Who is required to attend the annual convention and regional conferences for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing?
Benjamin_Franklin_Plumbing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
s, as we determine, and the training may be performed by us, our affiliates, or third parties.
- 5.4. Training Fees. We may charge a training fee: (a) for additional trainees that you request in excess of the maximum number we designate for a training program; (b) if we require remedial training as a result of your failure to comply with our Brand Standards; (c) for re-training persons who are repeating a training program, or their substitutes; and (d) for training programs that we make optional for franchisees.
- 5.5. Travel Expenses. For all training, including initial training, you are responsible for all travel expenses, living expenses, wages, and other expenses incurred by your trainees. If we conduct training at any location other than our headquarters, you may be required to pay the reasonable travel, meal, and lodging expenses of our trainer(s).
- 5.6. [Reserved.]
- 5.7. Employee Training. Except for the training in Sections 5.1 and 5.2, you are responsible for all employee training for the Franchised Business.
- 5.8. Brand Conferences and Conventions; Non-Attendance Fee. The Key Person, Owners of Franchisee, and/or employees of Franchisee, as designated by us (collectively, "Designated Franchisee Representatives"), are required to attend an annual convention and regional conferences of franchise owners, if called by us. Franchisee is responsible for the costs of travel and acco
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 88–312)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 FDD, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing requires attendance at an annual convention and regional conferences of franchise owners. Specifically, the "Key Person, Owners of Franchisee, and/or employees of Franchisee, as designated by us (collectively, 'Designated Franchisee Representatives')," must attend if called by the franchisor.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisees are responsible for covering the costs of travel and accommodations for their attendees. The franchisor also reserves the right to charge a fee for each conference. Failure to send any Designated Franchisee Representatives to the annual convention can result in financial penalties. A non-attendance fee of $500 may be charged for the first missed convention, and this fee increases to $2,000 for each consecutive convention missed thereafter.
If none of the Designated Franchisee Representatives attend the annual convention for three consecutive years, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing may consider the franchisee in default of the Franchise Agreement. However, this can be avoided if the representatives have an approved reason for not attending or if the franchisee obtains advance approval to send a Qualified Substitute. A Qualified Substitute is defined as an Owner active in the Franchised Business or another employee who actively works full time in the operation of the Franchised Business, as determined by the franchisor. This policy underscores the importance Benjamin Franklin Plumbing places on franchisee participation and engagement within the franchise system.