Who is required to attend Engel & Volkers conferences, and at whose expense?
Engel_Volkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisor will organize conferences as a forum at which franchisees and their staff members and Sales Advisors can exchange information on their experiences among themselves and with Franchisor.
Such conferences and any such forum may be in physical in-person format and/or virtual format, as determined in Franchisor's sole business judgment.
Any Principal owning twenty-five percent (25%) or more in Franchisee must attend all such conferences, at Franchisee's expense.
If a Principal does not attend, the Franchisee will still be responsible for paying the Franchisor the lowest applicable registration fee for either on-site or virtual attendance.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 88)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Engel & Volkers's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, any principal owning 25% or more of an Engel & Volkers franchise must attend all conferences. These conferences serve as a forum for franchisees, their staff, and sales advisors to share experiences with each other and with Engel & Volkers. The conferences may be held in person or virtually, as determined by Engel & Volkers.
The franchisee is responsible for covering all expenses associated with the principal's attendance at these conferences. If a principal does not attend the conference, the franchisee is still obligated to pay Engel & Volkers the lowest applicable registration fee for either on-site or virtual attendance.
This mandatory attendance policy ensures that key decision-makers within each franchise remain informed and engaged with the broader Engel & Volkers network. By requiring attendance and assigning the costs to the franchisee, Engel & Volkers emphasizes the importance of participation and knowledge sharing within the franchise system.