2008 Free Seminars

These FREE educational seminars will help you make the right decisions during your franchise research.




For easy guidance, each description is related to a specific track. The legend below will help you understand the meaning of the symbols listed with each seminar description.
Franchisors Seeking Growth Penetrating the U.S. Market

Friday, April 11

 
Symposium 6: Structures and Operational Stragegies for Successful Expansion within the USA (separate fee required)
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Room 204A
Moderated by: Joseph W. Sheyka, Partner, DLA Piper US LLP
Panelists: Mark Siebert, CEO, iFranchise Group and David A. Beyer, Partner, DLA Piper US LLP

This symposium will explore a wide range of subjects bearing on the successful expansion of a franchise network including a variety of business and legal issues relating to the development and implementation of a franchise expansion program; developing an effective and fair franchise relationship structure; legal compliance; furnishing products and services that benefit franchisees; and establishing durable franchise relationships. Click here for more details.

An Overview of Key U.S. Trends and Regulatory Issues for Canadian and Overseas Franchisors
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Room 204B
Presented by: Andrew J. Sherman, Partner, Dickstein Shapiro LLP and Alan J. Schaeffer, Partner, Dickstein Shapiro, LLP

The U.S. market has always provided a leadership position in the international franchising community. It has the lure and potential of being a very strategic and lucrative marketplace, yet can also be very competitive and confusing. This special introductory seminar will provide guidance and insights for overseas franchisors entering the U.S. market for the first time - and will dispel some underlying held myths about franchising in the United States. We will cover topics such as: understanding the role of franchising in the U. S. economy; key trends affecting the growth of franchising in the next millennium; basic research tools to understand the U.S. market and evaluate the competition; challenges and hurdles to franchising in the United States; overview of the legal and regulatory issues.

Hot Topics from the U.S. Commercial Service
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Room 204B
Presented by: Kristin Houston, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service , Cherine Maher, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commerical Service, U.S. Embassy Cairo; April Redmon, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commerical Service - Northern Virginia and Ronald Babula, International Trade Analyst, U.S. Department of Commerce

Hear from the export experts on the positive impact of the new Western Free Trade Agreements, as well as previous Agreements. Also explore the booming franchise opportunity in the Middle East in this lively panel discussion.

FAQ: The UFOC for Overseas Franchisors
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Room 204B
Presented by: Andrew J. Sherman, Partner, Dickstein Shapiro LLP and Alan J. Schaeffer, Partner, Dickstein Shapiro, LLP

Many overseas franchisors experience misunderstanding and confusion regarding the disclosure and procedural requirements of the uniform franchise offering circular (UFOC) which must be prepared under U.S. federal and state law. This workshop will answer some of the most frequently asked questions and concerns regarding the UFOC as well as break some myths regarding the costs and mechanics of preparation and share some tips for preparing the company for the U.S. market on a more general basis.

Symposium 5: Global Franchise Expansion: Strategies for Lucrative and Planned Growth (separate fee required)
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Room 204A
Moderated by: Philip Zeidman, Senior Partner, DLA Piper US LLP
Panelists: Peter Holt, Chief Operating Officer, Tasti D-Lite and William Edwards, CFE, President, Edwards Global Services, Inc. and Dhawal Shah, Dy. Executive Officer, Franchise Association of India

The topics will address the most common business and legal problems affecting international franchising. Franchisors and professionals experienced in international franchising will take part in the panels. Click here for more details

Symposium 3: Operations Manuals: The Foundation to Consistent Execution (separate fee required)
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Room 209B
Presented by: Marla Rosner, Senior Consultant, Training, Michael H. Seid & Associates

Documentation of your business’ processes and procedures is the foundation to consistent execution of your franchise concept. In this 3-hour Symposium, learn how to create a user-friendly Operations Manual as well as key content that should be included. Click here for more details