2013 Free Seminars

2013 Free Seminars

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

Friday, January 11

Symposium 4: 5 Habits of the Highly Successful Franchisor (separate fee required)
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Room C223
Presented by: Kevin Hein, Partner, Faegre Baker Daniels and Mary Beth Brody, Special Counsel, Faegre Baker Daniels

Most franchisors have implemented a number of best practices that make them successful. But what habits make a franchisor HIGHLY successful. Undying devotion to the brand, knowing and balancing the interests of the franchisor, franchisee and franchise system as a whole, and empowering franchisees are just a few highlights that will help a franchisor take their system to the next level. In today’s economy, most franchisors do not have hundreds of thousands of dollars to invest in new strategies or initiatives. This dynamic session will identify best practices that franchisors can apply – without significant financial investment – to achieve a powerful impact in the near future and over the long haul. Click here for more details.
Sponsored by         Accredited

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Is Your Business Franchisable
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Room C221
Presented by: Mark Siebert, CEO, iFranchise Group, Inc.

You believe the time is ripe to expand your operation to multiple locations but don’t know which strategy is best for you. Options include internally-managed expansion or you may consider entering the formal world of franchising. Mark Siebert will explore various expansion strategies, choosing the right growth vehicle, and determine if you should consider franchising. This session will offer decision points to help you decide which expansion strategy may be better suited to your organization, and how to analyze your company’s growth options, including raising equity. Discussions will also include how franchising works, advantages and disadvantages of franchising, franchisability factors, and the timing of the franchise decision. The audience will also learn what defines a franchise, franchising history, and franchising in the U.S.
Sponsored by

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How to Take Advantage of International Franchising Opportunities in Latin America and Beyond
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Room C219
Presented by: Carl Zwisler, Principal, Gray Plant Mooty and Kate Nilan, Associate, Gray Plant Mooty

Despite recent sluggish growth in the United States, much of Latin America and beyond are experiencing strong economic growth. Many well financed business people from these countries are looking at foreign franchises, creating unique and timely opportunities for US and other foreign franchisors. In this seminar we will discuss how to determine whether individual franchise prospects, new markets, and proposed deal terms warrant the investment of time and money to grant franchise rights for a new country. We will explore the budgetary and planning issues experienced franchisors use to evaluate a transaction, and we will discuss how to select the most appropriate franchising strategy for each transaction. Finally, we will describe the importance of legal, tax, IP, USA PATRIOT Act and other due diligence issues in creating successful international franchising programs.
Sponsored by

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Best Practices for Effective Brand Development
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Room C220
Presented by: Frank Long, Of Counsel, Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Effective management of a brand identity is critical to the success of any franchise system. Without a comprehensive plan of action, franchise companies can find their growth constrained by unexpected and expensive problems due to unenforceable trademark rights and/or infringement claims from competing systems. This seminar will explain how any franchise system can minimize its costs and maximize its opportunities through the effective selection, registration and protection of trademarks and service marks.
Sponsored by

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Oportunidades en Franquicias para Hispanos y Latinos
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Booth 750
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. También podrá escuchar sobre las tendencias de mercado más importantes que marcaran el futuro en el mundo de las franquicias.
Patrocinado por

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Best Practices for Start Up & Early Stage Franchisors
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Room C221
Presented by: Dave Hood, President, iFranchise Group, Inc. and Robert Stidham, President, Franchise Dynamics

New franchisors quickly realize that franchising is an entirely new business – with its own set of best practices. Some of the best practices discussed in this presentation include establishing compliance systems, developing effective communications systems, hiring and retaining the best employees, and developing a systematic plan for the growth of your franchise system and your franchise organization.
Sponsored by

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What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Franchise
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Room C224
Presented by: Jason W. Power, Esq., Partner, Shelton & Power, LLC

Those looking to buy a franchise will learn what to look for in themselves, the franchise and the franchise disclosure document.
Sponsored by

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Management and Support Requirements for New Franchisors
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Room C222
Presented by: Harold Kestenbaum, Counsel, 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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What's Your Story? Putting your best face, facts and figures in front of the media
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Room C219
Presented by: Lane Fisher, Esquire, Fisher Zucker LLC ; Nancy Weingartner, Executive Editor, Franchise Times and Michael D'Arezzo, Director, Franchise Sales, CKE Restaurants, Inc./Carl's Jr./Hardee's

Every franchise has a story. But how can you tell yours to the media – which in turn attracts customers, prospects and the right kind of attention – so you can become a best seller? Find out how to use your FDD and engage your existing franchisees so you can put your best face forward. Also discover how to relaunch your franchise sales process by accentuating what’s novel about your concept and packaging all your strengths via numbers, facts and the brand’s personality.
Sponsored by   

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Aspectos Básicos para Hacer Negocios en Miami
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Booth 750
Presented by: Leonardo Roth, Member, Negocios en USA, LLC.

Conozca todas las oportunidades que le brinda a usted, su empresa y su franquicia el Estado de la Florida para hacer Negocios. Su clima de negocios, factores económicos y las razones principales para instalar su franquicia en este estado. Descubran lo que el Estado de Florida provee en estas áreas innovación.,; global hub - centro mudial, talento, clima empresarial, acceso a mercados nacionales e internacionales, y calidad de vida.
Patrocinado por          

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EXHIBITOR PRESENTATION
Countertops, Success and How?
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Room C1
Presented by: Gene Chu, President, CounterTopia and Khulan Bold, Franchise Consultant, CounterTopia

This session is informational seminar about the competitive advantages of owning a CounterTopia franchise. CounterTopia (Founding company, known as Granite America) is an award-winning, international company headquartered in Frederick, Maryland. We are the leading importer, fabricator, and installer of stone countertops for multi-unit projects. You will learn a unique and proven business model and cost structure in multi family construction, which enhances your competitiveness in your market. Your success starts here with CounterTopia.”
Sponsored by   

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Is It Your Leads or Your Sales Process?
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Room C220
Presented by: Michael H. Seid, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide

Recruiting franchisees in today’s economy is much harder and more costly than ever before. What worked a few years ago has stopped working or has become cost prohibitive. Are there better ways to attract qualified candidates? Does your sales process need a tune-up or maybe more? It could be a combination of both. This seminar will provide you with the tools to determine the sources for the right types of candidates and more important how to close those candidates effectively and consistently.
Sponsored by

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Inmigración a Los Estados Unidos, Tipos de visas disponibles
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Booth 750
Presented by: Fernando M. Socol, Esq., Law Office of Fernando M. Socol, P.A.

Durante esta conferencia, el abogado de inmigración Fernando Socol explicará las leyes de inmigración y las distintas estrategias de inversión en una franquicia desde el punto de vista migratorio en los Estados Unidos. Se discutirán las distintas opciones para personas de negocios con deseos de establecerse en los Estados Unidos y las visas más apropiadas, tales como la Visa L-1, Visa E-2 y las visas basadas en trabajo como la Visa H-1B, tanto como el permiso inmigratorio basado en parentesco familiar. Del mismo modo se aclarará como una franquicia puede ser el vehículo migratorio para establecerse en los Estados Unidos.
Patrocinado por          

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Todo lo que usted debe saber sobre las Franquicias
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Booth 750
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. También podrá escuchar sobre las tendencias de mercado más importantes que marcaran el futuro en el mundo de las franquicias.
Patrocinado por

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Symposium 3: Web 2.0: Social Networking + Data in Franchising (separate fee required)
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Room C223
Presented by: Lee Plave, Partner, Plave Koch PLC ;Theresa Huszka, CFE, Managing Member, Christopher Huszka Consulting and Nick Powliss, Chief Brand Strategist, No Limit Media Consulting

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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Financing Options for Franchising - Your Best Alternatives Today
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Room C224
Presented by: Dallas Kerley, Chief Development Officer, Benetrends, Inc.

What preparation and steps are necessary to attain financing? How do I make myself look attractive to lenders? In this seminar we will discuss how to use different types of financing as a tool to help you achieve your goals through business ownership. We will explore financing options available to you through SBA programs, making 401k/IRA funds available, as well as other potential options.
Sponsored by  

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How to Make Happy Franchisees after Year 4
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Room C222
Presented by: Jason W. Power, Esq., Partner, Shelton & Power, LLC

Whether you are a new franchisor or a budding franchisor, developing the right set of skills and best practices will improve your relationship with your franchisees after their third year in business. Some of the Best Practices discussed in this session will include the creation and location of financial resources and relationships to establish compliance systems, improved channels of distribution, reward systems, rebate systems, and synergy within your Brand, without adding additional personnel. Implementing these Best Practices will result in happier Zees, which will perpetuate growth of your franchise system.
Sponsored by

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Aspectos Básicos para Hacer Negocios en Miami
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Booth 750
Presented by: Leonardo Roth, Member, Negocios en USA, LLC.

Conozca todas las oportunidades que le brinda a usted, su empresa y su franquicia el Estado de la Florida para hacer Negocios. Su clima de negocios, factores económicos y las razones principales para instalar su franquicia en este estado. Descubran lo que el Estado de Florida provee en estas áreas innovación.,; global hub - centro mudial, talento, clima empresarial, acceso a mercados nacionales e internacionales, y calidad de vida.
Patrocinado por          

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Symposium 5: Operations Manuals -- The Foundation to Consistent Execution (separate fee required)
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Room C221
Presented by: Marla Rosner, Senior Training Consultant, MSA Worldwide

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

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Best Practices for Developing your System with Multi-Unit Operators
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Room C219
Presented by: Adam Siegelheim, Attorney, Stark & Stark and Steve Beagelman, Franchise Advisor, SMB Franchise Advisors

This seminar will focus on best practices to attract and develop your franchise concept with experienced multi-unit operators. We will explore effective lead generation and marketing techniques, as well as how to position your franchise model to appeal to a multi-unit operator’s needs and requirements.
Sponsored by

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Inmigración a Los Estados Unidos, Tipos de visas disponibles
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Booth 750
Presented by: Fernando M. Socol, Esq., Law Office of Fernando M. Socol, P.A.

Durante esta conferencia, el abogado de inmigración Fernando Socol explicará las leyes de inmigración y las distintas estrategias de inversión en una franquicia desde el punto de vista migratorio en los Estados Unidos. Se discutirán las distintas opciones para personas de negocios con deseos de establecerse en los Estados Unidos y las visas más apropiadas, tales como la Visa L-1, Visa E-2 y las visas basadas en trabajo como la Visa H-1B, tanto como el permiso inmigratorio basado en parentesco familiar. Del mismo modo se aclarará como una franquicia puede ser el vehículo migratorio para establecerse en los Estados Unidos.
Patrocinado por          

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EXHIBITOR PRESENTATION
Countertops, Success and How?
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Room C1
Presented by: Gene Chu, President, CounterTopia and Khulan Bold, Franchise Consultant, CounterTopia

This session is informational seminar about the competitive advantages of owning a CounterTopia franchise. CounterTopia (Founding company, known as Granite America) is an award-winning, international company headquartered in Frederick, Maryland. We are the leading importer, fabricator, and installer of stone countertops for multi-unit projects. You will learn a unique and proven business model and cost structure in multi family construction, which enhances your competitiveness in your market. Your success starts here with CounterTopia.”
Sponsored by   

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Don't Just Stand There . . . Go Mobile! – Explore the Benefits of a Mobile Franchise
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Room C224
Presented by: Gary Koppelman, CEO, MobileFoodNews.com and Crystal T. Williams, Esq., Associate, Barnes & Thornburg LLP

A mobile business is the ideal choice for entrepreneurs hoping to operate from their home, in a van, or on location at the clients’ home or place of business. From computer franchises that provide IT support to vending franchises that require minimal maintenance, mobile businesses are a lucrative venture. Why not consider a mobile franchise that can move you ahead and help you achieve your business goals?
Sponsored by

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Cómo tener éxito al establecer su Negocio en el Mercado Norteamericano y los errores frecuentemente cometidos
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Booth 750
Presented by: Jesus Antonio Aveledo, Principal Partner, Negocios en USA, LLC. and Author, Doing Business with USA and Your Passport to United States

Jesús Aveledo explicará detalladamente cuáles son los errores más comunes cometidos por empresas y empresarios Latinoamericanos en el mercado estadounidense y le enseñará cómo evitarlos al momento de establecer su propio negocio en los Estados Unidos. También explicara los Aspectos Claves para hacer negocios en los Estados Unidos.
Patrocinado por          

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How To Enhance Your Success in Launching or Expanding Internationally
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Room C220
Presented by: Jeffrey Brimer, Special Counsel, Faegre Baker Daniels and Mary Beth Brody, Special Counsel, Faegre Baker Daniels

Whether you are considering international expansion for the first time or have an established international presence, this session will focus on five best practices to adopt and five common mistakes to avoid. We will address the business and legal issues attendant to these best practices and common mistakes with a "how-to" approach that will result in a strong likelihood that execution on all ten will make a difference in your international franchise program.
Sponsored by

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Franchising vs. Alternative Growth Strategies
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Room C222
Presented by: Mark Siebert, CEO, iFranchise Group, Inc.

Are you ready to grow but don’t know which strategy is best for you? Franchising is not right for everyone. This seminar will help you understand various growth alternatives and whether franchising should be a part of your long term plan. Alternatives examined will include company-owned growth, business opportunities and licensing, joint ventures, dealers and distributorships, and franchising.
Sponsored by

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Oportunidades en Franquicias para Hispanos y Latinos
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Booth 750
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. También podrá escuchar sobre las tendencias de mercado más importantes que marcaran el futuro en el mundo de las franquicias.
Patrocinado por

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