Is attendance at Budget conventions or seminars mandatory for licensees, and who bears the expenses?
Budget Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
4.3 Attendance at Conventions/Seminars. Budget may, at its sole option, hold periodic conventions or seminars for the Network, which may include programs on sales and marketing techniques, performance specifications, advertising programs and training suggestions, among other things. Licensee's attendance at each convention or seminar is mandatory and Licensee will bear all expenses of attending, including travel, lodging, meals and entertainment.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 80–426)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Budget's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, attendance at conventions or seminars is mandatory. Budget may choose to hold periodic conventions or seminars covering topics such as sales and marketing techniques, performance specifications, advertising programs, and training suggestions.
If Budget decides to hold these events, franchisees must attend. The franchisee is responsible for covering all costs associated with attending these conventions or seminars. These expenses include travel, lodging, meals, and entertainment.
This requirement is fairly standard in the franchise industry, as conventions and seminars are often seen as important for maintaining brand consistency and providing ongoing training and updates to franchisees. However, the financial burden on the franchisee can be significant, so prospective franchisees should factor these costs into their overall investment and operating expense projections.