Are the conference program fees and expenses refundable for the Embassy Suites Brand Conference?

According to Embassy Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, participation in an annual Brand or regional conference is required for your general manager and director of sales (or equivalent). The conference program fees and expenses, currently costing $2,500 per attendee, are not refundable. This means that if a franchisee's general manager or director of sales is unable to attend the conference for any reason, the $2,500 fee will not be reimbursed.

This policy is fairly standard in the franchise industry, as conferences are considered a key component of brand consistency and training. The non-refundable nature of the fees encourages attendance and commitment from franchisees. It is important for prospective Embassy Suites franchisees to factor this non-refundable expense into their annual budget and ensure that their representatives are available to attend the conference.

Prospective franchisees should inquire about the conference schedule, location, and content to fully understand the value and commitment involved. Understanding the specific topics covered and networking opportunities available can help franchisees assess the return on investment for this mandatory event. Additionally, franchisees may want to explore options for travel insurance or other means of mitigating potential losses due to unforeseen circumstances that prevent attendance.