Is the 'Annual System Conference' for Beard Papas franchisees required to occur every year?
Beard_Papas Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Lease Agreement Rider, Collateral Assignment of Lease, and the Assignment of Telephone Numbers and Digital Media Accounts, as said agreements, individually and/or collectively, may have been entered into between the foregoing parties.
- "Annual Conference Attendance Fee" refers to and means an annual conference attendance fee to be paid by Franchisee to Franchisor in an amount determined by Franchisor but not to exceeding $1,200 annually.
- "Annual System Conference" refers to and means a conference that may be established and organized by Franchisor for the purpose of facilitating networking among Beard Papa's Shop franchisees, and general education. Franchisor shall designate and determine whether or not an Annual System Conference shall occur and, if one is established in any particular year, the dates, content and location of the Annual System Conference. The Annual System Conference shall be for a duration of not more than three consecutive days per calendar year. Franchisee is responsible for all costs and expenses associated with Franchisee's travel to and attendance at the Annual System Conference.
- "Approved Services and Products" shall have the meaning defined in the "Recitals" section of this Agreement and shall further refer to and mean those products and services that Franchisor authorizes for sale by Beard Papa's Shops.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 58–275)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Beard Papas Franchise Disclosure Document, the Annual System Conference is not necessarily a yearly requirement. Beard Papas has the discretion to decide whether or not the conference will be held in any given year. If Beard Papas chooses to hold the conference, they also determine the dates, content, and location. The conference is intended to facilitate networking among franchisees and provide general education.
Even if a Beard Papas franchisee does not attend the Annual System Conference, they are still required to pay the Annual Conference Attendance Fee. This fee cannot exceed $1,200 annually. The franchisee is also responsible for all costs associated with their travel to and attendance at the conference, including travel, meals, and lodging.
This policy means that a Beard Papas franchisee could be obligated to pay the conference fee even if they do not find the conference beneficial or cannot attend. It is important for prospective franchisees to factor this potential cost into their financial planning and to inquire about the frequency and value of the Annual System Conference when evaluating the franchise opportunity.