Is attendance at the Brand Conference mandatory for Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential franchisees?

herwise) to continue to provide such specific training or advice, all of which we may discontinue and modify from time to time. We reserve the right to require any of your employees attending training to sign a confidentiality agreement pursuant to Section 6 hereof.

• B. Brand Conference. We will convene a brand conference ("Brand Conference") no less frequently than every 24 months at the location of our choice, or virtually, as we determine in our discretion, at which Brand Hotel franchisees may network and participate in educational seminars. You (or one of your owners), and your general manager (or a representative of your Management Company, if applicable) must attend the Brand Conference. You must pay our then-current Brand Conference fee for each attendee. You will be solely responsible for your attendees' wages and expenses of travel, lodging, certain meals, and other out-of-pocket costs.
• C. General Guidance. We may, in our discretion, advise you from time to time regarding the operation of your Hotel based on your reports or our inspections, with respect to:
  • (1) standards, specifications, and operating procedures and methods that Brand Hotels use;
  • (2) purchasing required and authorized furniture, fixtures, and equipment ("FF&E") and other products and services;
    • (3) advertising and marketing materials and programs;
    • (4) reservation services; and
    • (5) employee training.

We may also provide guidance via telephonic conversations or consultation at our offices. If you request, and we agree to provide, additional or special guidance, assistance, or training, we may charge you our then applicable fee, including our personnel's per diem charges and travel and living expenses.

D.

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 84)