Is attendance at the Sonesta Simply Suites brand conference mandatory?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
l 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. Loyalty Program. We and our affiliates may administer and manage loyalty programs that will provide participating guests of your Hotel with certain rewards or benefits when staying at your Hotel.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 79–80)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Simply Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, attendance at the Brand Conference is mandatory. The Brand Conference is convened by Sonesta Simply Suites no less frequently than every 24 months. The conference can be held at a location of Sonesta Simply Suites's choice, or virtually, as determined by Sonesta Simply Suites.
The franchisee (or one of the owners) and the general manager (or a representative of the Management Company, if applicable) must attend the Brand Conference. The franchisee is responsible for paying the then-current Brand Conference fee for each attendee. Additionally, the franchisee is solely responsible for the attendees' wages and expenses of travel, lodging, certain meals, and other out-of-pocket costs.
Sonesta Simply Suites may also require the Hotel Representative(s) and the franchisee (or the Principal) to attend and complete various training courses that Sonesta Simply Suites periodically chooses to provide. Attendance will not be required for more than five days during any calendar year. The franchisee agrees to pay all costs to attend, including the attendance fees Sonesta Simply Suites then charges.