2008 Conference Program—Symposium 1

 WHO ELSE WANTS TO BE A SUCCESSFUL FRANCHISEE?
Inside Information From A 30-Year Franchise Veteran
If you're looking for a no-nonsense, cut-to-the-quick, show me how to evaluate franchises so that I can buy one that's right for me . . . this is the symposium you need. And it's the only one you'll need! It's taught by John P. Hayes, PhD, a 30-year franchise veteran who has been both a franchisee and a franchisor. Dr. Hayes has worked with 100 different franchise systems as a consultant and he has written extensively about the topic. He has been teaching this seminar for nearly 20 years to thousands of individuals, many of whom have successfully purchased franchises. If you hope to become a successful franchisee, get started with confidence by participating in this symposium.

You will learn the basic information about franchising but glean an in-depth knowledge through the experiences of Dr. Hayes who will help you understand how to interpret and use the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular to discover reliable information about the performance and viability of any franchise, how to evaluate the franchisor's operating system and determine if you and your intended market are compatible with the system, the pros and cons of franchising, the fees required by franchisors, the facts about territorial and product restrictions, how to raise money to invest in a franchise, and much, much more.

This is the perfect symposium for people who are just getting started with their research as well as those who are close to making a decision to buy a franchise. Questions will be answered throughout the symposium.

Dates
Saturday, April 12, 9:00am – 1:00pm


Rates
Advance: $195 includes exhibit hall admission and seminars
On-Site: $225 includes exhibit hall admission and seminars


Who Should Attend
Anyone who's thinking about buying a franchise will find this symposium to be invaluable. Where else will you have the opportunity to spend 4 hours with a seasoned professional who provides honest, accurate, timely information about franchising? Don't worry, this symposium isn't intended to sell you a franchise, it's intended to educate you about the pros and cons of buying a franchise, and to help you understand why you should or should not buy a franchise. The subject matter is intended for people who want to buy a franchise in the United States, although the seminar also attracts many international candidates as well as prospective franchisors. Attend only if you want to be better educated about buying a franchise!

Here’s What You Receive
In addition to the comprehensive information covered in the symposium, you will receive a binder of all the information presented. You will utilize a self-evaluation tool to test your compatibility with franchising. The profile, valued at $125, will help you determine the type of franchise that makes sense for you to buy. Also, you will receive a copy of the Franchise Pre-Investment Checklist, a 65-page booklet that steps you through the process of evaluating and buying a franchise. The booklet is a $24.95 value. You also get Dr. Hayes's exclusive list of 92 Questions To Ask Before You Buy A Franchise! –he's done much of your homework for you! Finally, you get email access to Dr. Hayes for his lifetime—got a question after the symposium? You can get answers to your questions at no additional charge. Value: Priceless! All course materials are presented in English only. All attendees receive admission to the exhibits on all 3 days.

This Symposium Will Look At
  1. Introduction To Franchising

    2. • What is franchising?
    • Pros & Cons of franchising
    • Franchising vs. Independent Start Ups
    • Is franchising for you? Self-Evaluation
    • More than 70 different industries in franchising
    • Selecting a franchise that's right for you personally & financially
    • How to research franchise opportunities
    • Franchise financing - where to borrow money

  2. How To Investigate The “Ideal” Franchise System

    3. • What to expect from a franchisor
    • What a franchisor expects from franchisees
    • Evaluating the franchisor's operating system
    • Understanding the fees involved in franchising
    • Key questions to ask both franchisor and franchisees
    • Sources of information that can help you evaluate opportunities
    • Seeking out the right legal and accounting advice

  3. Understanding the UFOC and Franchise Agreement

    4. • What is the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC)
    • How to read the items in the UFOC
    • How to use the UFOC to your advantage
    • Major topics covered by the UFOC
    • Evaluating the franchisor's performance using the UFOC
    • Exploring options for negotiating the UFOC with a franchisor
    • Understanding the Franchise Agreement

Presented by: John P. Hayes, Ph.D., President and CEO, HomeVestors of America (www.HayesWorldwide.com)

Dr. John Hayes is the author of the Franchise Pre-Investment Checklist and Franchising: The Inside Story plus countless articles about franchising that have appeared in publications internationally. He is the author of the only article ever published about franchising to appear in Reader's Digest magazine. For many years, Dr. Hayes served as an advisor to franchisors and the International Franchise Association. He has served on several boards for franchise companies and is currently President & CEO, as well as Chairman of the Board of HomeVestors of America, Inc., based in Dallas, TX.