What is the Beard Papas franchisee's responsibility regarding costs associated with the 'Annual System Conference'?
Beard_Papas Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee is responsible for all costs and expenses associated with Franchisee's travel to and attendance at the Annual System Conference.
- (6) Annual Conference Fees Franchisee shall be responsible for all expenses of its personnel attending the Annual System Conference including travel, meals and lodging.
Franchisee shall be required to pay to Franchisor an Annual Conference Attendance Fee. Franchisee agrees that if Franchisee fails to attend the Annual System Conference that Franchisor shall, nevertheless, charge and Franchisee shall pay the Annual Conference Attendance Fee – even if Franchisor waives such fee for franchisees who attend the Annual System Conference.
- "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.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 58–275)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Beard Papas's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for all costs associated with attending the Annual System Conference. This includes the franchisee's travel, meals, and lodging expenses.
In addition to covering their own travel and accommodation costs, Beard Papas franchisees are also required to pay an Annual Conference Attendance Fee to the franchisor. This fee's amount is determined by Beard Papas, but will not exceed $1,200 annually.
Importantly, the FDD states that franchisees must pay the Annual Conference Attendance Fee even if they do not attend the Annual System Conference, unless Beard Papas waives the fee for franchisees who do attend. This means a franchisee could incur the conference attendance fee and travel-related expenses, regardless of whether they attend the conference.