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 GrowthNon-US Franchisors: Entering the USA
Friday, April 9
Symposium 6: Structures and Operational Strategies for Successful Expansion within the USA (separate fee required)
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Room 208B
Moderated by: Joseph Sheyka, Partner, DLA Piper US LLP Panelists: Mark Siebert, CEO and David Hood, President, iFranchise Group
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 208A
Presented by: Andrew J. Sherman, Senior Partner, Jones Day and Alan J. Schaeffer, Partner, Jones Day
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.
Where In the World? Choosing Your Markets
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Room 208A
Presented by: Philip Zeidman, Senior Partner, DLA Piper US LLP Panelists: Charlie Weeks, International Franchise Development and William Edwards, CFE, President, Edwards Global Services, Inc.
With the whole world to choose from, how does the smart franchisor pick markets with the best mix of consumers, franchisees and economic growth prospects? What are the important business, legal and cultural considerations, and how does the franchisor get the information and balance all the factors wisely? Three experts with decades of experience will also answer your questions about any market you are considering.
FAQ for Overseas Franchisors: The FDD and Franchising Disputes – Litigation Risks and Practice Tips
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Room 208A
Presented by: Alan J. Schaeffer, Partner, Jones Day Panelists: J. Todd Kennard and Jeffrey J. Jones, Partners, Jones Day
This 2-part workshop will answer some of the most frequently asked questions and concerns about the disclosure and procedural requirements for the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), including the mechanics of preparation in compliance with U.S. federal and state law, and share some tips for preparing the company for the U.S. market generally. The second part of the workshop will focus on franchising disputes, explaining some common litigation risks and providing helpful practice tips.
Symposium 5: Global Franchise Expansion: Strategies for Lucrative and Planned Growth (separate fee required)
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Room 208B
Moderated by: Philip Zeidman, Senior Partner, DLA Piper LLP (US) Panelists: Peter Holt, Chief Operating Officer, Tasti D-Lite; William Edwards, CFE , President, Edwards Global Services, Inc.; Smita Joshi, U.S. Commercial Service, 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)
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM Room 209B
Presented by: Marla Rosner, Senior Training Consultant, 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
EXHIBITOR PRESENTATION Franchising in India: The Road Ahead
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Room 204B
Presented by: Franchising Association of India and U.S. Commercial Service,
Briefing by Franchising Association of India and U.S. Commercial Service speakers followed by an open interactive session.
Facts about India include: home to over a billion people; 50% of the population in the age bracket of less than 25 years;
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) pegged at US$1.3 trillion with a growth rate of over 6% a year for the past decade; most attractive emerging market for investment; and franchising industry in expansion / growth stage.
Leveraging Online Marketing to Grow Your Franchise
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Room 204A
Presented by: Edward Cilurso, Director of Business Development, WebiMax and Todd Bailey, Web Development/SEO Expert, WebiMax
Learn in detail the benefits and opportunities online marketing provides. Topics include Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing, Pay Per Click Marketing, E-Commerce, and much, much more.