Can Better Blend charge a fee for the national or regional brand convention?

According to Better Blend's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Better Blend may charge franchisees an attendance fee for the brand's national or regional conventions. This fee is charged regardless of whether the franchisee's Principal Executive actually attends the convention.

This means that as a Better Blend franchisee, you could be required to pay for the convention even if you or your designated representative do not attend. This could represent an additional, potentially unavoidable cost of being a franchisee. Franchisees are also responsible for all travel and living expenses associated with attending any Better Blend meetings or conventions.

Franchise agreements often require attendance at brand conventions to ensure franchisees stay updated on brand standards, marketing strategies, and new product offerings. While the FDD specifies that the Principal Executive should use reasonable efforts to attend all in-person and remote meetings, including conventions, failing to attend more than three consecutive required meetings is not permitted. Therefore, while attendance is strongly encouraged, Better Blend retains the right to charge the attendance fee regardless of actual participation.