Who is required to attend the Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential Brand Conference?
Sonesta_Select_Sonesta_Essential Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 84)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, attendance at the Brand Conference is mandatory for specific individuals. The Brand Conference is convened no less frequently than every 24 months. It can be held either at a location chosen by Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential or virtually, depending on their discretion.
For each Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential franchise, either one of the owners or the franchisee themselves, along with the general manager of the hotel, are required to attend the Brand Conference. If a management company is in place, a representative from that company can attend in lieu of the general manager.
The franchisee is responsible for covering the Brand Conference fee for each attendee, as well as all associated costs, including wages, travel, lodging, certain meals, and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by their attendees. This mandatory attendance ensures that franchisees and their management teams stay informed about brand standards, network with other franchisees, and participate in educational seminars to improve their hotel operations.