP
Benefit will be made.

The Company will also separately account for the balance of the SERP Benefit that became
earned and/or vested after December 31, 2004, together with hypothetical investment earnings
or losses (the “409A SERP Benefit”). Executive may elect (or may change a prior election) to
receive the 409A SERP Benefit in the form of one (1) lump-sum payment or equal annual
installments over a period not exceeding fifteen (15) years. Such election (including a
change in any election previously made) by Executive pertaining to the 409A SERP Benefit
shall be made by December 31, 2008 (or such later date as allowed under Code

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Section 409A and guidance thereto). If no election is made, or if the 409A SERP Benefit
first becomes payable in 2008, a lump-sum payment of the 409A SERP Benefit will be made.

If at Executive’s “separation of service” for reasons other than death, Executive is a
“specified employee” (as such phrases are defined under Code Section 409A), payment of the
409A SERP Benefit will commence on the date that is six (6) months following the date of
separation of service (or such later date as required under Section 6). In all other cases,
the 409A SERP Benefit will commence thirty (30) days following a separation of service (or
as soon as practicable thereafter).

The Company reserves the right to provide benefits described in this Section 4(a) under a
separate, written deferred compensation plan or arrangement that will supersede the terms of
this Agreement. The terms and conditions of all benefits described in this Section 4(a) may
be modified by the Company to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements for
deferred compensation arrangements imposed by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, as
amended from time to time.

For example purposes, a schedule of vesting for the SERP Benefit based upon the provisions
of this Section 4(a) is attached hereto as Exhibit A and made a part hereof.

     (b) Expenses. During the Employment Period, the Company shall reimburse
Executive, in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures, for all reasonable
expenses incurred by Executive, including reimbursement for his reasonable first class
travel expenses and, on up to two occasions per year, those of his spouse, in connection
with the performance of his duties for the Company.

     (c) Vehicle Allowance. During the Employment Period, Executive shall be
entitled to receive from the Company a vehicle allowance of $1,200 per month, subject to
future increases as may be granted to senior executives.

     (d) Use of Company Aircraft. During the Employment Period and subject to
availability and the Company’s relevant reimbursement policies, the Company shall make
available the Company’s jet aircraft to Executive for reasonable personal use.

     (e) Vacation. During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to four
(4) weeks vacation during each Contract Year.

     (f) Executive Financial Counseling. During the Employment Period, the Company
shall reimburse Executive for up to a maximum of $15,000 of financial counseling expenses
each Contract Year, upon submission of documentation evidencing such expenses.

     (g) Attorney’s Fees. Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for
reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred by Executive in the review and negotiation
of this Agreement and any proposed amendments to this Agreement, upon submission of
documentation evidencing such fees and expenses.

     (h) Company Plans. During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to
participate in and enjoy the benefits of (i) the Company Health Insurance Plan, (ii) the
Company 401(k) Savings Plan, (iii) the Company Supplemental Deferred Compensation

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(“SUDCOMP”) Plan, and (iv) any health, life, disability, retirement, pension, group
insurance, or other similar plan or plans which may be in effect or instituted by the
Company for the benefit of senior executives generally, upon such terms as may be therein
provided. Such benefits shall include reimbursement or payment of up to $15,000 each
Contract Year for a physical examination. A summary of such benefits as in effect on the
Effective Date has been provided to Executive, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged.

     (i) Retiree Health Coverage. The Company shall provide Executive and his wife
Brenda Reed (and no subsequent spouse or any other dependent) on the day immediately
preceding his employment termination date (other than a termination date resulting from a
termination by Company for Cause or by Executive without Good Reason) with medical benefits
(including health care, dental, prescription and vision) until the earliest of the following
occurs: (i) the deaths of Executive and his wife Brenda Reed; (ii) Executive terminates his
coverage under the plan; (iii) failure of Executive or his wife to make premium payments as
required under the plan; or (iv) Company ceases to offer medical benefits to any of its
active employees. If Executive terminates his coverage under the plan (except in the case of
death), his wife’s coverage is also terminated. Once Executive or his wife’s coverage is
terminated, it cannot be reinstated for any reason. Executive shall pay the same cost or the
same portion of the cost to Company of providing him and his wife with coverage as paid by
executive employees for similar coverage, as determined by Company in its sole discretion.
Coverage made available to Executive and his wife shall be substantially similar to coverage
provided to Executive and his wife during the Employment Period. Such benefit continuation
coverage may be provided through COBRA continuation rights, an insurance contract, benefit
plan or similar arrangement, or a combination thereof, at the Company’s discretion.

     (j) Section 409A Compliance. Except for payments to Executive arising from
Sections 4(a), and 4(h)(iii), the payments described in this Agreement are not intended to
be payments of deferred compensation subject to the requirements of Code Section 409A. In
the event a payment arising from one of these paragraphs is determined to be deferred
compensation subject to Code Section 409A, and in the event that the Executive can make an
election regarding the timing of the payment, the payment will instead be made in the
calendar year following the calendar year in which the liability for reimbursement arose or,
if later, at the earliest time possible so that the deduction related to such payment will
not be limited or eliminated by application of Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).

     5. Deferral of Excessive Employee Remuneration.

     (a) Deferral of Current Compensation. During any period in which Executive is a
“covered employee” within the meaning of Section 162(m)(3), any “applicable employee
remuneration” otherwise payable to Executive in excess of the limit specified in Section
162(m)(1) or any successor provision of the Code (currently $1,000,000) shall not be
currently paid, but shall be a deferred payment obligation of the Company governed by the
provisions of this Section 6.

     (b) Vesting of Deferred Compensation; Investment Earnings. All such deferred
payment obligations shall be fully vested and shall be adjusted for hypothetical investment
earnings (or losses) until paid to Executive. The rate of investment earnings (or losses) of
such deferred amounts shall be equal to the rate of investment earnings (or losses) of one
or

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more mutual funds selected by Executive, in his sole discretion. The Company shall not be
responsible for the quality of the investment performance of any such fund(s).

     (c) Deposit to Rabbi Trust. In order to facilitate the payment of the Company’s
deferred payment obligation, at the time that the Company would otherwise make a payment to
Executive but for the Code Section 162(m) limitations, the Company shall deposit an amount
of cash equal to the amount which is being deferred, into “Account A” of the Deferred
Compensation Rabbi Trust (the “Rabbi Trust”) that has been established by the Company and is
described in Section 6 hereof.

     (d) Distribution of Deferred Amounts. Amounts deferred pursuant to this Section
5 and earnings thereon, shall be paid to Executive at the earliest time possible so that the
deduction related to such payment will not be limited or eliminated by application of
Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m). In the event the time of payment is expected to be
later than ten (10) days following the termination of Executive’s employment with the
Company (without regard to the reason of such termination), the Company shall provide
Executive with a copy of a written opinion from counsel confirming the need to delay the
payment and specifying the earliest date upon which payment may be made so that the
deduction related to such payment will not be limited or eliminated by application of
Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m). Distributions from the Rabbi Trust shall to the extent
feasible be made from Account A prior to any distributions from Account B.

     6. Rabbi Trust. It is understood and agreed by the parties that (i) the Rabbi Trust
shall remain subject to the claims of the Company’s general creditors; (ii) any income tax payable
with respect to the Rabbi Trust shall be the sole obligation and responsibility of the Company (and
shall not reduce the assets in the Rabbi Trust so long as the Rabbi Trust remains a “grantor trust”
for federal income tax purposes); and (iii) the establishment of the Rabbi Trust shall not relieve
the Company of its liability to pay amounts due under this Agreement. The Rabbi Trust shall,
however, relieve the Company of its liability to pay amounts due under this Agreement to the extent
that payments are made in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Rabbi Trust.

     7. Termination. Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated prior to the
expiration of the Employment Period as follows:

     (a) Termination by Death. Upon the death of Executive (“Death”), Executive’s
employment shall automatically terminate as of the date of Death.

     (b) Termination by Company for Permanent Disability. At the option of the
Company, Executive’s employment may be terminated by written notice to Executive or his
personal representative in the event of the Permanent Disability of Executive. As used
herein, the term “Permanent Disability” shall mean a physical or mental incapacity or
disability which renders Executive unable substantially to render the services required
hereunder for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days or one hundred eighty (180) days
during any twelve (12) month period as determined in good faith by the Company.

     (c) Termination by Company for Cause. At the option of the Company, Executive’s
employment may be terminated by written notice to Executive upon the occurrence of any one
or more of the following events (each, a “Cause”):

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     (i) any action by Executive constituting fraud, self-dealing, embezzlement, or
dishonesty in the course of his employment hereunder;

     (ii) any conviction of Executive of a crime involving moral turpitude;

     (iii) failure of Executive after reasonable notice promptly to comply with any
valid and legal directive of the Board of Directors;

     (iv) a material breach by Executive of any of his obligations under this
Agreement and failure to cure such breach within ten (10) days of his receipt of
written notice thereof from the Company; or

     (v) a failure by Executive to perform adequately his responsibilities under
this Agreement as demonstrated by objective and verifiable evidence showing that the
business operations under Executive’s control have been materially harmed as a
result of Executive’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

     (d) Termination by Executive for Good Reason. At the option of Executive,
Executive may terminate his employment by written notice to Company given within ninety days
(90) after the occurrence of the following circumstances (“Good Reason”), unless the Company
cures the same within thirty (30) days of such notice:

     (i) Any adverse change by Company in the Executive’s position or title
described in Section 2 hereof, whether or not any such change has been approved by a
majority of the members of the Board;

     (ii) The assignment to Executive, over his reasonable objection, of any duties
materially inconsistent with his status as President and Chief Executive Officer or
a substantial adverse alteration in the nature of his responsibilities;

     (iii) A reduction by Company in his annual base salary of $910,000 as the same
may be increased from time to time pursuant to Section 3(b) hereof;

     (iv) Company’s requiring Executive to be based anywhere other than the
Company’s headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee except for required travel on the
Company’s business;

     (v) The failure by Company, without Executive’s consent, to pay to him any
portion of his current compensation, except pursuant to this Agreement or pursuant
to a compensation deferral elected by Executive, or to pay to Executive any portion
of an installment of deferred compensation under any deferred compensation program
of Company within thirty days of the date such compensation is due;

     (vi) Except as permitted by this Agreement, the failure by Company to continue
in effect any compensation plan (or substitute or alternative plan) in which
Executive is entitled to participate which is material to Executive’s total
compensation, or the failure by the Company to continue Executive’s participation
therein on a basis that is materially as favorable both in terms of the amount of

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benefits provided and the level of Executive’s participation relative to other
participants at Executive’s grade level; or

     (vii) The failure by Company to continue to provide Executive with benefits
substantially similar to those enjoyed by senior executives under the Company’s
pension and deferred compensation plans, and the life insurance, medical, health and
accident, and disability plans in which Executive is entitled to participate, except
as required by law, or the taking of any action by the Company which would directly
or indirectly materially reduce any of such benefits or deprive Executive of any
material fringe benefit enjoyed by Executive, or the failure by the Company to
provide Executive with the number of paid vacation days to which Executive is
entitled; or

     (viii) A material breach by the Company of any of its obligations under this
Agreement or the failure to renew or giving notice of non-renewal of this Agreement,
as provided in Section 1, unless such non-renewal is due to termination by the
Company for Cause, as provided in Section 7(c).

     (e) Termination by Company Without Cause. At the option of the Company
Executive’s employment may be terminated by written notice to Executive at any time
(“Without Cause”).

     8. Effect of Termination.

     (a) Effect Generally. If Executive’s employment is terminated during the
Employment Period, the Company shall not have any liability or obligation to Executive other
than as specifically set forth in Section 7, Section 8 and Section 9 hereof. Upon the
termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, he shall, upon the request of the
Company, resign from the Board of Directors.

     (b) Effect of Termination by Death. Upon the termination of Executive’s
employment as a result of Death, Executive’s estate shall be entitled to receive an amount
equal to: (i) accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination; (ii) a pro
rata portion of Executive’s Annual Bonus, if any, for the year in which termination occurs,
(iii) any unpaid portion of the Annual Bonuses for prior calendar years, accrued and unpaid
vacation pay, unreimbursed expenses incurred pursuant to Section 4(b), (c), (f), (g), (h) or
(i) and any other benefits owed to Executive pursuant to any written employee benefit plan
or policy of the Company, excluding benefits payable pursuant to any plan beneficiary
pursuant to a contractual beneficiary designation by Executive, (iv) a pro-rata portion of
the SERP Benefit with the vested portion of the SERP Benefit equal to the sum of (a) the
Initial SERP Benefit, including hypothetical investment earnings (or losses) beginning April
23, 2005 until paid to Executive, based on the investment performance of one or more mutual
funds selected by Executive, in his sole discretion, and (b) the Additional SERP Benefit
multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the total number of months (including
any fractional month) of the Employment Term (up to 60), and the denominator of which is 60;
such vested portion of the Additional SERP Benefit to include hypothetical investment
earnings (or losses) beginning on the Effective Date until paid to Executive, based on the
investment performance of one or more mutual funds selected by Executive, in his sole
discretion; (v) Executive’s stock options and equity incentive awards as of the date of
death, the vesting and

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exercise of which is governed by the Company’s 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan; and (vi)
all of Executive’s stock options, which pursuant to the Company’s 2006 Omnibus Plan are
accelerated as of the date of death and are exercisable until the expiration of the stock
option term.

     (c) Effect of Termination for Permanent Disability. Upon the termination of
Executive’s employment hereunder as a result of Permanent Disability, Executive shall be
entitled to receive an amount equal to: (i) accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the date
of termination; (ii) a pro rata portion of Executive’s Annual Bonus, if any, for the year in
which termination occurs, (iii) any unpaid portion of the Annual Bonus for prior calendar
years, long-term disability benefits available to executives of the Company, accrued and
unpaid vacation pay, unreimbursed expenses incurred pursuant to Section 4(b), (c), (f), (g),
(h) or (i), and any other benefits owed to Executive pursuant to any written employee
benefit plan or policy of the Company; (iv) a pro-rata portion of the SERP Benefit with the
vested portion of the SERP Benefit equal to the sum of (a) the Initial SERP Benefit,
including hypothetical investment earnings (or losses) beginning April 23, 2005 until paid
to Executive, based on the investment performance of one or more mutual funds selected by
Executive, in his sole discretion, and (b) the Additional SERP Benefit multiplied by a
fraction, the numerator of which is the total number of months (including any fractional
month) of the Employment Term (up to 60), and the denominator of which is 60; such vested
portion of the Additional SERP Benefit to include hypothetical investment earnings (or
losses) beginning on the Effective Date until paid to Executive, based on the investment
performance of one or more mutual funds selected by Executive, in his sole discretion; (v)
Executive’s vested stock options and equity incentive awards as of the date of termination,
the vesting of which is governed by the Company’s 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan; and (vi) all
of Executive’s stock options, which pursuant to the Company’s 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan
are accelerated as of the termination date and are exercisable until the expiration of the
stock option term. Payments to Executive hereunder shall be reduced by any payments received
by Executive under any worker’s compensation or similar law.

     (d) Effect of Termination by the Company for Cause or by Executive Without Good
Reason. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause or by
Executive for any reason other than Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to receive an
amount equal to: (i) accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination, (ii)
any unpaid Annual Bonus for prior calendar years, accrued but unpaid vacation pay,
unreimbursed expenses incurred pursuant to Section 4(b), (c), (f), (g), (h) or (i) and any
other benefits owed to Executive pursuant to any written employee benefit plan or policy of
the Company; (iii) the portion of the Restricted Stock Grant that is free from restrictions
as of the termination date; and (iv) the Initial SERP Benefit, as calculated in accordance
with the provisions of Section 4(a) of this Agreement. All stock options and equity
incentive awards, to the extent not theretofore exercised, shall terminate on the date of
termination of employment under this Section 8(d). Executive shall also forfeit (a) any
vested or unvested SERP Benefit, (b) any vested or unvested Additional SERP Benefit, and (c)
any right to an Annual Bonus for the calendar year in which Executive’s termination occurs.

     (e) Effect of Termination by the Company Without Cause or by Executive for Good
Reason. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder by the Company Without
Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to: (i) the payment of
two times Executive’s Base Salary for the year in which such termination shall

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occur; (ii) payment of two times Executive’s Annual Bonus that was earned for the preceding
year, (iii) any unpaid Annual Bonus that was earned for prior calendar years, accrued and
unpaid vacation pay, unreimbursed expenses incurred pursuant to Section 4(b), (c) (f), (g),
(h) or (i), and any other benefits owed to Executive pursuant to any written employee
benefit plan or policy of the Company, continued benefits under Section 4(c) for a period of
two years, and continuation of health benefits under Section 4(h) at the employee cost for
the period of COBRA continuation and for an additional period of two years thereafter in a
manner described in Section 4(i); (iv) any vested portion of the SERP Benefit, as calculated
in accordance with the provisions of Section 4(a) of this Agreement, and as adjusted for
hypothetical earnings (or losses), and the immediate accrual and vesting of any unvested
portion of the SERP Benefit that would have been vested and accrued if Executive were
employed through the date that is 24 months after the Effective Date; (v) acceleration of
vesting of restricted stock grants and stock options that were scheduled to vest within 24
months following the date of termination. In addition, Executive shall also be entitled to
a pro rata share of his Restricted Stock Unit Grant under the 2008 Long Term Incentive Plan
in the event the performance targets for such award are eventually satisfied on February 4,
2012 or the award is otherwise vested via change of control or otherwise (for example, if
Executive were terminated two years into the four-year cliff vesting period, then Executive
would receive fifty percent (50%) of the award if eventually earned). Executive shall have
two (2) years from the date of such termination Without Cause or by Executive for Good
Reason to exercise all vested stock options.

     9. Change of Control.

     (a) Definition. A “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have taken place if:

     (i) any person or entity, including a “group” as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, other than the Company, a wholly-owned
subsidiary thereof, or any employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries becomes the beneficial owner of Company securities having 35% or more
of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the Company that
may be cast for the election of directors of the Company (other than as a result of
the issuance of securities initiated by the Company in the ordinary course of
business);

     (ii) individuals who, as of the date of this Amendment, were members of the
Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority
of the members of the Board; provided that any individual who becomes a director
after such date whose election or nomination for election by the Company’s
shareholders was approved by two-thirds of the members of the Incumbent Board (other
than an election or nomination of an individual whose initial assumption of office
is in connection with an actual or threatened “election contest” relating to the
election of the directors of the Company (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), “tender offer” (as such term is used in
Section 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) or a proposed transaction
described in clause (iii) below) shall be deemed to be members of the Incumbent
Board.

     (iii) as the result of, or in connection with, any cash tender or exchange
offer, merger or other business combination, sale of assets or contested election,
or

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any combination of the foregoing transactions, the holders of all the Company’s
securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the Company
immediately prior to such transaction constitute, following such transaction, less
than a majority of the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities of
the Company or any successor corporation or entity entitled to vote generally in the
election of the directors of the Company or such other corporation or entity after
such transactions; or

     (iv) the Company sells all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.

     (b) Effect of Change of Control. In the event that within one (1) year
following a Change of Control, the Company terminates Executive Without Cause or Executive
terminates employment for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled, in lieu of the
compensation and benefits provided pursuant to Section 8(e), to: (i) the payment of three
(3) times Executive’s Base Salary for the year in which such termination shall occur; (ii)
the payment of three (3) times Executive’s highest Annual Bonus for preceding three years;
(iii) any unpaid portion of the Base Salary or any Annual Bonus for prior calendar years,
accrued and unpaid vacation pay, unreimbursed expenses incurred pursuant to Section 4(b),
(c), (f), (g), (h) or (i), and any other compensation owed to Executive pursuant to any
written employee benefit plan or policy of the Company and continued benefits under Section
4(c) for a period of three (3) years; (iv) any vested portion of the SERP Benefit, as
calculated in accordance with the provisions of Section 4(a) of this Amendment, and the
immediate vesting of any unvested portion of the SERP Benefit; (v) the portion of any
restricted stock grant that is free from restrictions as of the date of termination and the
acceleration and immediate release of all restrictions from all restricted stock grants that
are subject to restrictions as of the date of termination; and (vi) the vested portion of
Executive’s stock options and the acceleration and immediate vesting of any unvested portion
of Executive’s stock options. Executive shall have two (2) years from the date of such
termination Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason to exercise all stock options.

     10. Excise Tax Reimbursement. In connection with or arising out of a Change in Control
of the Company, in the event Executive shall be subject to the tax imposed by Section 4999 of the
Code (the “Excise Tax”) in respect of any payment or distribution by the Company or any other
person or entity to or for Executive’s benefit, whether paid or payable or distributed or
distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, or whether prior to or
following any termination of Executive other than Termination for Cause or By Executive without
Good Reason (a “Payment”), the Company shall pay to Executive an additional amount. The additional
amount (the “Gross-Up Payment”) shall be equal to the Excise Tax, together with any federal, state
and local income tax, employment tax and any other taxes associated with this payment such that
Executive incurs no out-of-pocket expenses associated with the Excise Tax. Provided, however,
nothing in this Section shall obligate the Company to pay Executive for any federal, state or local
income taxes imposed upon Executive by virtue of a Payment. For purposes of determining whether any
of the Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax and the amount of such Excise Tax the following
will apply:

     (a) Determination of Parachute Payments. Any payments or benefits received or
to be received by Executive in connection with a Change in Control of the Company or his
termination of employment other than by the Company for Cause or by Executive Without

11

 

Good Reason shall be treated as “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section
280G(b)(2) of the Code, and all “excess parachute payments” within the meaning of Section
280G(b)(1) shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless in the opinion of tax
counsel selected by the Company’s independent auditors and acceptable to Executive such
other payments or benefits (in whole or in part) do not constitute parachute payments, or
such excess parachute payments (in whole or in part) represent reasonable compensation for
services actually rendered within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code, or are
otherwise not subject to the Excise Tax; and

     (b) Valuation of Benefits and Determination of Tax Rates. The value of any
non-cash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the Company’s
independent auditors in accordance with proposed, temporary or final regulations under
Section 280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Code or, in the absence of such regulations, in accordance
with the principles of Section 280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Code. For purposes of determining
the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income taxes at
the highest marginal rate of federal income taxation in the calendar year in which the
Gross-Up Payment is to be made and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate
of taxation in the state and locality of Executive’s residence on the date of termination of
his employment, net of the applicable reduction in federal income taxes which could be
obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes.

     (c) Repayment of Gross-Up by Executive and Possible Additional Gross-Up by
Company. In the event that the amount of Excise Tax attributable to Payments is
subsequently determined to be less than the amount taken into account hereunder at the time
of termination of Executive’s employment, he shall repay to the Company at the time that the
amount of such reduction in Excise Tax is finally determined the portion of the Gross-Up
Payment attributable to such reduction (including the portion of the Gross-Up Payment
attributable to the Excise Tax, employment tax and federal (and state and local) income tax
imposed on the Gross-Up Payment being repaid by Executive if such repayment results in a
reduction in Excise Tax and/or a federal (and state and local) income tax deduction) plus
interest on the amount of such repayment at the rate provided in section 1274(b)(2)(B) of
the Code. In the event that the Excise Tax attributable to Payments is determined to exceed
the amount taken into account hereunder at the time of the termination of Executive’s
employment (including by reason of any payment the existence or amount of which cannot be
determined at the time of the Gross-Up Payment), the Company shall make an additional
gross-up payment in respect of such excess (plus any interest and/or penalties payable by
Executive with respect to such excess) at the time that the amount of such excess is finally
determined.

12

 

     11. Executive Covenants.

     (a) General. Executive and the Company understand and agree that the purpose of
the provisions of this Section 11 is to protect legitimate business interests of the
Company, as more fully described below, and is not intended to impair or infringe upon
Executive’s right to work, earn a living, or acquire and possess property from the fruits of
his labor. Executive hereby acknowledges that the post-employment restrictions set forth in
this Section 11 are reasonable and that they do not, and will not, unduly impair his ability
to earn a living after the termination of his employment with the Company. Therefore,
subject to the limitations of reasonableness imposed by law upon restrictions set forth
herein, Executive shall be subject to the restrictions set forth in this Section 11.

     (b) Definitions. The following capitalized terms used in this Section 11 shall
have the meanings assigned to them below, which definitions shall apply to both the singular
and the plural forms of such terms: “Confidential Information” means any confidential or
proprietary information possessed by the Company without limitation, any confidential
“know-how,” customer lists, details of client and consultant contracts, current and
anticipated customer requirements, pricing policies, price lists, market studies, business
plans, operational methods, marketing plans or strategies, product development techniques or
plans, computer software programs (including object code and source code), data and
documentation, data base technologies, systems, structures and architectures, inventions and
ideas, past, current and planned research and development, compilations, devices, methods,
techniques, processes, financial information and data, business acquisition plans, new
personnel acquisition plans and any other information that would constitute a trade secret
under the common law or statutory law of the State of Tennessee.

     “Person” means any individual or any corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association or other entity or enterprise.

     “Protected Employees” means employees of the Company or its affiliated
companies who are employed by the Company or its affiliated companies at any time
within six (6) months prior to the date of termination of Executive for any reason
whatsoever or any earlier date (during the Restricted Period) of an alleged breach
of the Restrictive Covenants by Executive.

     “Restricted Period” means the period of Executive’s employment by the Company
plus a period extending two (2) years from the date of termination of employment;
provided, however, the Restricted Period shall be extended for a period equal to the
time during which Executive is in breach of his obligations to the Company under
this Section 11.

     “Restrictive Covenants” means the restrictive covenants contained in Section
11(c) hereof:

     (c) Restrictive Covenants.

     (i) Restriction on Disclosure and Use of Confidential Information.
Executive understands and agrees that the Confidential Information constitutes a
valuable asset of the Company and its affiliated entities, and may not be converted
to

13

 

Executive’s own use or converted by Executive for the use of any other Person.
Accordingly, Executive hereby agrees that Executive shall not, directly or
indirectly, at any time during the Restricted Period or thereafter, reveal, divulge
or disclose to any Person not expressly authorized by the Company any Confidential
Information, and Executive shall not, at any time during the Restricted Period or
thereafter, directly or indirectly, use or make use of any Confidential Information
in connection with any business activity other than that of the Company. The parties
acknowledge and agree that this Agreement is not intended to, and does not, alter
either the Company’s rights or Executive’s obligations under any state or federal
statutory or common law regarding trade secrets and unfair trade practices,

     (ii) Non-Competition. Executive shall not, during the Restricted
Period, directly or indirectly, for himself or on behalf of or in conjunction with
any other Person: (x) engage, as an officer, director, shareholder, owner, partner,
joint venturer or in a managerial capacity whether as an employee, independent
contractor, consultant or advisor, or as sales representative, in any hotel business
and/or meeting and convention center business in direct competition with the Company
or any subsidiary of the Company, within seventy-five (75) miles of the locations in
which the Company or any of the Company’s subsidiaries owns or operates any hotel
and/or meeting and convention center (the “Territory”), or (y) call upon any Person
which is at that time, or which has been, within one (1) year prior to that time, a
customer of the Company (including the subsidiaries thereof) within the Territory
for the purpose of providing convention or meeting services in competition with the
Company or any subsidiary of the Company within the Territory. The foregoing shall
not be deemed to prohibit Executive from acquiring as an investment not more than
two percent (2%) of the capital stock of a competing business whose stock is traded
on a national securities exchange or over-the-counter.

     (iii) Non-solicitation of Protected Employees. Executive understands
and agrees that the relationship between the Company and each of its Protected
Employees constitutes a valuable asset of the Company and may not be converted to
Executive’s own use or converted by Executive for the use of any other Person.
Accordingly, Executive hereby agrees that during the Restricted Period Executive
shall not directly or indirectly on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of any
Person solicit any Protected Employee to terminate his or her employment with the
Company.

     (iv) Non-interference with Company Opportunities. Executive understands
and agrees that all business opportunities with which he is involved during his
employment with the Company constitute valuable assets of the Company and its
affiliated entities, and may not be converted to Executive’s own use or converted by
Executive for the use of any other Person. Accordingly, Executive hereby agrees that
during the Restricted Period or thereafter, Executive shall not directly or
indirectly on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of any Person, interfere with,
solicit, pursue, or in any way make use of any such business opportunities.

     (d) Exceptions from Disclosure Restrictions. Anything herein to the contrary
notwithstanding, Executive shall not be restricted from disclosing or using Confidential
Information that: (i) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result
of

14

 

an unauthorized disclosure by Executive or his agent; (ii) becomes available to Executive in
a manner that is not in contravention of applicable law from a source (other than the
Company or its affiliated entities or one of its or their officers, employees, agents or
representatives) that is not known by Executive, after reasonable investigation, to be bound
by a confidential relationship with the Company or its affiliated entities or by a
confidentiality or other similar agreement; or (iii) is required to be disclosed by law,
court order or other legal process; provided, however, that in the event disclosure is
required by law, court order or legal process, Executive shall provide the Company with
prompt notice of such requirement so that the Company may seek an appropriate protective
order prior to any such required disclosure by Executive.

     (e) Enforcement of the Restrictive Covenants.

     (i) Rights and Remedies upon Breach. In the event Executive breaches,
or threatens to commit a breach of, any of the provisions of the Restrictive
Covenants, the Company shall have the right and remedy to enjoin, preliminarily and
permanently, Executive from violating or threatening to violate the Restrictive
Covenants and to have the Restrictive Covenants specifically enforced by any court
of competent jurisdiction, it being agreed that any breach or threatened breach of
the Restrictive Covenants would cause irreparable injury to the Company and that
money damages would not provide an adequate remedy to the Company. The rights
referred to herein shall be independent of any others and severally enforceable, and
shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available
to the Company at law or in equity.

     (ii) Severability of Covenant. Executive acknowledges and agrees that
the Restrictive Covenants are reasonable and valid in all respects. If any court
determines that any Restrictive Covenants, or any part thereof, is invalid or
unenforceable, the remainder of the Restrictive Covenants shall not thereby be
affected and shall be given full effect, without regard to the invalid portions.

     12. Cooperation in Future Matters. Executive hereby agrees that, for a period of three
(3) years following the date of his termination, he shall cooperate with the Company’s reasonable
requests relating to matters that pertain to Executive’s employment by the Company, including,
without limitation, providing information of limited consultation as to such matters, participating
in legal proceedings, investigations or audits on behalf of the Company, or otherwise making
himself reasonably available to the Company for other related purposes. Any such cooperation shall
be performed at times scheduled taking into consideration Executive’s other commitments, and
Executive shall be compensated at a reasonable hourly or per diem rate to be agreed by the parties
to the extent such cooperation is required on more than an occasional and limited basis. Executive
shall also be reimbursed for all reasonable out of pocket expenses. Executive shall not be required
to perform such cooperation to the extent it conflicts with any requirements of exclusivity of
service for another employer or otherwise, nor in any manner that in the good faith belief of
Executive would conflict with his rights under or ability to enforce this Agreement.

     13. Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify Executive and hold him harmless from
and against any and all costs, expenses, losses, claims, damages, obligations or liabilities
(including actual attorneys fees and expenses) arising out of any acts or failures to act by the
Company, its directors, employees or agents that occurred prior to the Effective Date, or arising
out

15

 

of or relating to any acts, or omissions to act, made by Executive on behalf of or in the course of
performing services for the Company to the fullest extent permitted by the Bylaws of the Company,
or, if greater, as permitted by applicable law, as the same shall be in effect from time to time.
If any claim, action, suit or proceeding is brought, or any claim relating thereto is made, against
Executive with respect to which indemnity may be sought against the Company pursuant to this
Section, Executive shall notify the Company in writing thereof, and the Company shall have the
right to participate in, and to the extent that it shall wish, in its discretion, assume and
control the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to Executive.

     14. Notices. Any and all notices or other communications required or permitted to be
given under any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have
been duly given when personally delivered or mailed by first class registered mail, return receipt
requested, or by commercial courier or delivery service, or by facsimile or electronic mail,
addressed to the parties at the addresses set forth below (or at such other address as any party
may specify by notice to all other parties given as aforesaid):

     (a) if to the Company, to:

Gaylord Entertainment Company

One Gaylord Drive

Nashville, Tennessee 37214

Attention: Carter R. Todd

     (b) if to Executive, to:

Colin V. Reed

c/o Gaylord Entertainment Company

One Gaylord Drive

Nashville, TN 37214

and/or to such other persons and addresses as any party shall have specified in writing to the
other by notice as aforesaid.

     15. Miscellaneous.

     (a) Entire Agreement. This writing and the Exhibits hereto constitute the
entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and replaces in
its entirety Executive’s April 23, 2001 employment agreement (and all amendments thereto)
with the Company. This Agreement may not be modified, amended, or terminated except by a
written agreement signed by all of the parties hereto. Nothing contained in this Agreement
shall be construed to impose any obligation on the Company to renew this Agreement and
neither the continuation of employment nor any other conduct shall be deemed to imply a
continuing obligation upon the expiration of this Agreement.

     (b) Assignment; Binding Effect. This Agreement shall not be assignable by
Executive, but it shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, his heirs,
executors, administrators, and legal representatives. This Agreement shall be binding upon
the Company and inure to the benefit of the Company and its respective successors and
permitted assigns. This Agreement may only be assigned by the Company to an entity
controlling,

16

 

controlled by, or under common control with the Company; provided, however, that no
such assignment shall relieve the Company of any of its obligations hereunder.

     (c) Waiver. No waiver of any breach or default hereunder shall be considered
valid unless in writing, and no such waiver shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent
breach or default of the same or similar nature.

     (d) Enforceability. Subject to the terms of Section 11(e) hereof, if any
provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or
unenforceability shall attach only to such provision and shall not in any manner affect or
render invalid or unenforceable any other severable provision of this Agreement, and this
Agreement shall be carried out as if any such invalid or unenforceable provision were not
contained herein, unless the invalidity or unenforceability of such provision substantially
impairs the benefits of the remaining portions of this Agreement.

     (e) Headings. The section headings contained herein are for the purposes of
convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the contents of the sections.

     (f) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts,
all of which taken together shall be deemed one original.

     (g) Confidentiality of Agreement. The parties agree that the terms of this
Agreement as they relate to compensation, benefits, and termination shall, unless otherwise
required by law (including, in the Company’s reasonable judgment, as required by federal and
state securities laws), be kept confidential; provided, however, that any party hereto shall
be permitted to disclose this Agreement or the terms hereof with any of its legal,
accounting, or financial advisors provided that such party ensures that the recipient shall
comply with the provisions of this Section 15(g).

     (h) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be a contract under the
laws of the State of Tennessee and for all purposes shall be construed and enforced in
accordance with the internal laws of said state.

     (i) No Third Party Beneficiary. This Agreement shall not confer any rights or
remedies upon any person or entity other than the parties hereto and their respective
successors and permitted assigns.

     (j) Arbitration. Any controversy or claim between or among the parties hereto,
including but not limited to those arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any
related agreements or instruments, including any claim based on or arising from an alleged
tort, shall be determined by binding arbitration in accordance with the Federal Arbitration
Act (or if not applicable, the law of the state of Tennessee), the Commercial Arbitration
Rules of the American Arbitration Association in effect as of the date hereof, and the
provisions set forth below. In the event of any inconsistency, the provisions herein shall
control. Judgment upon any arbitration award may be entered in any court having
jurisdiction. Any party to the Agreement may bring an action, including a summary or
expedited proceeding, to compel arbitration of any controversy or claim to which this
Agreement applies in any court having jurisdiction over such action; provided, however, that
all arbitration proceedings shall take place in Nashville, Tennessee. The arbitration body
shall set forth its findings of fact and

17

 

conclusions of law with citations to the evidence presented and the applicable law, and
shall render an award based thereon. In making its determinations and award(s), the
arbitration body shall base its award on applicable law and precedent, and shall not
entertain arguments regarding punitive damages, nor shall the arbitration body award
punitive damages to any person. If Executive is entitled to any award pursuant to the
determination reached in the arbitration that is greater than that proposed by the Company,
he or she shall be entitled to payment by the Company of all attorneys’ fees, costs
(including expenses of arbitration), and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection
with the arbitration.

     (k) Section 409A Compliance. If Executive is a “specified employee” at
Executive’s “separation of service” (as such phrases are defined under Code Section 409A),
then no payment or portion of any payment described in Sections 9 or 10 that was earned and
vested after December 31, 2004, that is deferred compensation subject to the requirements of
Code Section 409A will be paid during the first six (6) months following Executive’s
separation of service. In addition, the Company will not accelerate the payment of any
deferred compensation if such acceleration would result in the imposition of penalties
and/or interest under Code Section 409A

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of
the date first above written.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	GAYLORD ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY

 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ D. Ralph Horn
 	 
	 	 	D. Ralph Horn, Lead Director 	 
	 	 	Board of Directors 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	EXECUTIVE

 	 
	 	/s/ Colin V. Reed
 	 
	 	Colin V. Reed 	 
	 	 	 
	 

18EX-10.2

 

Exhibit 10.2

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of February 25, 2008, by and between GAYLORD ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY, a
Delaware corporation having its corporate headquarters at One Gaylord Drive, Nashville, Tennessee
37214 (“the Company”) and ___, a resident of Nashville, Tennessee (“Executive”).

Witnesseth:

     WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Executive as its Executive Vice President and
___, and Executive desires to serve in such capacity pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the
parties hereto agree as follows:

Agreement

     1. Employment; Term; Place of Employment. The Company hereby employs Executive, and
Executive hereby accepts employment with the Company upon the terms and conditions contained in
this Agreement. The term of Executive’s employment hereunder shall commence on February 4, 2008
(the “Effective Date”) and shall continue for a period of two (2) years from and after the
Effective Date (the “Initial Period”). For purposes of this Agreement, a “Contract Year” shall
mean a one year period commencing on the Effective Date or any anniversary thereof. This Agreement
shall automatically renew for two (2) year terms (each referred to as an “Extension Period”) (the
Initial Period and each Extension Period collectively referred to as the “Employment Period”)
unless either party notifies the other party at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of
the Initial Period or any Extension Period. Executive shall render services at the offices
established by the Company in the greater Nashville metropolitan area; provided that Executive
agrees to travel on temporary trips to such other places as may be required to perform Executive’s
duties hereunder.

     2. Duties; Title.

     (a) Description of Duties.

     (i) During the Employment Period, Executive shall serve the Company as its
Executive Vice President and ___ and report directly to the President
and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). Executive shall supervise the financial
conduct of the business and affairs of the Company, its subsidiaries and respective
divisions, supervise the development function for the Company, and perform such
other duties as the CEO shall determine.

     (ii) Executive shall faithfully perform the duties required of his office.
Subject to Section 2(b), Executive shall devote all of his business time and effort
to the performance of his duties to the Company.

     (b) Other Activities. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in
Section 2(a), Executive shall be permitted to engage in the following activities, provided
that such activities do not materially interfere or conflict with Executive’s duties and
responsibilities to the Company:

 

 

     (i) Executive may serve on the governing boards of, or otherwise participate
in, a reasonable number of trade associations and charitable organizations, whose
purposes are not inconsistent with the activities and the image of the Company;

     (ii) Executive may engage in a reasonable amount of charitable activities and
community affairs; and

     (iii) Subject to the prior approval of the Board of Directors, Executive may
serve on the board of directors of one or more business corporations, provided also
that they do not compete, directly or indirectly, with the Company.

     (c) Other Policies. Executive shall be subject to and shall comply with all
codes of conduct, personnel policies and procedures applicable to senior executives of the
Company, including, without limitation, policies regarding sexual harassment, conflicts of
interest and insider trading.

     3. Cash Compensation.

     (a) Base Salary. During the initial Contract Year, the Company shall pay to
Executive an annual salary of $___. Executive’s annual salary shall be increased in
each subsequent Contract Year by a percentage equal to the annual percentage increase, if
any, generally granted to other senior executives, such percentage to be determined from
time to time by the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors (such annual salary,
together with any increases under this subsection (a), being herein referred to as the “Base
Salary”).

     (b) Annual Cash Bonus. Executive shall be eligible for an annual cash bonus
equal to a target of 75% of Executive’s Base Salary (the “Annual Bonus”) to be paid to him
in each calendar year and shall be determined based on the achievement of certain goals and
Company performance criteria as established by the CEO and approved by the Board’s Human
Resources Committee. The Annual Bonus for each calendar year shall be paid to Executive on
or before the end of February 28th of the immediately succeeding year.

     (c) Withholding. The Base Salary and each Annual Bonus shall be subject to
applicable withholding and shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s payroll
practices.

     4. Benefits; Expenses; Etc.

     (a) Expenses. During the Employment Period, the Company shall reimburse
Executive, in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures, for all reasonable
expenses incurred by Executive, including reimbursement for his reasonable first class
travel expenses in connection with the performance of his duties for the Company.

     (b) Vehicle Allowance. During the Employment Period, Executive shall be
entitled to receive from the Company a vehicle allowance of $1,000 per month, subject to
future increases as may be granted to senior executives.

     (c) Vacation. During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to
four (4) weeks vacation during each Contract Year.

2

 

     (d) Executive Financial Counseling; Physical. During the Employment Period,
the Company shall reimburse Executive for up to a maximum of $5,000 of financial counseling
expenses per year, upon submission of documentation evidencing such expenses. In addition,
during the Employment Period, the Company pay up to $5,000 per year for an annual physical
for Executive.

     (e) Company Plans. During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled
to participate in and enjoy the benefits of (i) the Company Health Insurance Plan, (ii) the
Company 401(k) Savings Plan, (iii) the Company Supplemental Deferred Compensation
(“SUDCOMP”) Plan, and (iv) any health, life, disability, retirement, pension, group
insurance, or other similar plan or plans which may be in effect or instituted by the
Company for the benefit of senior executives generally, upon such terms as may be therein
provided. Executive shall have continued coverage for two (2) years after the Employment
Period under all health and welfare plans or substantially similar plans including medical,
dental, vision, life, disability and executive supplemental plans. After such coverage,
Executive shall be eligible for normal COBRA coverage.

     (f) Attorney’s Fees. Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for
reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred by Executive in the review and negotiation
of this Agreement, upon submission of documentation evidencing such fees and expenses.

     5. Termination. Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated prior to the
expiration of the Employment Period as follows:

     (a) Termination by Death. Upon the death of Executive (“Death”), Executive’s
employment shall automatically terminate as of the date of Death.

     (b) Termination by Company for Permanent Disability. At the option of the
Company, Executive’s employment may be terminated by written notice to Executive or his
personal representative in the event of the Permanent Disability of Executive. As used
herein, the term “Permanent Disability” shall mean a physical or mental incapacity or
disability which renders Executive unable substantially to render the services required
hereunder for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days or one hundred eighty (180) days
during any twelve (12) month period as determined in good faith by the Company.

     (c) Termination by Company for Cause. At the option of the Company,
Executive’s employment may be terminated by written notice to Executive upon the occurrence
of any one or more of the following events (each, a “Cause”):

     (i) any action by Executive constituting fraud, self-dealing, embezzlement, or
dishonesty in the course of his employment hereunder;

     (ii) any conviction of Executive of a crime involving moral turpitude;

     (iii) failure of Executive after reasonable notice promptly to comply with any
valid and legal directive of the CEO;

     (iv) a material breach by Executive of any of his obligations under this
Agreement and failure to cure such breach within ten (10) days of his receipt of
written notice thereof from the Company; or

3

 

     (v) a failure by Executive to perform adequately his responsibilities under
this Agreement as demonstrated by objective and verifiable evidence showing that the
business operations under Executive’s control have been materially harmed as a
result of Executive’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

     (d) Termination by Executive for Good Reason. At the option of Executive,
Executive may terminate his employment by written notice to Company given within a
reasonable time after the occurrence of the following circumstances (“Good Reason”), unless
the Company cures the same within thirty (30) days of such notice:

     (i) Any adverse change by Company in the Executive’s position or title
described in Section 2 hereof, whether or not any such change has been approved by a
majority of the members of the Board;

     (ii) The assignment to Executive, over his reasonable objection, of any duties
materially inconsistent with his status as Executive Vice President and ___or a
substantial adverse alteration in the nature of his responsibilities;

     (iii) A reduction by Company in his annual base salary of $___as the same
may be increased from time to time pursuant to Section 3(a) hereof;

     (iv) Company’s requiring Executive to be based anywhere other than the
Company’s headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee except for required travel on the
Company’s business;

     (v) The failure by Company, without Executive’s consent, to pay to him any
portion of his current compensation, except pursuant to this Agreement or pursuant
to a compensation deferral elected by Executive;

     (vi) Except as permitted by this Agreement, the failure by Company to continue
in effect any compensation plan (or substitute or alternative plan) in which
Executive is entitled to participate which is material to Executive’s total
compensation, or the failure by the Company to continue Executive’s participation
therein on a basis that is materially as favorable both in terms of the amount of
benefits provided and the level of Executive’s participation relative to other
participants at Executive’s grade level; or

     (vii) The failure by Company to continue to provide Executive with benefits
substantially similar to those enjoyed by senior executives under the Company’s
pension and deferred compensation plans, and the life insurance, medical, health and
accident, and disability plans in which Executive is entitled to participate, except
as required by law, or the taking of any action by the Company which would directly
or indirectly materially reduce any of such benefits or deprive Executive of any
material fringe benefit enjoyed by Executive, or the failure by the Company to
provide Executive with the number of paid vacation days to which Executive is
entitled; or

     (viii) A material breach by the Company of any of its obligations under this
Agreement or the failure to renew or giving notice of non-renewal of this Agreement,
as provided in Section 1, unless such non-renewal is due to termination by the
Company for Cause, as provided in Section 5(c).

4

 

     (e) Termination by Company Without Cause. At the option of the Company
Executive’s employment may be terminated by written notice to Executive at any time
(“Without Cause”).

     6. Effect of Termination.

     (a) Effect Generally. If Executive’s employment is terminated during the
Employment Period, the Company shall not have any liability or obligation to Executive other
than as specifically set forth in Section 5, Section 6 and Section 7 hereof. Upon the
termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, he shall, upon the request of the
Company, resign from all corporate offices held by Executive.

     (b) Effect of Termination by Death. Upon the termination of Executive’s
employment as a result of Death, Executive’s estate shall be entitled to receive an amount
equal to: (i) accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination; (ii) a pro
rata portion of Executive’s Annual Bonus, if any, for the year in which termination occurs,
(iii) any unpaid portion of the Annual Bonuses for prior calendar years, accrued and unpaid
vacation pay, unreimbursed expenses incurred pursuant to Section 4(a), (b) or (e), and any
other benefits owed to Executive pursuant to any written employee benefit plan or policy of
the Company, excluding benefits payable pursuant to any plan beneficiary pursuant to a
contractual beneficiary designation by Executive, (iv) the portion of the Restricted Stock
Grant that is free from restrictions as of the date of death and the acceleration and
immediate release of all restrictions from all Restricted Stock Grants that are subject to
restrictions as of the date of death, (v) Executive’s vested Stock Options as of the date of
death, the vesting and exercise of which is governed by the Omnibus Plan; and (vi) all of
Executive’s Stock Options, which pursuant to the Omnibus Plan are accelerated as of the
termination date (date of death) and are exercisable until the expiration of the Stock
Option Term.

     (c) Effect of Termination for Permanent Disability. Upon the termination of
Executive’s employment hereunder as a result of Permanent Disability, Executive shall be
entitled to receive an amount equal to: (i) accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the date
of termination; (ii) a pro rata portion of Executive’s Annual Bonus, if any, for the year in
which termination occurs, (iii) any unpaid portion of an Annual Bonus for prior calendar
years, long-term disability benefits available to executives of the Company, accrued and
unpaid vacation pay, unreimbursed expenses incurred pursuant to Section 4(a), (b) or (e) and
any other benefits owed to Executive pursuant to any written employee benefit plan or policy
of the Company; (iv) the portion of the Restricted Stock Grant that is free from
restrictions as of the termination date; (v) Executive’s vested Stock Options as of the date
of termination, the vesting of which is governed by the Omnibus Plan; and (vi) all of
Executive’s Stock Options, which pursuant to the Omnibus Plan are accelerated as of the
termination date and are exercisable until the expiration of the Stock Option Term.
Payments to Executive hereunder shall be reduced by any payments received by Executive under
any worker’s compensation or similar law.

     (d) Effect of Termination by the Company for Cause or by Executive Without Good
Reason. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause or by
Executive for any reason other than Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to receive an
amount equal to: (i) accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination, (ii)
any unpaid Annual Bonus for prior calendar years, accrued but unpaid vacation pay,
unreimbursed expenses incurred pursuant to Section 4(a), (b) or (e) and any other benefits
owed to Executive pursuant to any written employee benefit plan or policy of the Company;

5

 

and (iii) the portion of the Restricted Stock Grant that is free from restrictions as of the
termination date. All Stock Options, to the extent not theretofore exercised, shall
terminate on the date of termination of employment under this Section 6(d). Executive shall
also forfeit any right to an Annual Bonus for the calendar year in which Executive’s
termination occurs.

     (e) Effect of Termination by the Company Without Cause or by Executive for Good
Reason. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder by the Company Without
Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to: (i) the payment of
two (2) times Executive’s Base Salary for the year in which such termination shall occur;
(ii) payment of two (2) times Executive’s Annual Bonus for the preceding year, (iii) any
unpaid portion of any Annual Bonus for prior calendar years, accrued and unpaid vacation
pay, unreimbursed expenses incurred pursuant to Section 4(a), (b),or (e) and any other
benefits owed to Executive pursuant to any written employee benefit plan or policy of the
Company; (iv) the portion of the Restricted Stock Grant that is free from restrictions as of
the date of termination and the acceleration and immediate release of all restrictions from
any Restricted Stock Grant that are scheduled to vest during the two-year period following
the date of Executive’s termination; and (v) the vested portion of Executive’s Stock
Options, and the acceleration and immediate vesting of Executive’s unvested Stock Options
that were scheduled to vest during the two-year period following the date of Executive’s
termination. In addition, Executive shall also be entitled to a pro rata share of his
Restricted Stock Unit Grant under the 2008 Long Term Incentive Plan in the event the
performance targets for such award are eventually satisfied on February 4, 2012 or the award
is otherwise vested via change of control or otherwise (for example, if Executive were
terminated two years into the four-year cliff vesting period, then Executive would receive
fifty percent (50%) of the award if eventually earned). Executive shall also be entitled to
continuation of his monthly car allowance during the two-year period following the date of
Executive’s termination. Executive shall have two (2) years from the date of such
termination Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason to exercise all vested Stock
Options.

     7. Change of Control.

     (a) Definition. A “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have taken place if:

     (i) any person or entity, including a “group” as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, other than the Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary thereof,
or any employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its subsidiaries becomes the
beneficial owner of Company securities having 35% or more of the combined voting power of
the then outstanding securities of the Company that may be cast for the election of
directors of the Company (other than as a result of the issuance of securities initiated by
the Company in the ordinary course of business);

     (ii) individuals who, as of the date of this Amendment, were members of the Board (the
“Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of
the Board; provided that any individual who becomes a director after such date whose
election or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved by two-thirds
of the members of the Incumbent Board (other than an election or nomination of an individual
whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened “election
contest” relating to the election of the directors of the Company (as such terms are used in
Rule 14a-11 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), “tender offer” (as such term is used
in Section 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) or a proposed transaction described
in clause (iii) below) shall be deemed to be members of the Incumbent Board.”.

6

 

     (iii) as the result of, or in connection with, any cash tender or exchange offer,
merger or other business combination, sale of assets or contested election, or any
combination of the foregoing transactions, the holders of all the Company’s securities
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the Company immediately prior to
such transaction constitute, following such transaction, less than a majority of the
combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities of the Company or any successor
corporation or entity entitled to vote generally in the election of the directors of the
Company or such other corporation or entity after such transactions; or

     (iv) the Company sells all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.

     (b) Effect of Change of Control. In the event that within one (1) year
following a Change of Control, the Company terminates Executive Without Cause or Executive
terminates employment for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to: (i) the payment of
three (3) times Executive’s Base Salary for the year in which such termination shall occur;
(ii) the payment of three (3) times Executive’s highest Annual Bonus for preceding three
years; (iii) any unpaid portion of any Annual Bonus for prior calendar years, accrued and
unpaid vacation pay, unreimbursed expenses incurred pursuant to Section 4(a), (b),or (e) and
any other benefits owed to Executive pursuant to any written employee benefit plan or policy
of the Company; (iv) the portion of the Restricted Stock Grant that is free from
restrictions as of the date of termination and the acceleration and immediate release of all
restrictions from all Restricted Stock Grants that are subject to restrictions as of the
date of termination; (v) the vested portion of Executive’s Stock Options and the
acceleration and immediate vesting of any unvested portion of Executive’s Stock Options, and
(vi) three (3) years of continued $1,000 per month vehicle allowance, $5,000 per year
financial planning assistance, and $5,000 per year executive physical. Executive shall
have three (3) years from the date of such termination to exercise all vested Stock Options.
In this case, Executive shall also have continued coverage at employee rates for three (3)
years after the Employment Period under all health and welfare plans or substantially
similar plans including medical, dental, vision, life, disability and executive supplemental
plans. At the end of such three (3) years of coverage, Executive shall be eligible for
normal COBRA coverage.

     8. Excise Tax Reimbursement. In connection with or arising out of a Change in Control
of the Company, in the event Executive shall be subject to the tax imposed by Section 4999 of the
Code (the “Excise Tax”) in respect of any payment or distribution by the Company or any other
person or entity to or for Executive’s benefit, whether paid or payable or distributed or
distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, or whether prior to or
following any termination of Executive other than Termination for Cause or By Executive without
Good Reason (a “Payment”), the Company shall pay to Executive an additional amount. The additional
amount (the “Gross-Up Payment”) shall be equal to the Excise Tax, together with any federal, state
and local income tax, employment tax and any other taxes associated with this payment such that
Executive incurs no out-of-pocket expenses associated with the Excise Tax. Provided, however,
nothing in this Section shall obligate the Company to pay Executive for any federal, state or local
income taxes imposed upon Executive by virtue of a Payment. For purposes of determining whether
any of the Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax and the amount of such Excise Tax the
following will apply:

     (a) Determination of Parachute Payments. Any payments or benefits received or
to be received by Executive in connection with a Change in Control of the Company or his
termination of employment other than by the Company for Cause or by Executive Without

7

 

Good Reason shall be treated as “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section
280G(b)(2) of the Code, and all “excess parachute payments” within the meaning of Section
280G(b)(1) shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless in the opinion of tax
counsel selected by the Company’s independent auditors and acceptable to Executive such
other payments or benefits (in whole or in part) do not constitute parachute payments, or
such excess parachute payments (in whole or in part) represent reasonable compensation for
services actually rendered within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code, or are
otherwise not subject to the Excise Tax; and

     (b) Valuation of Benefits and Determination of Tax Rates. The value of any
non-cash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the Company’s
independent auditors in accordance with proposed, temporary or final regulations under
Section 280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Code or, in the absence of such regulations, in accordance
with the principles of Section 280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Code. For purposes of determining
the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income taxes at
the highest marginal rate of federal income taxation in the calendar year in which the
Gross-Up Payment is to be made and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate
of taxation in the state and locality of Executive’s residence on the date of termination of
his employment, net of the applicable reduction in federal income taxes which could be
obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes.

     (c) Repayment of Gross-Up by Executive and Possible Additional Gross-Up by
Company. In the event that the amount of Excise Tax attributable to Payments is
subsequently determined to be less than the amount taken into account hereunder at the time
of termination of Executive’s employment, he shall repay to the Company at the time that the
amount of such reduction in Excise Tax is finally determined the portion of the Gross-Up
Payment attributable to such reduction (including the portion of the Gross-Up Payment
attributable to the Excise Tax, employment tax and federal (and state and local) income tax
imposed on the Gross-Up Payment being repaid by Executive if such repayment results in a
reduction in Excise Tax and/or a federal (and state and local) income tax deduction) plus
interest on the amount of such repayment at the rate provided in section 1274(b)(2)(B) of
the Code. In the event that the Excise Tax attributable to Payments is determined to exceed
the amount taken into account hereunder at the time of the termination of Executive’s
employment (including by reason of any payment the existence or amount of which cannot be
determined at the time of the Gross-Up Payment), the Company shall make an additional
gross-up payment in respect of such excess (plus any interest and/or penalties payable by
Executive with respect to such excess) at the time that the amount of such excess is finally
determined.

     9. Executive Covenants.

     (a) General. Executive and the Company understand and agree that the purpose
of the provisions of this Section 9 is to protect legitimate business interests of the
Company, as more fully described below, and is not intended to impair or infringe upon
Executive’s right to work, earn a living, or acquire and possess property from the fruits of
his labor. Executive hereby acknowledges that the post-employment restrictions set forth in
this Section 9 are reasonable and that they do not, and will not, unduly impair his ability
to earn a living after the termination of his employment with the Company. Therefore,
subject to the limitations of reasonableness imposed by law upon restrictions set forth
herein, Executive shall be subject to the restrictions set forth in this Section 9.

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     (b) Definitions. The following capitalized terms used in this Section 10 shall
have the meanings assigned to them below, which definitions shall apply to both the singular
and the plural forms of such terms: “Confidential Information” means any confidential or
proprietary information possessed by the Company without limitation, any confidential
“know-how,” customer lists, details of client and consultant contracts, current and
anticipated customer requirements, pricing policies, price lists, market studies, business
plans, operational methods, marketing plans or strategies, product development techniques or
plans, computer software programs (including object code and source code), data and
documentation, data base technologies, systems, structures and architectures, inventions and
ideas, past, current and planned research and development, compilations, devices, methods,
techniques, processes, financial information and data, business acquisition plans, new
personnel acquisition plans and any other information that would constitute a trade secret
under the common law or statutory law of the State of Tennessee.

     “Person” means any individual or any corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association or other entity or enterprise.

     “Protected Employees” means employees of the Company or its affiliated
companies who are employed by the Company or its affiliated companies at any time
within six (6) months prior to the date of termination of Executive for any reason
whatsoever or any earlier date (during the Restricted Period) of an alleged breach
of the Restrictive Covenants by Executive.

     “Restricted Period” means the period of Executive’s employment by the Company
plus a period extending two (2) years from the date of termination of employment;
provided, however, the Restricted Period shall be extended for a period equal to the
time during which Executive is in breach of his obligations to the Company under
this Section 9.

     “Restrictive Covenants” means the restrictive covenants contained in Section
9(c) hereof:

     (c) Restrictive Covenants.

     (i) Restriction on Disclosure and Use of Confidential Information.
Executive understands and agrees that the Confidential Information constitutes a
valuable asset of the Company and its affiliated entities, and may not be converted
to Executive’s own use or converted by Executive for the use of any other Person.
Accordingly, Executive hereby agrees that Executive shall not, directly or
indirectly, at any time during the Restricted Period or thereafter, reveal, divulge
or disclose to any Person not expressly authorized by the Company any Confidential
Information, and Executive shall not, at any time during the Restricted Period or
thereafter, directly or indirectly, use or make use of any Confidential Information
in connection with any business activity other than that of the Company. The
parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement is not intended to, and does not,
alter either the Company’s rights or Executive’s obligations under any state or
federal statutory or common law regarding trade secrets and unfair trade practices,

     (ii) Non-Competition. Executive shall not, during the Restricted
Period, directly or indirectly, for himself or on behalf of or in conjunction with
any other Person: (x) engage, as an officer, director, shareholder, owner, partner,
joint venturer or in a managerial capacity whether as an employee, independent
contractor,

9

 

consultant or advisor, or as sales representative, in any hotel business and/or
meeting and convention center business in direct competition with the Company or any
subsidiary of the Company, within seventy-five (75) miles of the locations in which
the Company or any of the Company’s subsidiaries owns or operates any hotel and/or
meeting and convention center (the “Territory”), or (y) call upon any Person which
is at that time, or which has been, within one (1) year prior to that time, a
customer of the Company (including the subsidiaries thereof) within the Territory
for the purpose of providing meeting or convention services in competition with the
Company or any subsidiary of the Company within the Territory. The foregoing shall
not be deemed to prohibit Executive from acquiring as an investment not more than
two percent (2%) of the capital stock of a competing business whose stock is traded
on a national securities exchange or over-the-counter.

     (iii) Non-solicitation of Protected Employees. Executive understands
and agrees that the relationship between the Company and each of its Protected
Employees constitutes a valuable asset of the Company and may not be converted to
Executive’s own use or converted by Executive for the use of any other Person.
Accordingly, Executive hereby agrees that during the Restricted Period Executive
shall not directly or indirectly on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of any
Person solicit any Protected Employee to terminate his or her employment with the
Company.

     (iv) Non-interference with Company Opportunities. Executive
understands and agrees that all business opportunities with which he is involved
during his employment with the Company constitute valuable assets of the Company and
its affiliated entities, and may not be converted to Executive’s own use or
converted by Executive for the use of any other Person. Accordingly, Executive
hereby agrees that during the Restricted Period or thereafter, Executive shall not
directly or indirectly on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of any Person,
interfere with, solicit, pursue, or in any way make use of any such business
opportunities.

     (d) Exceptions from Disclosure Restrictions. Anything herein to the contrary
notwithstanding, Executive shall not be restricted from disclosing or using Confidential
Information that: (i) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a
result of an unauthorized disclosure by Executive or his agent; (ii) becomes available to
Executive in a manner that is not in contravention of applicable law from a source (other
than the Company or its affiliated entities or one of its or their officers, employees,
agents or representatives) that is not known by Executive, after reasonable investigation,
to be bound by a confidential relationship with the Company or its affiliated entities or by
a confidentiality or other similar agreement; or (iii) is required to be disclosed by law,
court order or other legal process; provided, however, that in the event disclosure is
required by law, court order or legal process, Executive shall provide the Company with
prompt notice of such requirement so that the Company may seek an appropriate protective
order prior to any such required disclosure by Executive.

     (e) Enforcement of the Restrictive Covenants.

     (i) Rights and Remedies upon Breach. In the event Executive breaches, or
threatens to commit a breach of, any of the provisions of the Restrictive Covenants, the
Company shall have the right and remedy to enjoin, preliminarily and permanently, Executive
from violating or threatening to violate the Restrictive Covenants and to have the
Restrictive Covenants specifically enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction, it being

10

 

agreed that any breach or threatened breach of the Restrictive Covenants would cause
irreparable injury to the Company and that money damages would not provide an adequate
remedy to the Company. The rights referred to herein shall be independent of any others and
severally enforceable, and shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and
remedies available to the Company at law or in equity.

     (ii) Severability of Covenant. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the
Restrictive Covenants are reasonable and valid in all respects. If any court determines
that any Restrictive Covenants, or any part thereof, is invalid or unenforceable, the
remainder of the Restrictive Covenants shall not thereby be affected and shall be given full
effect, without regard to the invalid portions.

     10. Cooperation in Future Matters. Executive hereby agrees that, for a period of
three (3) years following the date of his termination, he shall cooperate with the Company’s
reasonable requests relating to matters that pertain to Executive’s employment by the Company,
including, without limitation, providing information of limited consultation as to such matters,
participating in legal proceedings, investigations or audits on behalf of the Company, or otherwise
making himself reasonably available to the Company for other related purposes. Any such
cooperation shall be performed at times scheduled taking into consideration Executive’s other
commitments, and Executive shall be compensated (except for cooperation in connection with legal
proceedings) at a reasonable hourly or per diem rate to be agreed by the parties to the extent such
cooperation is required on more than an occasional and limited basis. Executive shall also be
reimbursed for all reasonable out of pocket expenses. Executive shall not be required to perform
such cooperation to the extent it conflicts with any requirements of exclusivity of service for
another employer or otherwise, nor in any manner that in the good faith belief of Executive would
conflict with his rights under or ability to enforce this Agreement.

     11. Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify Executive and hold him harmless from
and against any and all costs, expenses, losses, claims, damages, obligations or liabilities
(including actual attorneys fees and expenses) arising out of any acts or failures to act by the
Company, its directors, employees or agents that occurred prior to the Effective Date, or arising
out of or relating to any acts, or omissions to act, made by Executive on behalf of or in the
course of performing services for the Company to the fullest extent permitted by the Bylaws of the
Company, or, if greater, as permitted by applicable law, as the same shall be in effect from time
to time. If any claim, action, suit or proceeding is brought, or any claim relating thereto is
made, against Executive with respect to which indemnity may be sought against the Company pursuant
to this Section, Executive shall notify the Company in writing thereof, and the Company shall have
the right to participate in, and to the extent that it shall wish, in its discretion, assume and
control the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to Executive.

     12. Executive’s Representations and Warranties. Executive represents and warrants
that he is free to enter into this Agreement and, as of the Effective Date, that he is not subject
to any conflicting obligation or any disability which shall prevent or hinder Executive’s execution
of this Agreement or the performance of his obligations hereunder; that no lawsuits or claims are
pending or, to Executive’s knowledge, threatened against Executive; and that he has never been
subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar proceedings, has never been convicted of a felony or
a crime involving moral turpitude, and has never been subject to an investigation or proceeding by
or before the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities commission. The Company
shall have the authority to conduct an independent investigation into the background of Executive
and Executive agrees to fully cooperate in any such investigation. The Company shall notify
Executive if it intends to conduct such an investigation.

11

 

     13. Notices. Any and all notices or other communications required or permitted to be
given under any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have
been duly given when personally delivered or mailed by first class registered mail, return receipt
requested, or by commercial courier or delivery service, or by facsimile or electronic mail,
addressed to the parties at the addresses set forth below (or at such other address as any party
may specify by notice to all other parties given as aforesaid):

     (a) if to the Company, to:

Gaylord Entertainment Company

One Gaylord Drive

Nashville, Tennessee 37214

Attention: President

Facsimile Number: (615) 316-6010

     (b) if to Executive, to:

________________

c/o Gaylord Entertainment Company

One Gaylord Drive

Nashville, TN 37214

and/or to such other persons and addresses as any party shall have specified in writing to the
other by notice as aforesaid.

     14. Miscellaneous.

     (a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supercedes and replaces in its
entirety Executive’s existing employment agreement with the Company. This Agreement may not
be modified, amended, or terminated except by a written agreement signed by all of the
parties hereto. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to impose any
obligation on the Company to renew this Agreement and neither the continuation of employment
nor any other conduct shall be deemed to imply a continuing obligation upon the expiration
of this Agreement.

     (b) Assignment; Binding Effect. This Agreement shall not be assignable by
Executive, but it shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, his heirs,
executors, administrators, and legal representatives. This Agreement shall be binding upon
the Company and inure to the benefit of the Company and its respective successors and
permitted assigns. This Agreement may only be assigned by the Company to an entity
controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company; provided, however,
that no such assignment shall relieve the Company of any of its obligations hereunder.

     (c) Waiver. No waiver of any breach or default hereunder shall be considered
valid unless in writing, and no such waiver shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent
breach or default of the same or similar nature.

     (d) Enforceability. Subject to the terms of Section 9(e) hereof, if any
provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or
unenforceability shall attach only to such provision and shall not in any manner affect or
render invalid or unenforceable any other severable provision of this Agreement, and this
Agreement shall be

12

 

carried out as if any such invalid or unenforceable provision were not contained
herein, unless the invalidity or unenforceability of such provision substantially impairs
the benefits of the remaining portions of this Agreement.

     (e) Headings. The section headings contained herein are for the purposes of
convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the contents of the sections.

     (f) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts,
all of which taken together shall be deemed one original.

     (g) Confidentiality of Agreement. The parties agree that the terms of this
Agreement as they relate to compensation, benefits, and termination shall, unless otherwise
required by law (including, in the Company’s reasonable judgment, as required by federal and
state securities laws), be kept confidential; provided, however, that any party hereto shall
be permitted to disclose this Agreement or the terms hereof with any of its legal,
accounting, or financial advisors provided that such party ensures that the recipient shall
comply with the provisions of this Section 14(g).

     (h) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be a contract under the
laws of the State of Tennessee and for all purposes shall be construed and enforced in
accordance with the internal laws of said state.

     (i) No Third Party Beneficiary. This Agreement shall not confer any rights or
remedies upon any person or entity other than the parties hereto and their respective
successors and permitted assigns.

     (j) Arbitration. Any controversy or claim between or among the parties hereto,
including but not limited to those arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any
related agreements or instruments, including any claim based on or arising from an alleged
tort, shall be determined by binding arbitration in accordance with the Federal Arbitration
Act (or if not applicable, the law of the state of Tennessee), the Commercial Arbitration
Rules of the American Arbitration Association in effect as of the date hereof, and the
provisions set forth below. In the event of any inconsistency, the provisions herein shall
control. Judgment upon any arbitration award may be entered in any court having
jurisdiction. Any party to the Agreement may bring an action, including a summary or
expedited proceeding, to compel arbitration of any controversy or claim to which this
Agreement applies in any court having jurisdiction over such action; provided, however, that
all arbitration proceedings shall take place in Nashville, Tennessee. The arbitration body
shall set forth its findings of fact and conclusions of law with citations to the evidence
presented and the applicable law, and shall render an award based thereon. In making its
determinations and award(s), the arbitration body shall base its award on applicable law and
precedent, and shall not entertain arguments regarding punitive damages, nor shall the
arbitration body award punitive damages to any person. If Executive is entitled to any
award pursuant to the determination reached in the arbitration that is greater than that
proposed by the Company, he or she shall be entitled to payment by the Company of all
attorneys’ fees, costs (including expenses of arbitration), and other out-of-pocket expenses
incurred in connection with the arbitration.

13

 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of
the date first above written.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	GAYLORD ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Colin V. Reed 	 
	 	 	President and Chief Executive Officer 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	EXECUTIVE:

 	 
	 	  	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	Name: 	 	 
	 

14

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