For Sonesta Simply Suites, is the Brand Conference always held in person?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites 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 pages 79–80)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Simply Suites' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Brand Conference is not always held in person. The Brand Conference is convened no less frequently than every 24 months. Sonesta Simply Suites has the discretion to hold the Brand Conference at a location of their choice, or virtually.
Franchisees (or one of their owners) and their general manager (or a representative from the management company) must attend the Brand Conference. Franchisees are responsible for paying the Brand Conference fee for each attendee, as well as wages, travel, lodging, certain meals, and other out-of-pocket costs for their attendees.
This means that prospective franchisees should be prepared to budget for travel and attendance costs for themselves and their general manager every two years, although these costs may be reduced or eliminated if Sonesta Simply Suites chooses to host the conference virtually. Franchisees should inquire about the typical format (in-person vs. virtual) and associated costs when evaluating the franchise opportunity.