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Symposium 1: The A to Z's of Buying a Franchise (separate fee required)
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9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Room 511B |
Presented by: Jason W. Power, Esq., Partner, Shelton & Power, LLC and Lynne Shelton, Partner, Shelton & Power, LLC
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 information . . . this is the symposium you need. 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. Click here for more details.
Sponsored by 
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Symposium 4: Web 2.0: Social Networking + Data in Franchising (separate fee required)
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10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Room 514 |
Presented by: Lee Plave, Partner, Plave Koch PLC and Theresa Huszka, CFE, Managing Member, Christopher Huszka Consulting
This session will delve into how franchisors and franchisees can protect their brand while making the best use of social networking sites. Among other things, this session will explore some of the do’s and don’ts of setting up social networking sites for an entire system, addressing rogue franchisees and licensees who set up their own sites, and establish a system-wide strategy and policy for social networking and social media. This session will also explore data collection, use, and protection in franchise companies. Finally, this session will address using online tools to manage and enhance your company’s online franchise development efforts. Click here for more details.
Sponsored by   Accredited
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Franchisor’s Role in Franchisee Financing
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11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Room 513 |
Moderated by: Bret Lowell, Partner, DLA Piper US LLP
Panelists: Kate Bartosik, Client Solutions Specialist, FRANdata; Ron Feldman, CEO, SFG Business Services, LLC; Tony Padulo, Vice President of Franchise Development, Goddard Systems, Inc.
Many franchisors assist their franchisees in obtaining financing. Learn about the different approaches to franchisee financing, including franchisor-sponsored and non-sponsored financing. This session will cover many aspects of franchise financing programs, including identifying successful industry models and examining the pitfalls of less successful programs. The session will also explore the use of tri-party agreements, the types of direct financing available to multi-unit and other franchisees, how to choose between lenders and lender products, the steps needed to obtain a loan, and the types of loans available for different purposes (i.e., new franchises vs. remodels). Finally, we will discuss opportunities for franchisors to assist their franchisees in understanding various credit programs and successfully navigating the debt markets.
Sponsored by 
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Specialty Seminar: Opportunities in Franchising for Minorities, Women and Veterans Part 1
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11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Room 511A |
Moderated by: Miriam Brewer, Director of Education and Diversity, International Franchise Association
Panelists: Tammy Guadagno, Operator, Chick-fil-A and Bob Schneider, Director of Area Developer Franchise Development, Liberty Tax Service
Are you looking to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself? Are you contemplating a career move and don’t know what to do next? Do you want more than just a job? Investigate what opportunities exist for women and minorities in this unique way of doing business. You will have the opportunity to participate in an educational seminar to address opportunities for small business ownership through franchising.
Sponsored by   
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Young Entrepreneurs & Franchising: The Next Generation is Primed for Explosive Success!
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11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Room 501B |
Presented by: Jennifer Kushell, Founder & Chief Evangelist, Young & Successful Media and Edward Kushell, President, The Franchise Consulting Group
The Next Generation is making a lasting name for themselves in companies all over the franchise world! Teens who once worked as hourly employees are now becoming business owners themselves. Twentysomethings are taking over family businesses and launching into new ventures with big plans. People in their thirties are becoming multi-unit owners with several, even 100+ stores of their own! How is this happening? If you’re an aspiring or emerging entrepreneur, learn why franchising may be the perfect career path for you! If you’re a parent, discover why buying a franchise might be the best investment you make in your kids. We’ll even give you great tips on how to get the most out of the Expo! One thing is for sure - you’ll never look at being an “employee” the same way again...when you know that you could instead be an “owner.”
Sponsored by
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Best Practices in Franchise Sales for the New Franchisor
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11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Room 512 |
Presented by: Mark Siebert, CEO, iFranchise Group and Robert Stidham, President, Franchise Dynamics
Franchise marketing has changed radically over the last decade. The proliferation of brokers and the new dominance of the Internet have redefined the franchise lead generation process. For the new franchisor, this maze can be even more daunting. This seminar will include a discussion of the marketing funnel, how to generate leads through public relations, print advertising, internet advertising (both pay per click and site optimization), direct mail, trade shows, and referrals.
Sponsored by
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New Year Resolution: Reenergize, Relaunch, Reinvest in Your Franchise Sales Process
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11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Room 507 |
Presented by: Lane Fisher, Esquire, Fisher Zucker LLC and Nancy Weingartner, Executive Editor, Franchise Times
Has your franchise sales gone stagnant? Are candidates not engaging in your sales process? Are you using your FDD to portray your business in the best light for prospects, lenders and regulators? Learn how to “button up” your processes, FDD and promotional material to convey a dynamic story about your system.
Sponsored by 
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EXHIBITOR PRESENTATION
The Secret to be Successful in this Mobile Age
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11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Booth 151 |
Presented by: Alex Kutsishin, Franchise Marketing, FiddleFly
The mobile age is all about connectivity and engagement, if you miss any of these two you will lose. Go where your customers are and do it on a platform that your customers don't leave home without. Fact: It takes an average of 26 hours for you to report a missing wallet. It takes an average of only 68 minutes for you to report a missing phone. Come hear how you can best use mobile age technology.
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The Profitability of Franchising
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12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Room 511B |
Presented by: Lynne D. Shelton, Partner, Shelton & Power, LLC
Prospective Franchisors will learn the economics of franchising their business. Attendees will evaluate the potential profit realized from creating a steady growth franchise model. Prospective Franchisors will participate in a ten year case study analyzing potential profit and expenditures for a franchise system.
Sponsored by
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10 Commandments of Franchise Sales
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12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Room 513 |
Presented by: Max Schott, II, Principal, Gray Plant Mooty and Gaylen Knack, Principal, Gray Plant Mooty
The legal issues related to selling/awarding franchises should not be a mystery. A franchisor should be able to meet its sales goals with complete confidence that it did so in full compliance with the law. This session will help every franchisor understand the legal aspects of franchise sales with a focus on ten simple and common sense rules to implement as part of your sales compliance program.
Sponsored by
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Management and Support Requirements for New Franchisors
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12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
Room 512 |
Presented by: Harold Kestenbaum, Partner, Gordon & Rees LLP and Mark Siebert, CEO, iFranchise Group
Once you have decided to franchise your business, do you have the infrastructure in place to carry this out? How do you manage the franchise strategy? How fast will you grow? What does it take to support the system? This and a lot of other questions will be answered during this lively session.
Sponsored by 
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Oportunidades en Franquicias para Hispanos y Latinos (Sesion repetida)
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1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Booth 151 |
Presented by: Jose Torres, Partner, BuscaTuFranquicia.com
Conozca cuales son las mejores franquicias y oportunidades de negocios para Hispanos y Latinos en estos momentos y qué criterios hacen que sean adecuadas para hispanos. Descubra cuales son las categorías con mayor atractivo para actuales y futuros emprendedores Hispanos.
Sponsored by 
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How to Sell a Franchisor
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1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Room 507 |
Presented by: Bret Lowell, Partner, DLA Piper US LLP and Burt Yarkin, Managing Director, The McLean Group
Owners of franchisors all dream of the day when they sell their interest in the business. Whether the sale is imminent or years away, it is crucial to understand the selling process. For those ready to sell, the knowledge you gain in this session will guide you through the necessary business and legal steps. For those who will sell down the line, this knowledge will help you to manage the franchisor in the meantime in ways that will maximize your exit opportunities. Come learn what every owner of a franchisor needs to know about the strategies and best practices for selling a franchisor.
Sponsored by
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Specialty Seminar: Opportunities in Franchising for Minorities, Women and Veterans Part 2
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1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Room 511A |
Moderated by: Miriam Brewer, Director of Education and Diversity, International Franchise Association
Panelists: Helane Wilbourne, MBA/SPHR, The Entrepreneur's Source; Constance Anderson, Director, Pacific Coast Regional Small Business Development Center
Are you looking to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself? Are you contemplating a career move and don’t know what to do next? Do you want more than just a job? Investigate what opportunities exist for women and minorities in this unique way of doing business. You will have the opportunity to participate in an educational seminar to address opportunities for small business ownership through franchising.
Sponsored by
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Top 10 Rules for Franchisors to Reduce Litigation Risks: Control Your Franchise System's Destiny
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2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Room 514 |
Presented by: Brian Schnell, Partner, Faegre and Benson
No franchisor can reasonably hope to enjoy complete, long-term freedom from all litigation. But for franchisors who do business consistent with a few critical (and largely common-sense) rules, freedom from excessive lawsuits – and from truly damaging litigation results – is not out of reach. This session drills down to distill the best litigation-related advice for franchisors into ten simple rules.
Sponsored by 
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Franchise Opportunities for Hispanics and Latinos (Repeat)
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2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Booth 151 |
Presented by: Jose Torres, Partner, BuscaTuFranquicia.com
Learn which franchises offer the best business opportunities for Hispanics and Latinos in today’s market. What criteria makes them the right fit for Hispanics. What are the hottest categories for aspiring and existing Hispanic entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by
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Symposium 2: Franchising Your Business Part 1 (separate fee required)
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2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Room 512 |
Presented by: Kay Marie Ainsley, Managing Director, Michael H. Seid & Associates and Marisa Faunce, Transactional/Trademark Partner, Plave Koch, PLC
If you are thinking about expanding your current business through franchising, this symposium will provide the opportunity to learn from experts in the field. Click here for more details.
Sponsored by  Accredited
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Selling Franchises Without Getting Into Trouble
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2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Room 513 |
Presented by: Rick Morey, Partner, DLA Piper US LLP
Federal and State franchise laws are complicated and carry heavy penalties. Learn how to comply with these laws in the selling process, whether you sell by phone, at your office, at trade shows or over the Internet. The program will cover topics such as sales staff training, recordkeeping, sales material review, earnings claims, Internet selling, transfer and renewal issues, and dealing with compliance problems.
Sponsored by
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Special Event: How to Become a Multi-unit Franchise Owner (separate fee required)
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2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Room 507 |
Moderated by: Darrell Johnson, President, FRANdata
Panelists: Andy Weiderhorn, CEO, Fatburger; Greg Tanner, National Director Franchising, Aaron’s; Greg Delks, Vice President of Franchise Development, Firehouse Subs; Ron Feldman, CEO, Franchise America Finance
Franchisors are seeking prospective franchisees that will become multi-unit ownership. There is a clear need to better understand how multi-unit operations change the way franchisees must operate. This program is designed to help you gain that understanding.
Sponsored by  
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SBA Resources
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2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Room 511A |
Moderated by: Ian Lorenzana, Economic Development Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration
Does finding financing for your business pose a problem? Learn how the SBA can help you fulfill your business goals and be successful. Find out where your local resource partners are and get the assistance you need; business assistance, financial management and contract assistance programs designed to assist small business owners, managers and entrepreneurs.
Presented by U.S. Small Business Administration
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Understanding the Franchise Documents
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3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Room 511A |
Presented by: Bryan W. Dillon, Esq., Partner, Singler & Dillon, LLP
Before you purchase a franchise, the franchisor is required to provide you with a Franchise Disclosure Document or FDD. As an attachment to the FDD, you will also receive a copy of the franchise agreement, and various other documents that will make up your contract should you become a franchisee. This generally large package of documents is often hundreds of pages long and typically near impossible for the prospective franchisee to fully understand. This seminar discusses these documents, compares your obligations with the franchisor’s obligations, and highlights the important provisions in the documents that every franchisee should understand before purchasing a franchise.
Sponsored by 
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Oportunidades en Franquicias para Hispanos y Latinos (Sesion repetida)
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3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Booth 151 |
Presented by: Jose Torres, Partner, BuscaTuFranquicia.com
Conozca cuales son las mejores franquicias y oportunidades de negocios para Hispanos y Latinos en estos momentos y qué criterios hacen que sean adecuadas para hispanos. Descubra cuales son las categorías con mayor atractivo para actuales y futuros emprendedores Hispanos.
Sponsored by
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Franchise Opportunities for Hispanics and Latinos (Repeat)
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4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Booth 151 |
Presented by: Jose Torres, Partner, BuscaTuFranquicia.com
Learn which franchises offer the best business opportunities for Hispanics and Latinos in today’s market. What criteria makes them the right fit for Hispanics. What are the hottest categories for aspiring and existing Hispanic entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by
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Your Franchise Compliance Program: What you need to know
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4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Room 514 |
Presented by: Rick Morey, Partner, DLA Piper US LLP
Creating an in-house compliance and registration program can be difficult and confusing. This seminar will give you an overview of the crucial points you need to know to make them efficient and successful. Your questions will be answered in this seminar dealing with a critical issue for franchisors.
Sponsored by
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Expanding Your Brand Domestically: Lessons Learned from the Cowboys, Lakers and other Champions
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4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Room 513 |
Presented by: Adam Siegelheim, Attorney, Stark & Stark and Mary Ann O'Connell, President, FranWise
Championship teams and successful franchisors share a common trait - a winning culture. Without a winning culture, a franchisor cannot expect to successfully grow and develop its brand. In 1989, the Dallas Cowboys shared the league's worst record at 1-15. Three years later, the Dallas Cowboys went on a run, winning three of four Super Bowls. This session will examine how the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Lakers and other teams created a winning culture and developed into champions. We will also explore how these lessons can be applied by franchisors to create their own winning culture to expand and sustain the growth of their brand.
Sponsored by 
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Buying a Franchise
Franchisors Seeking Growth
Franchising Your Business
Three Party Franchising 
Franquiciando para el Inversionista Hispanoamericano