Is Aw obligated to conduct an Annual Conference?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We may hold an Annual Conference of franchisees. You (or your approved Owner) and/or your operating manager must attend the Annual Conference. You must pay us the Annual Conference registration fee even if you fail to attend. You must pay the travel and living expenses you and any manager incur in attending the Annual Conference. However, we are not obligated to conduct an Annual Conference.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–29)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Aw is not obligated to hold an Annual Conference. However, if Aw does hold an Annual Conference, franchisees (or their approved Owner) and/or their operating manager must attend.
Even if a franchisee fails to attend the Annual Conference, they must still pay the Annual Conference registration fee. Additionally, franchisees are responsible for covering the travel and living expenses incurred by themselves and any managers attending the conference.
This policy means that while Aw franchisees are not guaranteed an annual conference for networking and training, they must be prepared to potentially incur costs for attending if Aw decides to host one. This includes registration fees and travel expenses, regardless of whether they actually attend. Prospective franchisees should factor in these potential costs when evaluating the overall financial commitment of investing in an Aw franchise.